Linebacker Commit Kpogba Impresses in Week One

Last night, I dropped in on West Virginia linebacker commit Lee Kpogba in High Point.  (It’s pronounced ‘Ko-buh’ for those who are wondering about the pronunciation.) The Parkland senior looked formidable. Unofficially, he posted seven tackles, three tackles for loss, one sack and three QB hurries.

Kpogba was also inserted at runningback during the second quarter, and he generated plenty of production on offense, too. He ran for four touchdowns, which set a new single-game school record, while also totaling nearly 140 yards on the ground.

After the game, I asked Kpogba if he imagined himself ever playing offense for the Mountaineers.

“If [Dana Holgorsen] wants me to,” Kpogba said. “I’m a defensive player. I just play offense when my team needs me.”

Kpogba brings a lot of energy to the field every snap of the game. Though he is clearly a vocal team leader on the field regardless of the date, he attributed some of that energy to the natural high of a new season.

“I’ve been off the field for a good nine months now,” Kpogba said. “I’m ready to get back in action with my team and give them the best senior year I can.” he said.

#WVU LB commit Lee Kpogba with his first sack of the season pic.twitter.com/qObi9RXF97

— Schuyler Callihan (@DVNCallihan) August 18, 2018

High Point Central tried to avoid Kpogba while on offense. The Bison knew exactly where he was lined up and stayed away from him as much as possible. He was a complete mismatch off the edge when rushing the quarterback; he got in the quarterbacks face three times early. After that, HPC tried to establish its short passing game.

One of Kpogba’s primary goals for his senior season revolves around his team’s success.

“I actually want to get my team a home playoff game,” Kpogba said. “We haven’t had one in I think about 10-15 years now and it would just be a dream of mine to give them a home playoff game and a conference championship.” Kpogba said on his goals for the rest of the 2018 season.

Kpogba is as good as advertised. Defensive Coordinator Tony Gibson found himself a dawg in the Tar Heel state.

Kpogba will graduate in January and enroll early at West Virginia. His official visit will be some time next month.