MORGANTOWN — Miami linebacker transfer Tirek Austin-Cave got a second chance with WVU.
The 6-foot-1, 225-pounder was a top target of the West Virginia coaching staff during his initial recruitment in the 2020 class but he ultimately signed with the Hurricanes. For a large period of time, the Mountaineers were considered the favorite, but the appeal of South Beach was too much to pass up.
Fast forward a few years later, Austin-Cave appeared in 17 games with Miami but largely played a role on special teams as well as some time at linebacker. So, he entered the transfer portal and it didn’t take long for the Mountaineers to come back into the picture.
Because of their familiarity with each other, Austin-Cave set up his first official visit to Morgantown and that was enough to seal the deal on his recruitment.
The Camden, N.J., native committed to West Virginia on the tail end of that trip and is expected to be able to compete for time immediately at Mike linebacker.
“They like my athletic ability and the way I play sideline to sideline. They feel like I can contribute a lot, especially in the Big 12,” Austin-Cave said.
Inside linebackers coach Jeff Koonz handled the recruitment of Austin-Cave and the two developed a strong relationship after he entered the transfer portal April 13. It didn’t take long for the two to connect and now he plans to spend the rest of his career in Morgantown.
“That’s where I want to be. Just want to come in and make the team better,” he said.
Austin-Cave will have three years remaining in his career, along with a redshirt, and is excited to start the next chapter of his career with an opportunity to make an impact on the field.
The linebacker becomes the first addition at the position through the transfer portal this cycle and is slotted to play the Mike position in the Mountaineers defensive scheme. He represents the ninth transfer pledge overall for West Virginia with the remaining 2022 scholarships.
Austin-Cave regretted his choice to pass up WVU the first time but didn’t let it happen again.
By KEENAN CUMMINGS
