NSD24 Recap: WVU Signees
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The 2024 edition of National Signing Day has come and gone although many more athletes will continue to sign during the signing period. WVU had the second most in-state signees with a total of 14 up to this point including…
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Continue ReadingThe 2024 edition of National Signing Day has come and gone although many more athletes will continue to sign during the signing period. WVU had the second most in-state signees with a total of 14 up to this point including 3 scholarship players and 11 PWOs. Here are the WV prospects who have signed with the Mountaineers thus far.
Players Ranked: 14/14 | Top 100 Players: 14
Cabell Midland’s Curtis Jones Jr Curtis Jones Jr 6’2″ | 210 lbs | LB Cabell Midland | 2024 State WV was one of three scholarship athletes to sign with WVU during the early signing period in December. Jones Jr may have been the best running back in the state this season but will begin his college career at linebacker for the Mountaineers. He’s already a physical specimen and after he’s able to focus on one position at the next level, I could see him having the best college career out of anyone in this class.
Below was our evaluation of Jones Jr this season.
Written by Prep Redzone Staff in 2024 Rankings Update: Top 10 LBs
Quite possibly the fastest athlete in the state during his four years of high school at Jefferson is Keyshawn Robinson Keyshawn Robinson 5’11” | 175 lbs | WR Jefferson | 2024 State WV . He was the first 2024 prospect to receive an offer from the home-standing Mountaineers before inevitably signing with them during the early signing period. Robinson was also a very quality DB for the Cougars but his dynamic speed and playmaking ability make you excited to see him at receiver. I could see him seeing the field sooner rather than later at WVU, especially on special teams as the Mountaineers look to build more depth at the position moving forward.
Below was our evaluation of Robinson this season.
Written by Dylan Callaghan-Croley in West Virginia 2024 Rankings Update – Top 10 Wide Receivers
I was waiting all year for a D1 program to take a chance on dynamic Princeton WR Dominick Collins Dominick Collins 5’9″ | 165 lbs | WR Princeton | 2024 State WV and sure enough, the state’s biggest institution pulled the trigger just before the early signing period. He put up video game numbers this season for the Tigers before wrapping up the Kennedy and Moss awards. Collins led the way for a Class AAA state championship appearance and showed out in front of WVU Head Coach Neal Brown against Martinsburg at Wheeling Island in the big game. I’m sure getting to see him perform at a high level on the state’s biggest stage solidified a late offer and Collins quickly returned the favor by signing with the Mountaineers in December. Collins will need some development before he’s ready for the P4 level, but his natural speed and athleticism paired with innate playmaking ability will allow him to catch up quickly in those other areas.
Below was our evaluation of Collins this season.
Written by Dylan Callaghan-Croley in West Virginia 2024 Rankings Update – Top 10 Wide Receivers
Martinsburg ATH Murphy Clement Murphy Clement 5’11” | 190 lbs | ATH Martinsburg | 2024 State WV will join older brother Hudson at WVU this fall as a PWO. Older brother just earned a scholarship during the season and put together a great RS-Freshman season for the Mountaineers. Murphy will look to do the same and has a great chance to do so in time. It sounds like he’ll start out on the offensive side of the ball in college as a RB or WR but has also shown great defensive ability in high school at DB or LB. Clement led the Bulldogs to a Class AAA state championship win and an undefeated season. He threw for 1,600 yards and rushed for 1,100 while accounting for nearly 40 touchdowns this season.
Below was our evaluation of Clement this season.
Written by Dylan Callaghan-Croley in West Virginia 2024 Postseason Rankings Update – Top 10 Athletes
Hedgesville LB Aydin Fleming Aydin Fleming 6’1″ | 210 lbs | LB Hedgesville | 2024 State WV could’ve easily signed with an FCS school on scholarship but will look to earn one at WVU as a PWO. The move to linebacker this season greatly benefitted his college outlook as his size and skillset better translate to that position. Fleming was named the PRZ WV Class AAA Co-Defensive Player of the Year after putting up a monster state line for the Eagles this season. He has a great chance of earning a scholarship at WVU and can help the Mountaineers as a special teams ace at the very least.
Below was our evaluation of Fleming this season.
Written by Prep Redzone Staff in 2024 Rankings Update: Top 10 LBs Aydin Fleming Aydin Fleming 6’1″ | 210 lbs | LB Hedgesville | 2024 State WV out of Hedgesville earned one-half of our Class AAA Co-Defensive Players of the Year honors sharing the honor with former Martinsburg teammate Rashad Reid . Saying Fleming had a productive season with his new school would be an understatement as he finished his senior year with 167 tackles, 23 TFLs, 24 QB hurries, and 10 sacks. He made the move to linebacker from primarily being a defensive end in the past and the move paid off for him. Fleming showed great natural instincts in his first year playing the linebacker position and his amount of production speaks to his level of ability and athleticism. He’s a true outside linebacker who is very good coming off the edge but is athletic enough to drop into coverage at times. Fleming is a high-ceiling player who is only scratching the surface of his linebacker potential and is worthy of a D1 school giving him a shot and letting him develop in their program for a couple of years. If not, he’ll earn some accolades at a D2 school and be a steal for any program at that level that gets him.
