West Virginia has 22 current high school or junior college commitments in the 2025 recruiting class so how will the coaching staff go about filling the rest of the remaining slots?
The Mountaineers still have needs left to fill. Which ones take priority with the remaining slots?
The Mountaineers have filled a need at quarterback with a commitment from Mentor (Oh.) 2025 quarterback Scotty Fox.
As for the rest of the positions, the program has two Drexel Hill (Pa.) Monsignor Bonner 2025 wide receiver Jalil Hall and Hurricane (W.Va.) 2025 wide receiver Tyshawn Dues, one tight end in De Forest (Wi.) 2025 tight end Jackson Accuard,i and four offensive linemen in Olney (Md.) Good Counsel 2025 offensive lineman Gavin Crawford, Olney (Md.) Good Counsel 2025 offensive lineman Eidan Buchanan, Parma (Oh.) Padua Franciscan 2025 offensive lineman Brandon Homady and Cincinnati (Oh.) La Salle 2025 offensive tackle Jahmir Davis.
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On the defensive side, the Mountaineers have five defensive line commitments in Nashville (Tn.) Lipscomb Academy defensive lineman Amir Leonard-Jean Charles, Miami (Fla.) Northwestern 2025 defensive end Wilnerson Telemaque, Cleveland Heights (Oh.) 2025 defensive lineman Brandon Caesar, Upper Marlboro (Md.) Wise 2025 defensive lineman Taylor Brown and Huntingtown (Md.) 2025 defensive lineman Evan Powell, one linebacker in Douglasville (Ga.) 2025 linebacker Michael Hastie, two pass-rushing linebackers in Coconut Creek (Fla.) Monarch 2025 defensive end Romando Johnson and Glendora (Ca.) Citrus College 2025 edge Keenan Eck and six defensive backs in Columbus (Oh.) Marion Franklin 2025 cornerback Dawayne Galloway, Bel Air (Md.) 2025 safety Julien Horton, Lakeland (Fla.) 2025 defensive back Sammy Etienne, Huntington (W.Va.) 2025 safety Zah Jackson, Columbus (Oh.) Beechcroft 2025 athlete Tyrell Russell and Wyndmoor (Pa.) La Salle College High School 2025 spear Chris Fileppo.
The Mountaineers also have transfer additions from: two quarterbacks in Jayden Henderson (Texas A&M) and Max Brown (Charlotte); two running backs in Tye Edwards (Northern Iowa) and LJ Turner (Catawba College); five wide receivers in Cam Vaughn (Jacksonville State), Oran Singleton (Eastern Michigan), Cyrus Traugh (Youngstown State), Jarod Bowie (Jacksonville State), Jeff Weimer (Idaho State); two tight ends in Johnny Pascuzzi (Iowa) and Jacob Barrick (Jacksonville State); six offensive lineman Will Reed (Princeton), Walter Young Bear (Tulsa), Kimo Makane’ole (LSU), Robby Martin (N.C. State), Ty’kieast Crawford (Arkansas) and Wyatt Minor (Youngstown State); one defensive lineman in Braden Siders (Wyoming); two linebackers in Chase Wilson (Colorado State) and Ashton Woods (North Carolina); one pass rushing linebacker in Jimmori Robinson (Texas San Antonio); four safeties in Fred Perry (Jacksonville State), Jordan Walker (UT Chattanooga), Justin Harrington (Washington) and William Davis (Virginia Union); and finally five cornerbacks with Michael Coats (Nevada), Jordan Scruggs (South Alabama), Devonte Golden-Nelson (Akron), Jason Chambers (Appalachian State) and Derek Carter (Jacksonville State).
So what positions are left to fill?
The Mountaineers should not take another quarterback with Fox, Henderson, and Brown filling the need in the 2025 cycle although they could look at a younger option with multiple years of eligibility. The Mountaineers should be done at running back with the two experienced transfers in the mix.
Tight end remains a position that could potentially have another addition depending on the options that are there in the transfer portal.
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West Virginia could still add at least one more at wide receiver to round out that position group although that would only be for the right addition likely a slot type that can create after the catch.
On the offensive line, the Mountaineers have three commitments in place from high school and six more from the portal but this is the biggest priority. There will need to be several more additions.
That means overall, the offensive side of the ball could still take anywhere from 4-5 more players at the various spots.
On the defensive line West Virginia has five commitments and a transfer addition, but the program could look at adding at least one more depending on the options.
Inside linebacker won’t be as heavily hit this cycle but the Mountaineers could still add one more outside Hastie and the transfers while outside linebacker is likely set with Robinson, Eck, and Johnson.
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The defensive backfield has been hit heavily in this class but could still add some pieces likely through the junior college ranks or transfer portal.
That means that on defense the Mountaineers still need to add as many as 4-5.
