By Keenan Cummings
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — West Virginia already secured one Arizona transfer this offseason, could the football program be in line for another?
The Mountaineers landed a commitment earlier from Wildcats three-year starting safety Scottie Young, and now have thrown their hat in the ring for another in Tony Fields. WVU extended its offer to the versatile linebacker on the day he elected to enter the transfer portal.
That is significant in the sense that it showcases how the program believes he could make an impact, and the coaches didn’t take long to wait around on offering the proven prospect.
Like Young, Fields saw significant action on the Arizona defense, recording over 90 tackles last season and 287 stops during his three seasons on the field in Tucson. Perhaps even more importantly, he was recruited out of his Las Vegas High by current WVU secondary coach Jahmile Addae.
When he initially picked the Wildcats, his connection with Addae, which spanned beyond football, was one of the primary reasons he selected the Pac-12 school.
“That’s the most important thing to me,” Fields said. “I want to be with a coaching staff that doesn’t just stress football. Coach Addae stressed family at the same time.”
Addae also served as the lead recruiter for Young and that connection proved pivotal in eventually securing his commitment and putting the Mountaineers at the top of his list.
Could the same be said for Fields? Well, it isn’t going to be easy as many programs have already jumped in the picture with an offer such as Texas, USC, UCLA, Utah and Minnesota. Many others are showing interest, as well, and Fields himself hasn’t tipped his hand on what he is thinking at this stage.
One positive for Fields is he will be a graduate transfer, which gives him one year of eligibility left which can be used this fall, considering a season is played. He also addresses a need by proving an experienced linebacker option to a room that could use an influx of talent.
Still, considering that he is West Coast prospect, it could be a tough task for the Mountaineers to lure him across the country. They’ve already done it once this offseason, though, with California native Young.
