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WVU Football Recruiting

WVU to Benefit From Strong Offensive Line Class

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Zach Frazier was the first domino to fall.

Frazier, a center from Fairmont, West Virginia, announced his commitment to WVU on June 20, making him the first offensive lineman to join West Virginia’s 2020 recruiting class. 

Two days later, it was New Jersey offensive guard Chris Mayo — one of the highest rated players in the class. Mayo was soon followed up by junior college offensive tackle Jacob Gamble, who was the third lineman in six days to commit to WVU.

After a near-six month dry spell, this past week brought the Mountaineers commitments from Jordan White and Tairiq Stewart, bringing the number of offensive line recruits to five and total recruits to 17.

The five newcomers will look to create an impact for a West Virginia team that had the worst rushing offense in the Big 12 Conference in 2019.

Heading into spring practice, the Mountaineers will be without starting tackles Colton McKivitz and Kelby Wickline, who are out of eligibility, leaving two spots up for grabs on Matt Moore’s offensive line.

Stewart, arguably the most game-ready of the incoming players, could contend for one of those vacancies.

At ASA College in Brooklyn, the 6-foot-5, 335 pound Stewart played in six games, helping to aid the run game of the Avengers and allow the team to gain more than 2,500 rushing yards.

Gamble also comes in with experience as he is currently a redshirt sophomore at Iowa Western Community College in Council Bluffs, Iowa. Standing at 6-foot-7, Gamble has played in six games this season for the Reivers.

Mayo, Frazier and White are all coming from the high school ranks, but will help to pad the depth of the WVU offensive line in whichever roles they play.

While the newcomers will look to compete headed into fall practice, they will have their work cut out for them. The Mountaineers will likely be returning Briason Mays, Mike Brown, Chase Behrndt, James Gmiter and John Hughes, who all saw the field this season.

Regardless of who takes the field come Week 1, the offensive line should play a factor for the Mountaineers next fall.

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