Western Kentucky University head football coach Willie Taggart talked about nearing the midway point of spring practice, quarterbacks and injuries following Wednesday afternoon's practice at Houchens Industries-L.T. Smith Stadium.
On Wednesday's Workout
"It was another good practice. The defense bounced back today and got on us. Offensively, we put a lot in, and when you put that much new stuff in at one time you tend to have some mistakes. That can take away from the good things you did throughout the day. We did a lot of different situations, and the defense really had a good day. They bounced back today, just like I expect our offense to rebound the next time we come out."
On The Expectations Of the Quarterbacks This Spring
"First and foremost, before we get to anything football, I want those guys to become leaders of this football team. They are learning to do that, and we have to keep teaching them. When things get down, our quarterbacks have to stay positive. Those guys have to lead our offense, and know our offense. They are competing to be the best guy out there each day."
On the renewed energy on the field
"That's one reason these practices this spring have been really fun - these guys are enjoying playing football again. That's exciting to see. A lot of these guys forgot how good they were. When they come in, they think they are the best thing since sliced bread, and they need to get back to feeling that way. A lot of them have so far this spring."
McNeal Suffers Knee Injury
 Rising sophomore wide receiver Willie McNeal suffered a knee injury during practice on Wednesday, and will be sidelined for the upcoming season. McNeal earned Freshman All-America honors from the Football Writers Association of America last fall as a kickoff returner after averaging 22.0 yards per kick return. He tallied 968 return yards, including a 90-yard return for a touchdown against Kentucky. As a receiver, McNeal ranked third on the team with 26 receptions in 2010, and tallied a team-high 360 receiving yards. He averaged 13.8 yards per catch, and hauled in a pair of touchdown catches.
 "This is a chance for someone else to step up," said Taggart. "We've got a young group of receivers, and they are going to have to grow up fast. I have faith that someone in that group will emerge in Willie's absence."
- WKU -
