MORGANTOWN — WVU defensive end Jeffery Pooler announced Wednesday he is entering the NCAA transfer portal, the third starter on defense to do so this off-season, joining cornerback Dreshun Miller and safety Tykee Smith.
“Dear Mountaineer Nation, I want to start off by saying how great Mountaineer nation has been to me,” Pooler tweeted. “Since the day I committed here and I was told I have 1.8 million new fans now. You guys never showed me any different. I got my degree here, created memories I have to cherish for life and developed relationships here with some of the closest people to me. I’ve experienced some of the greatest games in college football and been a part of amazing teams during my time here. Nothing feels better than singing Country Roads after a win on Mountaineer Field.
“I wouldn’t change one thing about my time here and will always have love for this state and university. I want to thank coach Brown, coach Lesley and the staff for believing in me and giving me the opportunity. But after recent discussions with my family and much prayer, I’ve decided it’s best for me to finish out my career somewhere else. So I have decided to enter the NCAA transfer portal. The best is yet to come.”
Pooler has been an important member of the WVU defensive front the last four years. He announced after last season he was going to use the extra year of eligibility granted by the NCAA, but will now use it at another school.
Since 2017, Pooler has 49 total tackles, 29 solo tackles, 12 tackles for loss, 6-1/2 sacks, four pass deflections, and one forced fumble.
Expected to start at defensive end this year, Pooler missed all of spring practice recovering from an injury. In his place, expect Taijh Alston and Jalen Thornton to battle during fall camp.
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