MORGANTOWN — West Virginia kicked off the 2024 recruiting class in a major way with a pledge from Camden (N.J.) defensive lineman Richard James Jr.
James, at 6-foot-1 and 272 pounds, selected the Mountaineers over a host of other programs including early offers from Penn State, Texas A&M and Mississippi, among others.
The Rivals.com 3-star prospect formulated a strong connection with the WVU coaching staff led by running backs coach Chad Scott, and also trickled down to defensive coordinator Jordan Lesley and defensive line coach AJ Jackson. Those bonds played a pivotal role in his choice.
“Every time I give coach Scott a call, it’s like a family thing,” he said.
James visited Morgantown during the spring and while he initially didn’t plan to end his recruitment so early, was able to feel completely at home and end the process prematurely.
“West Virginia was a way better experience then I expected. What stood out the most was the family vibe I got from everybody there,” he said. “They made a great impression.”
The talented prospect stood out during his performance at the Rivals Camp Series over the weekend and will undoubtedly continue to attract more interest from programs. But he is content with his decision and is excited for how he will be used in the WVU defensive scheme.
That’s because his skill set is a near-perfect match for what the Mountaineers do up front.
“They showed me. They put up the film for me and showed me what their defensive line is all about — they want guys that can get up-field, get off the ball really fast and make a play. Great hands and great feet and I fit that kind of player,” he said. “I’m not a sit-in-the-gap kind of defensive tackle — I can move around and make plays.”
James represents the first pledge for West Virginia in the 2024 class, but a strategic one in the sense that he is a former teammate of current 2023 commitment linebacker Josiah Trotter and 4-star 2023 pass rusher James Heard, who is scheduled to take an official visit in June.
The Big 12 program has now gone 2 for 3 on the talented trio and if James has his way the plan is to get Heard into the fold as well.
“I’ve been texting him every day,” he said.
By KEENAN CUMMINGS
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