MORGANTOWN — Safety Kerry Martin and defensive lineman Darel Middleton announced they are entering the transfer portal, just a day after WVU head coach Neal Brown spoke on both.
“Middleton is, I would say at this point, no longer with us,” Brown said. “Kerry was sick. He practiced Monday last week, but didn’t practice any time after that.”
Brown’s response on Middleton was more cut and dry. Middleton transferred to WVU from Tennessee this off-season, looking to provide much-needed depth at nose and defensive tackle.
He appeared in three-of-the-six games so far this season and finished with a season-high two tackles against Long Island on Sept. 11.
“When I transferred to West Virginia, I thought it was the best move. I thought it was the best opportunity in the small window of time I have to land a position and be on the field by fall,” Middleton wrote on his Twitter account. “Things have been great here at West Virginia, but due to unforeseen circumstances, they couldn’t find a permanent role for me. I am disappointed, but have the utmost respect for the people at West Virginia.”
Middleton said he plans on using his final year of eligibility in 2022 somewhere else.
As for Martin, he did not make the trip to the last two road games at Oklahoma and Baylor, but did dress for the home game against Texas Tech.
After sitting out the 2020 season because of COVID-19 concerns, Martin was hoping to provide needed depth at safety. As a true freshman in 2019, he had 50 tackles and started four games, earning Freshman All-America honors.
This year, though, he only played in 19 snaps at a position Brown mentioned several times was one of the most-thin on the team.
Martin was also notably involved in the mutual parting of former WVU defensive coordinator Vic Koenning in summer 2020. Martin accused Koenning of inappropriate language and racism, and after an investigation, the university announced Koenning would not return.
Martin, a Charleston native and Capital High alum, posted his intent to his Twitter page.
“Giving thanks to all those that I was fortunate to cross paths with, my brothers, coaches, support staff, and those who has believed in me to this point,” he wrote. “I will never forget the bond we created, the lessons learned or the adversities experienced. With that being said I have decided it’s in my best interest to enter the NCAA transfer portal. I’m looking forward to new opportunities. And ready to compete and get back to doing what I love.”
TWEET @DominionPostWV
