The Charleston Daily Mail Wrote:Dervil seeks starting job on defense
by Mickey Furfari
For the Daily Mail
Wednesday July 25, 2007

MORGANTOWN -- Cornerback Guesly Dervil was a late addition to West Virginia University's football squad last summer.

So much so, the 6-0, 180-pound defensive back's name did not appear on the roster in the 2006 media guide. But not only his name but also a biographical sketch of the Jacksonville, Fla., native will be in the 2007 guide.

Dervil played in 12 of the 13 games last season, including one as a starter, to earn a letter as a true freshman. Now he hopes to compete for a starting job.

"I'm enjoying my first summer in Morgantown," he said. "The offseason workouts are very important because what you do now is going to determine conditioning when you're playing games.

"You can learn plays and get to know all the guys better in the weight room and in running exercises. All of this will help us in the late part of games."

Dervil was credited with eight tackles during his collegiate debut. He vividly remembers getting his first start in the 42-24 victory over Cincinnati at home.

"That was a fun atmosphere," he recalled. "So I look forward to getting used to it this season. Yes, I'd like to compete for a starting job

"We put in a lot of new stuff in the spring. And that has helped me a lot. Every day was a learning process for me because it was something new.

He admittedly has a greater knowledge of the WVU defense now. "Sometimes I try to disguise myself and I've learned a lot in that area," he said. "Try to keep the quarterback off balance."

Dervil is confident that the Mountaineer defense not only will be improved this year, but more consistent than it was last season. While strong against the run, WVU ranked among the lowest against the pass.

"Everybody has been working very hard this whole summer," he said. "Now we just can't wait for camp to open (Aug. 6)."