We’re highlighting the many threads that make Virginia so special
As we approach the 250th anniversary of the United States and Virginia, we’re embarking on a journey to celebrate the rich history of the place we call home. (WSLS 10)
Virginia is filled with so much history just waiting to be explored. As we mark the 250th anniversary of the United States and Virginia, we’re celebrating this milestone with a new series: Patchwork 250.
The series will highlight the many threads that make Virginia so special and celebrate every patch (whether that’s a remarkable person, an unforgettable location or a memorable event).
As this new initiative gets underway, we’d love to hear from you. Share your favorite pieces of history and be a part of Virginia’s ongoing story.
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Using Pin It or the form below, let us know: what’s a unique piece of history from your community that you think more people should know about?
Click here for more details.
Copyright 2025 by WSLS 10 – All rights reserved.
About the Author
Jazmine Otey headshot
Jazmine Otey
Jazmine Otey joined the 10 News team in February 2021.
A fatal collision between a motorcycle and a pickup truck on Thursday evening has claimed a life and prompted a significant road closure in South Reno.
The Nevada Highway Patrol (NHP) responded to reports of the crash at approximately 5:29 p.m. on February 26. The incident occurred on northbound South Virginia Street, just north of Damonte Ranch Parkway.
According to the Nevada State Police, the rider of the motorcycle, an adult male, was pronounced dead at the scene by emergency medical personnel. The driver of the pickup truck remained on-site, though no further details regarding other injuries or the cause of the crash have been released. Northbound South Virginia Street: Completely shut down from Damonte Ranch Parkway to Bishop Manogue Drive.
Southbound South Virginia Street: Open, but expect “rubbernecking” delays as drivers pass the emergency vehicles. Officials expect the northbound lanes to remain closed until at least 11:30 p.m. as the NHP Highway Patrol Division completes their investigation.
A new effort is being led by Commonwealth Attorney Krystyn Reid, with support from Sen. Danny Diggs to help missing persons. (Ron Lach/Pexels.com)
HAMPTON ROADS— A proposed initiative known as The Guardian Network seeks to strengthen coordination and public access to verified information when children, seniors, and vulnerable adults go missing in Virginia.
The effort is being led by Commonwealth Attorney Krystyn Reid, with support from Sen. Danny Diggs through a budget amendment to SB30. If the amendment passes, development would move forward through the Virginia State Police.
Reid said the idea grew from her years of public service.
“The difference between politics and public service is simple,” Reid said. “One is what you say. The other is what you do.”
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Reid began her career representing domestic violence survivors and said she witnessed firsthand how quickly families can be thrown into crisis.
“When someone does not make it home, that is a family’s worst moment,” Reid said. “The Guardian Network comes from a belief that we can strengthen coordination in those first critical hours and better protect vulnerable communities.”
The network is designed to complement existing alert systems such as AMBER, Silver, Ashanti and CODI alerts. Participation would be voluntary for both families and the public.
“It does not replace them. It reinforces them,” Reid said. “What we lack is one centralized, accessible place to see verified information. This is about coordination and clarity.”
Currently, information can be fragmented, she said, making it harder for families and communities to respond effectively.
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“Families in crisis should not have to search multiple platforms,” Reid said. “Public safety requires structure. Our response should be organized and accessible.”
The United Way of the Virginia Peninsula has expressed support for the initiative, citing its alignment with the organization’s mission to improve lives by advancing education, financial stability and health.
“Children are the highest age demographic experiencing eviction and homelessness, which creates unique vulnerabilities including separation, exploitation and trafficking,” said Charvalla West of United Way of the Virginia Peninsula. “Seniors face increasing isolation, housing instability and caregiver strain in what many describe as the ‘Silver Tsunami’ of a rapidly aging population.”
She said the organization supports The Guardian Network because it strengthens coordination during the most critical moments when vulnerable individuals go missing.
“The Guardian Network aligns directly with our work to stabilize families and protect vulnerable communities,” West said. “When vulnerabilities are reduced, safety increases.”
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United Way collaborates with certified partner agencies across the Virginia Peninsula that focus on homelessness prevention, youth development, domestic violence response, aging services and housing repair. Those organizations would continue serving in their core roles, providing safe housing, trauma-informed care, mentorship, caregiver support and case management, while the network enhances coordination and awareness.
“The Guardian Network enhances coordination and awareness, while nonprofits provide the direct relational support that protects individuals before, during and after crisis events,” West said.
The concept also includes a second phase of development that would establish a standing advisory committee composed of survivors, impacted family members, nonprofit leaders, victim advocates and public safety professionals. A third phase would focus on identifying and allocating resources to support coordinated response efforts in collaboration with law enforcement, including ensuring necessary logistical supplies are available during active situations.
The immediate focus is Virginia. If successful, supporters say the model could be scalable to other states seeking to strengthen coordination in missing-person cases.
Reid said the goal is clear.
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“A stronger safety net. Better coordination. And helping bring loved ones home,” she said. “Everyone deserves to come home.”
