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BREAKING: Grier to skip bowl game, prepare for NFL Draft

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Morgantown, WV – After a few weeks of speculation, the Mountaineer fan base has their answer. West Virginia quarterback Will Grier has officially announced that he will forgo the team’s bowl game and prepare for the 2019 NFL Draft.

Dear Mountaineer Family:

“Since arriving in Morgantown, Jeanne and I have been welcomed into the Mountaineer Family and we, along with Eloise, have been so blessed by the support and love of so many. I hope that, in return, you know that I have given my all and worked hard each and every day to help our football program and University.

“While we did not win every time we took the field, and I shoulder that responsibility, I can assure you that we tried. After discussions with Jeanne and my family, and after receiving professional input, I have decided not to participate in our upcoming bowl game and focus on preparing myself and my family for what I hope is the next step in our journey. I want to thank Coach Holgorsen, Coach Spavital and all of our coaches for believing in me and, most importantly, to my teammates, who are now lifelong friends who taught me the true meaning of TEAM.

“It has been an honor to wear the WVU uniform, and I sincerely thank all of Mountaineer Nation for allowing my family and I to be a part of something so special. Country roads, take me home…”

Will Grier

Although it may not be the news fans want to hear, it is a business decision for he, and his family. He has the opportunity to be drafted high and potentially be the first quarterback off the board. Risking an injury in a non-New Years Bowl is far too unimportant.

Some may think players that do this are selfish or are “bailing” on their team, but that’s not the case. Will gave the West Virginia Football program everything he could over the last two to three years. He has been a class act on and off the field and will represent the university and state proudly.

Grier finished his career at WVU with 7,354 passing yards and 71 touchdowns through the air. He ranks 2nd all-time at WVU in touchdowns, 3rd in passing yards and holds the most games with over 300 yards passing (19).

This now means that the reigns of the offense have officially turned over to redshirt sophomore, Jack Allison. Allison transferred to West Virginia in 2017 and has been the Mountaineers backup option in 2018. Allison is 6/10 for 75 yards with one touchdown and one interception on the year.

The team will travel to Orlando on Dec. 28th to take on Syracuse in the Camping World Bowl. Kickoff is set for 5:15 p.m. ET.

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