Highlights
The longtime William & Mary commit Abe Fenwick of George Washington decided to bet on himself and head to WVU as a PWO. The lefty was very productive for the Patriots during his high school career and was certainly worthy of an FCS scholarship. Quarterback is one of the toughest positions to earn a scholarship as a walk-on, especially at the P4 level, but Fenwick has the tools to give it his best shot.
Below was our evaluation of Fenwick this season.
Written by Prep Redzone Staff in 2024 Rankings Update: Top 10 QBsrnComing in at our #4 spot in the quarterback rankings is George Washington’s Abraham Fenwick who threw for just over 2,000 yards and 25 touchdowns in his senior season. The long-time William & Mary commit has decided to head to WVU as a PWO and become a Mountaineer. The 6’3 200 senior had a shaky start to the 2023 season but bounced back in the second half of the year and finished strong for the Patriots. The lefty gunslinger has a big arm that can thread the needle and push the ball downfield. While I wouldn’t classify him as a dual-threat quarterback, Fenwick is plenty athletic enough to scramble and take off when needed. He’s a good thrower on the run and does a nice job moving in the pocket when he’s under duress. Fenwick has been one of the state’s top quarterbacks for years and finishes his high school career in our Top 5.
Highlights
Jefferson DL Quintin Goins Quintin Goins 6’3″ | 250 lbs | DL Jefferson | 2024 State WV is an awesome story and one of the more intriguing prospects in this class. The former QB turned DE has a great athletic foundation to build on and made tremendous strides with his transition to a completely opposite position. I thought he was a no-doubt D1 scholarship prospect worthy of FCS and maybe G5 offers but will look to earn one at WVU as a PWO. Out of all the talented PWOs in this WVU class, Goins would be my pick for the best chance to earn a scholarship in time.
Below was our evaluation of Goins this season.
Written by Dylan Callaghan-Croley in 2024 Rankings Update: Top 10 DLrnAt 6-foot-3 and 250-pounds, Goins could grow into a defensive tackle at the next level or stay at defensive end as well where’s already built quite well. When playing off the edge, Goins shows a good first step and bend in his game allowing him to get into the backfield. Shows good athleticism and agility to go along with quality straight line speed. Physical with the upper body strength to shed and battle through blocks. Has a PWO offer from West Virginia which would be a great PWO pickup for the Mountaineers.
Wheeling Park receiver Mykel Davis Mykel Davis 6’2″ | 185 lbs | WR Wheeling Park | 2024 State WV received a late D1 FCS offer from Morehead State but will bet on himself at WVU as a PWO. Davis led the Patriots in receiving this season catching 39 passes for 828 yards and 11 touchdowns. He was a WVSWA Class AAA First Team All-State selection and earned First Team All-OVAC honors. Davis has some high-level athletic traits that will give him the opportunity to eventually earn a scholarship for the Mountaineers.
Below was our evaluation of Davis this season.
Written by Dylan Callaghan-Croley in West Virginia 2024 Rankings Update – Top 10 Wide Receivers
Another Martinsburg Bulldog headed to WVU as a PWO is OL Wes Hancock Wes Hancock 6’4″ | 300 lbs | OL Martinsburg | 2024 State WV . Although unlikely, I’m high on all of the walk-on offensive linemen in WVU’s PWO class to have the chance to earn scholarships in time. I think a move to guard and time in a P4 strength and conditioning program will take Hancock to new heights and transform him into a potential D1 OL whether at WVU or at another program if he eventually weighs his options in the portal.
Below was our evaluation of Hancock this season.
Written by Prep Redzone Staff in 2024 Rankings Update: Top 10 OLrnWVU is getting some great preferred offensive line walk-ons in their 2024 walk-on class and Martinsburg offensive tackle Wes Hancock Wes Hancock 6’4″ | 300 lbs | OL Martinsburg | 2024 State WV is one of them. The 6’4 300 big man played mostly right tackle for the state champion Bulldogs but I think he’ll slide inside at the next level. Hancock does show pretty good feet on film though and can move around for an athlete his size. I think all of the current WVU preferred walk-on offensive linemen from WV have a good chance of earning scholarships in the future either at WVU or another program with further development. Hancock was a PRZ WV Class AAA First Team All-State selection this season.
Highlights
There weren’t many, if any more productive players the last four years in WV than Independence ATH Trey Bowers Trey Bowers 6’0″ | 190 lbs | ATH Independence | 2024 State WV . He played everywhere for the Patriots during his high school career including QB, WR, and DB. I’m unsure of where he’ll begin his career at WVU but WR or DB would be a great start for him. Bowers is another really athletic kid who could earn a scholarship in the future after further developing at one position in their program. I think he’ll be a special teams contributor sooner rather than later and it wouldn’t surprise me if he’s seeing time on offense or defense down the road too.
Below was our evaluation of Bowers this season.
