A walk down memory lane: C Joe Madsen

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. -- With two freshmen garnering some attention in the two-deep of the offensive line, veteran center Joe Madsen thought back to his first days at West Virginia.

“So many different calls. I didn’t know what I was doing, just knew a play was coming so just tried to kill the guy in front of me,” said Madsen.

Today, Madsen is the heart and soul of the offensive line – he sports a Mohawk and anchors a veteran group that a lot will be expected from this year.

“I was so nervous getting thrown in with the big guys,” he said.

Asked to describe what it’s like when you don’t actually know what’s going on?

 He said this:

“Um, it feels like the play is in slow motion and everything you do is wrong,” said Madsen. “I remember my first play I snapped the ball and I just looked. Everyone was running around and I was like ‘I don’t even know where I’m at right now.’ You go the wrong way, and it’s just so blatant.

“It’s funny to see in the film room now, but yeah, it’s hard.”

The context of course, is that true freshmen Tyler Orlosky, a 6-foot-4, 290 pounds, and Adam Pankey, 6-5, 324 pounds, seem to be way ahead of the curve.

Evidence: Some heavy words from line coach Bill Bedenbaugh:

“I’ll tell you what’s really impressive. Those guys being out there, but being effective. It’s one thing to be on the field and (another to) be effective. We’re moving the ball and doing good things.

“I’ve never seen it. I’ve never had two freshmen be in the first two groups. I’ve had one be a backup but not really play much.”