Bond with WVU Coaches Keeps Mountaineers as Contenders for Top DL Target

Putting in work to build a strong bond with a highly coveted Florida prospect is paying off for the WVU staff. Class of 2025 defensive line target Wilnerson Telemaque included West Virginia on his most recent list of his top schools on Saturday night.

The 6-foot-6, 250-pound edge rusher out of Monsignor Pace High School in Miami, Fla. ranks as the No. 54 defensive lineman and the No. 85 Florida based player, according to 247 Sports’ composite rankings. He’s now a consensus a three-star recruit thanks to recognition from every major national recruiting outlet.

Where’s Home 🏠? #AGTG @CoachPJCooney @SWiltfong_ @ChadSimmons_ @On3Recruits @247Sports @BrianDohn247 @RivalsFriedman @adamgorney @Coach_Walker20 @305Sportss @ESTMIAMILVPITT pic.twitter.com/45ZBNrOWOa

— Wilnerson Telemaque (@__Iamwil) April 7, 2024

Telemaque offered WV Sports Now some insight about one of his recent experiences in Morgantown with the WVU coaches. “They have told me that I’m a top priority and could come in and change the program,” Telemaque said about what he heard from them directly. He said he’s been getting to know WVU head coach Neal Brown and defensive line coach Andrew Jackson the most.

Weekend Visit Strengthens Bond Between WVU Football Coaches, 2025 DL Target

Telemaque then gave a similar comment to WVSN about what’s keeping the Mountaineers in the hunt after revealing his latest news.

“The great conversations I have with Coach Brown and Coach Jackson and seeing how they treat me as a priority. I see WVU as a spot where I could develop.”

Even though WVU has developed a Florida pipeline over the years, moving to Morgantown would obviously be different than living in Miami. However, Telemaque did refer to WVU as a “cool spot” when asked about his thoughts on the campus and area in general.

Both the Mountaineers and Telemaque know he would fit the WVU defense as a strong side defensive end.

In addition to West Virginia, Colorado, Florida, LSU, Minnesota and Missouri are all still in the running for Telemaque. WVU initially sent Telemaque an offer on Sept. 25.

He’s also still receiving offers from other major programs, and there’s a reason why so many schools are interested in landing Telemaque. In just eight games during his 2023 junior season, he recorded 16 tackles, three tackles for a loss, three sacks, three quarterback hurries and one pass deflection.

As is the case with most Florida players regardless of position, WVU wide receivers coach Bilal Marshall is leading the recruiting charge to impress Telemaque.

Click here for the rest of WV Sports Now’s coverage of WVU football recruiting.