Former WVU Safety Kwantel Raines Transfers to Temple

Former West Virginia defensive back Kwantel Raines has completed his transfer process.

Raines, who entered the NCAA transfer portal in late November, told WVSN partner site Pittsburgh Sports Now that he will be transferring to Temple and will have two years of athletic eligibility remaining after sitting out the upcoming 2020 season.

After redshirting his first season at West Virginia, the former four-star recruit couldn’t fit in with the Mountaineers’ new scheme with Neal Brown and defensive coordinator Vic Koenning. There has been speculation is that the West Virginia staff wanted Raines to put on some weight and move from safety down to linebacker.

This past season, Raines played in only five games and collected nine tackles and one forced fumble.

After announcing his decision to transfer, Raines expressed to PSN an interest of possibly transferring to Pitt if they had an interest but that never materialized with Pat Narduzzi not having a need to add another linebacker, which is where they envisioned him playing in their defensive scheme.

Raines is the latest of several formers Mountaineers who have found new homes via the transfer portal this season. Safety JoVanni Stewart followed former WVU coach Dana Holgorsen to Houston, receiver Tevin Bush moved closer to home by going to Nicholls and offensive lineman Josh Sills recently announced he will be staying in the Big 12, moving to Oklahoma State.

Notable former Mountaineers still in the transfer portal include running back Martell Pettaway and quarterback Jack Allison.