WVU DB Ayden Garnes Explains What Led Him to West Virginia, Details Motivation

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. – After months of WVU coaches hyping up Ayden Garnes, it was time for the transfer defensive back to speak for himself. And on Monday, Garnes discussed whey he wanted to become a Mountaineer and playing with a big chip on his shoulder.

First, Garnes explained that COVID-19 played a role in his recruitment out of high school, causing him to end up at Duquesne. Garnes said he initially received Group of 5 offers out of high school but those eventually dried up.

But having to start his college career at an FCS school only added to the giant chip Garnes carries around on his shoulder.

“There’s always been a chip on my shoulder, just because I was under recruited out of high school,” said Garnes.

WVU DB Ayden Garnes says he’s always had a chip on his shoulder. He says he was recruited by a lot of G5s but COVID hurt his recruitment and Duquesne offered him late out of high school.

— Mike J. Asti (@MikeAsti11) August 19, 2024

Garnes did also reveal he picked West Virginia over Cincinnati because of how much WVU instantly felt like home. He admitted that facing the Mountaineers as an opponent early in the 2023 season played a factor in showing him what the West Virginia was all about.

“That first touchdown when the musket went off, it scared me a little bit. That’s when I knew we’re in West Virginia.”

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 at the beginning of fall camp.

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.

What Does Newcomer Ayden Garnes Offer WVU Secondary?

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 put on 17 pounds throughout the offseason to make him ready for the Big 12. Fellow transfer addition Garnett Hollis has helped Garnes “settle down” and prepare for the higher level of competition he will experience within a Power Four conference.

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.

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, WVU DB Garnett Hollis discusses how Beanie Bishop influenced his decision to transfer to West Virginia.