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Published Mar 20, 2023
Tyson Helton details WKU Football's spring practice slate
Drew Toennies  •  InsideHilltopperSports
Staff Writer
Twitter
@drew_toennies

Western Kentucky head coach Tyson Helton met with members of the media on Monday afternoon at the Jack and Jackie Harbaugh Stadium Club within Houchens Industries-L.T. Smith Stadium to preview the Hilltoppers' spring practice slate set to begin this week.

In his opening statement, Helton said that he's excited to get things rolling in spring football and see what the team has to offer on the field. He added that the team is looking different as there were multiple players and coaches who have exited the program in the offseason. Helton said he's excited to kick things off with a fairly new team.

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"We lost a lot of guys, lost a lot of coaches, a lot of new faces in the locker room, both coaches and new players. But I'm excited about that."
Tyson Helton

Helton said that team success is equivalent to personal success and the team has filled the coaching staff with talented people. Helton said that he's proud of all the coaches who have taken advantage of big opportunities.

"Team success equals personal success, I've always said that. And I'm really really proud of the guys that have left here and gotten great opportunities. But we've also been able to bring in some talent as well."
Tyson Helton

Western Kentucky quarterback Austin Reed, the nation's leading passer last season, will be a huge name to watch in spring practice as he has developed and will be more equipped to control the offense this upcoming season.

Helton said he has high expectations for Reed entering spring practice, adding that the former QB1 will need to compete against the other members of the quarterback room this spring.

"Austin had a really good year. Obviously, was the leading passer in the country and did a lot of great things for us. I'm really really excited to see him in spring. I think he's grown, developed and matured even more as a player."
Tyson Helton

At the wide receiver positon, Helton said that a key piece of the receiving core was Jaylen Hall, who is now gone. The Hilltoppers signed three to four wide receivers that should be able to pick things up offensively. Western Kentucky additionally secured the return of standout receiver Malachi Corley.

"Jaylen Hall, who's left us, was a key guy for us last year. We signed three or four guys that we feel can keep the production going."
Tyson Helton

Helton also touched on the running back position as Kye Robichaux made his exit from the Hilltoppers' program over the offseason. Helton said there's about three to four really impressive running backs on the roster that will be competing in spring practice.

"The running back position, we lost Kye Robichaux. He transferred but I think we have four really solid running backs, so we gotta let those guys go out and compete."
Tyson Helton

Helton said the coaching staff have identified the key pieces of the team and are now focusing on developing depth and staying away from injury during the spring football schedule.

Helton said the purpose of the spring practice schedule is to find what players can compete, execute their role and add value to the team. He said being able to evaluate players and how they perform in certain situations is what spring is all about.

"Really your're trying to decide what the key pieces are, but you have to develop depth... A key part of spring ball is trying to decide who can play for you, who adds value, what is their role? You're trying to figure out all those roles."
Tyson Helton

After an eventful offseason and more than a few coaching staff changes and changes in the roster, Western Kentucky is set to kick off their spring practice schedule this week and evaluate talent on the field.

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