Connect with us

Opinion

Farrell Files: West Virginia Football Put Together Solid Recruiting Class

Published

on

WVU football team

Welcome to the Early Signing Period and things could be a whole lot worse for West Virginia.  So this latest Farrell Files WVU is about the positive.

— First off this looks like it will be a very solid class. Keep in mind Neal Brown was on the hot seat most of the season, has one more year to figure it out and all of that is bad for recruiting. Yet here we are. West Virginia has a consensus top 30 class and that’s honestly always the goal range each season with geographical disadvantages. What’s most impressive about the class is not the top, but the bottom. There are no bad reaches I can see here. There are a few projects for sure and some intriguing characters like their latest commit RB DJ Oliver, who is a massive back that fits only in certain schemes. But what this class lacks in elite top end talent depth it also lacks in fillers and future scout team players. I like that.

— The portal is going to be very important to the success of Brown this season and his survival. The first couple of commitments aren’t shockers as I expected the special teams speedster Ja’Shaun Poke to commit and landing DB Montre Miller was likely as well. Both fill needs as Poke is a slot and Miller lacks elite size, but is physical and can tackle. Wide receiver and defensive back are big areas of focus for WVU in the portal and a ton of offers have gone out. Cincinnati transfer Nick Mardner is a high priority for the staff with his 6-6, 215 pound size as he’s a matchup problem. It’s between WVU and South Florida, I believe.

— LB Amari Gainer has gone quiet since his visits to West Virginia and UNC, but has hinted he’s made a decision. Know this about Gainer, he’s a team first guy and is back with FSU getting ready for the Cheez It Bowl against Oklahoma. The game is next Thursday and it wouldn’t shock me if he waited until after the game to make a public announcement. I heard both visits went well, the family sat down to go over pros and cons of each and a decision is made. Where he lands I have no idea. I’m hearing UNC has the edge however, but it’s not clear yet. He just won the FSU Humanitarian Award for 2022 and there isn’t a better kid or leader out there. The entire FSU fan base loves this kid and he’s one of the few I’ve seen where there is zero ill will between school, player and fan base. He’d be an amazing addition.

Graham Harrell is gone and a Trickett was rumored to replace. Travis, the OC at South Florida, is headed to Coastal Carolina but Clint, the OC at Marshall, is certainly a possibility.

Who Should be West Virginia Football’s Next Offensive Coordinator?

 

— Sadly for West Virginia fans, it appears DB Amare Snowden from Michigan will pick Wisconsin on Wednesday, but the staff gave it a good run.

— Losing WR Elijah Caldwell isn’t great but not a horrible loss either. He’s visiting NC State in January and this ship has sailed as the staff will just find a portal player at WR.

Get WVSN in your mailbox!

Enter your email address to subscribe to WVSN and receive notifications of new posts by email.

COMPLETE COVERAGE