Written by Dylan Callaghan-Croley in 2024 Rankings Update: Top 10 ATHsrnSuper versatile athlete with explosiveness that is headlined by a 9’6′ broad jump and a 4.53 forty-yard dash. Shows the skillsets necessary to be success as a wide receiver or defensive back at the next level. Smooth, fluid hips, good awareness and football IQ.
Highlights
Another talented offensive lineman in WVU’s PWO class is George Washington center Aiden Ellis Aiden Ellis 6’4″ | 310 lbs | OL George Washington | 2024 State WV . Ellis has the ability to play at any position on the line and has experience as a center and tackle from high school. That kind of versatility makes him an intriguing addition to their PWO class and as I said before, I think every walk-on OL has the chance to earn scholarships eventually.
Below was our evaluation of Ellis this season.
Written by Prep Redzone Staff in 2024 Rankings Update: Top 10 OLrnSpeaking of WVU’s preferred walk-on offensive linemen, George Washington center Aiden Ellis Aiden Ellis 6’4″ | 310 lbs | OL George Washington | 2024 State WV is another who could earn a scholarship from the Mountaineers in the future. Ellis earned PRZ WV Class AAA First Team All-State honors for his play this season for the Patriots. He has great size at 6’4 310 for a center and has played tackle in the past making him a versatile offensive lineman who could likely play guard as well. He’d be our #1 ranked center prospect in the 2024 class if we broke up the offensive line positionally and one of the state’s best ranking as our #7 offensive lineman for this class.
Highlights
One of my personal favorite prospects in the 2024 class is Linsly linebacker Raymond Kovalesky Raymond Kovalesky 6’3″ | 230 lbs | LB Linsly | 2024 State WV . He has a great name for a middle linebacker and plays the position the way it was played back in the day. The #4 overall LB in the class, Kovalesky had his pick of D2 schools and I thought he was worthy of FCS scholarship offers. He’ll begin his college career as a fullback where he saw some time during his time with the Cadets and played offensive line this season showing blocking ability. Kovalesky is the type of kid who will work himself into earning a scholarship and will turn heads with his level of hard work and dedication in WVU’s program.
Below was our evaluation of Kovalesky this season.
Written by Prep Redzone Staff in 2024 Rankings Update: Top 10 LBsrnI really love Linsly middle linebacker Raymond Kovalesky Raymond Kovalesky 6’3″ | 230 lbs | LB Linsly | 2024 State WV ‘s game, and he comes in at #4 in our 2024 linebacker rankings. He has a classic middle linebacker name, size, and style of play and will make a college program very happy when he signs in February. The 6’3 225 senior has been a mainstay in the Cadets’ program and he earned PRZ WV Class AA First Team All-State honors and was named the WTOV9 Defensive Player of the Year in the Ohio Valley. Watching him is like watching a middle linebacker that was plucked out of the 1970s or 80s, and Kovalesky is your classic throwback Mike backer. He’s a very physical player who loves coming downhill and laying a big textbook hit. Kovalesky is as stout as they come and if he were just a bit more fluid of an athlete he would be playing at the FBS level, and I still believe an FCS school should offer him.
One the most fun specialists that you’ll find, Parkersburg’s Casey Stanley Casey Stanley 6’2″ | 175 lbs | K Parkersburg | 2024 State WV dazzled with his kicking and skill position ability. Not only was he an efficient and reliable specialist, Stanley was one of the Big Reds’ top receivers and tacklers this season as well. He’ll focus on specialist duties at WVU, but his athletic background gives him a great base to build on while he develops as a kicker or punter.
Below was our evaluation of Stanley this season.
Written by Prep Redzone Staff in 2024 Rankings Update: Top 10 Kickers & Long SnappersrnParkersburg specialist Casey Stanley Casey Stanley 6’2″ | 175 lbs | K Parkersburg | 2024 State WV may just be the best athlete in the state for a specialist and totaled 480 receiving yards and 7 touchdowns while making 43 tackles this season on defense for the Big Reds. Stanley went 51/54 on PATS and 7/8 on field goals as a senior. Standing at 6’3 180, Stanley also has very good size along with being a very good athlete which benefits him in the kicking and punting game. He was a Second Team All-State selection by the WVSWA and a PRZ WV First Team All-State Defense selection as a K/P. Stanley is 17/21 on field goals during his career with a long of 46 yards and 107/115 on PATs. He’s also averaged 35.5 yards per punt in his high school career.
Last, but certainly not least in WVU’s current signed PWO class is Morgantown’s Andrew Phares Andrew Phares 5’9″ | 160 lbs | WR Morgantown | 2024 State WV . He led the Mohigans in every receiving category this season posting 35 receptions for 632 yards and 7 touchdowns during his senior campaign. Phares is an undersized but very skilled pass catcher who could follow in former Morgantown and WVU walk-on receiver Preston Fox’s footsteps who is now on scholarship for the Mountaineers and was productive this season. He may be the lowest-ranked prospect in WVU’s class but don’t overlook Phares who could one day earn a scholarship for the Mountaineers just like many Mohigans before him have done.
Below was our evaluation of Phares before the season.
Written by Prep Redzone Staff in WV Preseason Spotlight: Monongalia County (Part Two)