Former Top Recruit Sets Record Straight on WVU Football Departure

As the WVU football staff cuts down their roster, a former top recruit releases a statement about his departure. Just four months after signing with West Virginia, defensive lineman Amir Leonard-Jean Charles is now on the hunt for a new program.

While most of WVU’s recent roster moves were based on coaching decisions to fit into the 105 limit and make room for transfer additions, Charles wanted to set the record straight on his own situation.

“After much prayer & reflection, I’ve decided to enter the NCAA Transfer Portal. I want to thank the coaches, teammates, & fans at West Virginia – this place will always hold a special place in my heart, especially as a WVU alum’s son. Trusting God’s plan! Excited for what’s ahead!,” said Charles in a post on social media, hinting he decided to leave West Virginia.

After much prayer & reflection, I’ve decided to enter the NCAA Transfer Portal. I want to thank the coaches, teammates, & fans at West Virginia – this place will always hold a special place in my heart, especially as a WVU alum’s son. Trusting God’s plan! Excited for what’s…

— Amir Leonard-Jean Charles (@AmirLjc) April 8, 2025

The 6-foot-4, 305-pound Lipscomb Academy product from Mount Juliet, Tenn. in the Nashville area committed to the Mountaineers back in June as part of the summer wave of recruits. He proclaimed “I’m coming home” on a social media post when he announced his commitment.

Charles was classified as a three-star by most national recruiting outlets. Charles was also ranked within the top 30 Tennessee players by most outlets, with his best placement coming from 247 Sports, who has him at No. 14.

WVU pursued Charles for well over a year before he signed on the early National Signing Day in December. Kentucky, Michigan, Texas and Tennessee have been projected to be his top choices, per On3 Sports. However, Charles told WV Sports Now before his commitment announcement that his final decision came down to WVU, Florida and Syracuse.

West Virginia’s pursuit of Charles is not random by any means. Beyond his talent, Charles’ mother is a WVU alum and was a Mountaineer athlete herself as a member of the swim team during her college days.

Charles visited Morgantown frequently throughout the past year.

Before committing, Charles’ offer list included major programs like Auburn, Georgia, Georgia Tech, Kentucky, Louisville, Maryland, Michigan, Missouri, Ole Miss, Purdue and Tennessee.

For a related story, Rich Rodriguez and his staff cut down the WVU football roster following the end of spring ball.

WVU Football Cuts Down Roster Following End of Spring Ball