MORGANTOWN — West Virginia’s wide receiver corps has a new body.
Sean Ryan, a 6-foot-4, 195-pound receiver who played at Temple as a freshman, announced Monday that he is transferring to WVU. The school confirmed the move.
The Owls underwent two coaching changes this offseason. Geoff Collins left for Georgia Tech, then was replaced by Manny Diaz. After just 17 days, Diaz was hired at Miami, forcing the Owls to hire Rod Carey from Northern Illinois.
Following that bit of chaos, Ryan decided to look for a new home.
“This is truly one of the hardest decisions I have ever made in my life and I know it will anger a lot of people,” Ryan wrote on social media. “With all my faith being put in God and countless nights of talk with the Man Above, I feel this is the right thing to do for me and my family. I have made the decision to transfer out of Temple University and take my talents to THE West Virginia University.”
Ryan appeared in 11 games as a freshman, finishing with 12 receptions for 162 yards and a touchdown. His last game with Temple was the best of his young career as he grabbed three catches for 44 yards against Duke in the Independence Bowl.
West Virginia had three scholarships available for transfers after signing day. Per NCAA rules, Ryan would have to sit out next season. However, quarterbacks Tate Martell (Ohio State to Miami), Justin Fields (Georgia to Ohio State) and Jack Tuttle (Utah to Indiana) have all recently received waivers to play next season. Ryan has not yet indicated whether he’ll seek a waiver.
Ryan is from Brooklyn, N.Y., where he played at Erasmus Hall High School.
