MORGANTOWN, WV – June 21, 2025: West Virginia offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach, Sean Rodriguez, isn’t just pleased—he’s thrilled. As summer workouts ramp up and fall camp inches closer, Rodriguez has found himself at the helm of one of the most promising quarterback rooms the Mountaineers have seen in over a decade.
“I’ve been around a lot of quarterbacks,” Rodriguez said, his voice steady with conviction during a media session earlier this week. “But this group? This group is different. They’re young, they’re hungry, and they’re pushing each other in ways that go beyond the stat sheet.”
At the heart of the optimism is redshirt sophomore Tanner Hightower, who emerged as the de facto leader following a quietly productive spring. Known for his high football IQ and clean mechanics, Hightower’s command of the offense has grown exponentially under Rodriguez’s guidance. He threw for 284 yards and three touchdowns in the spring game, carving up the defense with precision and poise.
“Tanner’s matured,” Rodriguez noted. “Last year, he was reacting. This year, he’s dictating.”
Backing him up is true freshman phenom Cade Whitlock, a four-star dual-threat out of Georgia who shocked onlookers with his foot speed and deep ball accuracy. While he’s still raw, Whitlock’s physical gifts and quick study habits have made a lasting impression on the staff.
“He’s not just here to watch,” Rodriguez said bluntly. “He’s coming for the job—and that’s exactly what you want in a competitive room.”
Rounding out the group is junior Eli Jennings, a tough-as-nails leader whose grit and locker room presence have made him indispensable. Jennings may not have the flash of Whitlock or the polish of Hightower, but his grasp of the offense and mental toughness provide a strong insurance policy should he be called upon.
Rodriguez has instilled a culture where iron sharpens iron. Each quarterback gets equal reps, with daily competitions designed to simulate in-game pressure. Whether it’s two-minute drills, red zone situations, or third-and-long conversions, the QB room is constantly under the microscope—and thriving because of it.
“This summer is about refinement,” Rodriguez emphasized. “They’ve got the playbook. Now it’s about mastering it. Executing it when they’re tired. Leading when the lights aren’t on.”
The quarterback room isn’t just developing physically—it’s evolving mentally. Rodriguez has implemented leadership sessions every Friday, where the QBs break down film not just of themselves, but of legendary quarterbacks like Tom Brady, Steve McNair, and even former WVU great Pat White.
“We talk legacy. We talk impact. We talk pressure,” he said. “Because if you want to lead 100 other men into battle every Saturday, you better know what it takes.”
As June turns to July, and conditioning becomes the focus, Rodriguez isn’t just optimistic—he’s confident. He knows the QB room isn’t just developing—it’s ascending.
“This room,” he said with a knowing smile, “has the power to change the trajectory of our program.”
