What Does Newcomer Ayden Garnes Offer WVU Secondary?

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. – While most of the focus has been on the established players, a new comer has caught the attention of the WVU coaching staff. Transfer defensive back Ayden Garnes continues to impress during fall camp.

To follow up on WVU head coach Neal Brown saying Granes “is going to surprise people” back in April, co-defensive coordinator and secondary coach ShaDon Brown offered his thoughts on Garnes on Monday.

ShaDon Brown likes what he’s seeing from Garnes so far, but said the Duquesne transfer “is still learning” as he’s adjusting to being part of a major conference program. He also added that he’s currently playing Garnes at left corner right now and will throw more at it as he keeps showing progress.

Brown also praised Garnes, saying he’s playing really well in practice. “I don’t know if they caught a ball on Garnes all camp. He got a chance to be a plus player in this league,” he added.

Despite losing a star like Beanie Bishop, Garnes is a big reason why Brown believes the secondary has more depth than it did last year.

“We’ve got a lot of talent,” said ShaDon Brown. “Right now we’re trying to find the best five- the best five guys that go out there regardless of positions, so we’re mixing and matching a little bit and playing guys at multiple spots, which allows them to show some of their versatility and their skill set, and it also gives us an idea of what we can and what we can’t do.”

Garnes signed on to join the Mountaineers in January after committing in December.

After not seeing any action as a redshirt freshman in 2021, the Monsignor Bonner High School product out of Philadelphia, Pa. became a significant impact player for the Dukes over the last two seasons. Garness’ success at the FCS level resulted in several other FBS schools offering him as a transfer when he entered the portal after the 2023 season. But the WVU staff, who got to see Granes up close as an opponent, gained the upper hand and earned his commitment just five days after his official visit.

Year 3.. #HailWV pic.twitter.com/XbhaHqX7rO

— Ayden Garnes (@AydenGarnes1) July 26, 2024

Garnes recorded 33 total tackles with two interceptions in 2022 and then took a big jump with 51 overall tackles and two more picks in 2023. He also has occasionally returned kickoffs and punts. He had three tackles against the Mountaineers this season.

Coming off being named a first-team All-NEC member, Garnes has two more years left of eligibility. He was also offered by Appalachian State, Ball State, Cincinnati, Coastal Carolina, FIU and Temple.

For a related story, veteran Aubrey Burks discusses his favorite part of his new role on the WVU defense.