MORGANTOWN — The WVU defense got a piece of good news and bad news Sunday afternoon, with one Mountaineers defender announcing he’s returning to the fold, while another will enter the NCAA Transfer Portal.
Defensive tackle Dante Stills, a Fairmont native, had a simple message on social media, “I’m back.” He will use his free year of eligibility, granted by the NCAA due to COVID-19.
Stills’ decision comes a day after linebacker Josh Chandler-Semedo, the team’s leading tackler this season, also announced he was using his extra year to come back. Stills and Chandler-Semedo were part of the 2018 recruiting class.
Stills started every game the last two seasons and was named first team All-Big 12 this season, finishing with 36 tackles — 15 1/2 for loss — and seven sacks. Over the last four seasons, he has 43 1/2 tackles for loss and 19 sacks.
With Stills’ decision, it is expected all three members of the starting defensive line will be back, along with nose tackle Akheem Mesidor and end Taijh Alston.
While Stills announced he’s coming back, defensive back Jackie Matthews posted he will not return to WVU and will instead use his extra year to play somewhere else.
“I want to thank West Virginia University for giving me an opportunity to compete at a high level while earning my degree,” Matthews tweeted.
“This has been the hardest decision of my life but I made a choice that was best for me and my future. With that being said I will be entering my name in the transfer portal and use my final year as a grad transfer.”
Matthews competed for a starting cornerback spot during fall camp, but a minor injury slowed his progress and Daryl Porter ultimately won the spot. However, Matthews became a critical part of the secondary as a safety and nickel corner.
He started eight games, finishing with 44 tackles — 6 1/2 for loss — and an interception.
