Farrell Files: West Virginia’s Recruitment Strategy Focuses on Acquiring WR, OL Depth

In this edition of the Farrell Files West Virginia, I’ll address some recent recruiting news and take a look at WVU’s recruiting plan. 

As the 2024 recruiting class remains at one commitment and head coach Neal Brown and staff work the trail trying to convince players that this isn’t a make or break year, the Mountaineers are in good shape at a few positions, in my opinion. The first is wide receiver, which is a big area of need.

In state WR/ATH Keyshawn Robinson is a heavy lean, as he should be. He’s not very big at 5’11” and 170 pounds, but he’s fast and the staff sees him as a return specialist as well. Temple and Old Dominion have offered as well, but WVU is clearly his best and biggest offer and he could be tempted to commit soon. He could also play defensive back as well so his versatility is well known.

Pennsylvania WR Brandon Rehmann is much more known in recruiting circles, with a ton of offers and a four-star ranking. While he’s not the potential commitment lock that Robinson could be, he likes what he sees at WVU. The Philly prospect has Penn State, Pitt, Tennessee, Michigan State and others on his list with WVU. He hasn’t been on campus, but he has family who have attended school in West Virginia and is the kind of kid who will respond to heavy recruiting. And West Virginia is recruiting him very heavily.

Farrell Files: Future of WR, TE Positions Emphasized in WVU’s Recruiting for 2024

They are also well in the mix for IMG standout Jerrae Hawkins, who hails from West Virginia. He’s been to two games and location is big for him. He also likes Penn State, Pitt and Virginia Tech as a tiny 5’9″, 160 pound slot. He ran a hand timed 4.31 at summer camp last year and has been told he can impact on offense and as a return man. The problem? Bigger offers could be coming as the SEC and teams like Ohio State are eyeing him.

The other position I feel good about is offensive line. I think they have the edge for in-state OL Robby Martin and are also well in the mix for Zuri Madison from Kentucky. Martin is a guard to me while Madison is a tackle so this is a solid 1-2 punch if they can close. And each has a ton of offers, especially Martin who has most of the Big Ten on him. And Madison has in-state Kentucky recruiting hard. Martin is a must to me since there isn’t a ton of talent in West Virginia and losing him would sting.

And speaking of the OL, here’s a look at the 2023 haul. Johnny Williams from Georgia is the best one to me. He’s a four-star in my rankings. He’s big and filled out at 6’5″ and 315 pounds and I think he can impact early. He had some nice SEC offers.

Guard Cooper Young is next for me as a mid three-star from Pennsylvania. He has a tackle build at 6’5″ and 300 pounds, but he’s a mauler in the run game. He’s just ahead of fellow Pennsylvania lineman Nick Krahe who can play tackle or guard. He’s smaller at 6’5″ and 280 with a nice frame to add weight and good athletic ability. He’s more raw than the others but could have the best ceiling. Overall, this is a solid three-player OL class, but more depth is needed in 2024.