4/18/2023 football Edit

WKU's offense talks progress in last week of spring practice

WKU wide receiver Malachi Corley after Tuesday's practice.

Drew Toennies • InsideHilltopperSports

Staff Writer

Western Kentucky was back at Houchens Industries-L.T. Smith Stadium on Tuesday afternoon to kick off the team's final week of spring practice as the Hilltoppers are set to host their annual Spring Game this upcoming Saturday.

The Hilltoppers' offense sat down with InsideHilltopperSports.com to detail their progression on the field as they prepare to face off against Tyson Summers' defense in Saturday's contest.

WKU assistant coach and offensive line coach Zach Lankford said that the Hilltoppers' offensive line room is fortunate to have several key returners and some new faces that are fitting in the room really well. Lankford added that he's been pleased with the group's progression on the field.

"We're fortunate to have a lot of guys back that played some meaningful ball... Everybody's melding really well together, everybody is working hard. We're happy with the progress we've made."

— Zach Lankford

With former offensive lineman Rusty Staats exiting the program via the portal over the offseason, Lankford said that Vincent Murphy has slid right into the center position.

Lankford also said that offensive lineman Wyatt Anderson is another young guy that's showed out during spring practice.

"Vinnie Murphy was our right guard last year and did a heck of a job, and that spot has kind of slid in and he's been taking a lot of the reps at center... And we got Wyatt Anderson, another young guy that's been coming along really good. So, we've got some good options there."

— Zach Lankford

WKU offensive lineman Mike Moment went in-depth on what led him to Western Kentucky, revealing his desire to be a part of all of the Hilltoppers' success on the offensive side of the ball last year.

Moment said that the weapons the Hilltoppers have on offense, the similarities to his former school and the way the offense runs led to his commitment to Western Kentucky.

"The different weapons they have on offense and just how similar it was to my last school, I figured I'd be able to fit right in with how the offense is running this year. And the succes they had the previous year, I want to be a part of that."

— Mike Moment

Moment said that on the Hilltoppers' offensive line, he's been focusing on the little things and working on several different aspects of his game to prepare himself to face off against a lot of competition next season.

"It's a lot, just been focusing on the little things. Everything is just that much better because I'm going to be going against a lot of competition and different guys from all over. So, just focus on the little things."

— Mike Moment

WKU wide receiver Malachi Corley, one of the biggest offensive weapons on the Hilltoppers' roster last season, went in-depth on what led to his decision to remain a Hilltopper and return for another season.

Corley said that Western Kentucky feels like a family and with a quarterback like Austin Reed, a great scheme and a fast-tempo offense, the ball can easily be put in his hands.

"I ultimately knew this place was the best place for me. Having a quarterback like Austin Reed and having a scheme like ours where you throw the ball a lot, a lot of verticals and a fast-tempo offense, that allows for the ball to be put in my hands."

— Malachi Corley

Reed said in week one of the spring practice slate that the team felt like there was a lot of meat still left on the bone last season. Corley agreed, adding that the Hilltoppers have been fine-tuning and correcting themselves to be an even more explosive offense.

"I think that there was a lot of plays left out there, whether it would have been for missed assignments or missed timing reasons, whatever it is, we've fine-tuned and sharpened those things coming into this spring... A lot of those plays were 100% left out there and that's what we've worked on constantly."

— Malachi Corley

Western Kentucky will return to Houchens Industries-L.T. Smith Stadium on Thursday afternoon to continue the spring practice slate. The Hilltoppers host their annual spring game this upcoming Saturday.

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