By Keenan Cummings
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — West Virginia had two open scholarships leftover from the 2020 recruiting class and already added four transfer commitments this offseason so far.
So, how will it work?
Well, that can be a somewhat loaded question, so let’s look at what we at least believe that we know.
One of those two initial scholarships is almost assuredly heading to North Carolina State defensive end transfer Joseph Boletepeli. Following the breadcrumbs from the coaching staff’s social media interactions when he announced his choice all indicate his addition is part of the 2020 recruiting class.
The 6-foot-4, 265-pound pass rusher would have three years to play three, but would be forced to sit out, although there is always the potential he could apply for a waiver to play immediately. It’s unclear how that would be received.
So how about the others? Troy punting transfer Tyler Sumpter indicated he will be walking on for the Mountaineers, giving the team an experienced option at the position that could step in and fill that hole immediately that was left when Josh Growden graduated.
After averaging 42.2 yards per punt on 156 attempts during his time with the Trojans, Sumpter will provide an immediate option with plenty of experience at this level.
As for the final two, there is much more uncertainty. Arizona safety transfer Scottie Young and Maryland bandit linebacker transfer Bryce Brand have both announced commitments to the program, but neither have yet to designate when they will arrive on campus.
Young, a three-year starter for the Wildcats who racked up over 150 tackles and five interceptions, was initially believed to be a graduate transfer, but has indicated he could now be an undergrad. If that is the case, he would sit out this coming season and have one season of eligibility left. That opens the door for a few ways for the coaches to get creative.
Same can be said for Brand, who is expected to have two years of eligibility remaining in his career as a graduate transfer for the Mountaineers. Still, he has also indicated that he isn’t sure when he will arrive on campus, so there could be options available there.
The Mountaineers coaching staff has already shown it can get creative with building the roster last season and it wouldn’t be a surprise to see that happen yet again.
Even with the four pledges from other college programs, the Mountaineers are still in the hunt for an offensive line prospect to help fill out their ranks at that spot.
There’s still a lot left to unfold in the coming weeks and months leading up to a potential season.
