WVU Defensive Lineman Darel Middleton Releases Statement on WVU Exit

After West Virginia head coach Neal Brown announced on Tuesday that WVU redshirt junior defensive lineman Darel Middleton was no longer with the team, Middleton released a statement on Twitter regarding his decision to enter the transfer portal.

Mad a decision that I have to live with… My next move will be my best move! 🗣 pic.twitter.com/dYOw5kM5Xn

— Darel E. Middleton (@Darel__) October 12, 2021

“Many of you will be shocked, and the ones who are not, are probably the ones waiting for the flames to go up to add more gasoline. I feel as if I am very loyal to the ones I love, trust, or feel have my best interests at heart. I have battled with a lot of things many DON’T know about: mentally, physically and emotionally. It’s been hard leaving my family, friends, community, home, and long-time brothers that can never be replaced. I am not asking for sympathy or forgiveness. I entered the transfer portal due to a lack of maturity, accountability, and uncertainty. When I transferred to West Virginia, I thought it was the best move. I thought it was the best opportunity in the small window of time I have to land a position and be on the field by fall. Things have been great here at West Virginia, but due to unforeseen circumstances, they couldn’t find a permanent role for me. I am disappointed, but have the utmost respect for the people at West Virginia. I WANT TO THANK Coach Neal and his staff for giving me the opportunity. I Want to Thank Coach Mike Joseph because you made me realize who I really am and my end goal is bigger then what I’ve been doing. You are an amazing man in general and the best Strength Coach I’ve been Involved with. I ALSO WANT TO THANK the academic staff, the fans, the community for welcoming me with open arms. Lastly, thank you to my brothers for welcoming me with open arms as well (GreedyGang ForEver).”

“I have a year left of eligibility, graduation date is the end of spring semester ’22. I will be opting out the rest of the season, and I will be focusing on graduating and working on my physical and mental health. While that is going on and in preparation of graduation, I will begin the process of finding a home for the remaining of my eligibility and pursuit of my graduate program.”

Middleton also confirmed that the decision to exit WVU’s program was his own, quote tweeting WVSportsDotCom’s Jared Serre Tuesday afternoon.

I made that decision not them. Say what’s all been said lol 🤣 media 🤦🏾‍♂️ https://t.co/57sQho2Ty3

— Darel E. Middleton (@Darel__) October 12, 2021

And in replying to the Dominion Post’s Sean Manning, Middleton seemed to confirm that both himself and redshirt sophomore Kerry Martin have entered the transfer portal. However, Martin hasn’t released a statement.

Lol we bother entered the portal don’t let them fool you!

— Darel E. Middleton (@Darel__) October 12, 2021

After entering the program in July, WVU dressed Middleton in three games this season. He recorded two tackles and a tackle for loss, all coming against Long Island University on Sept. 11.