By Keenan Cummings
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — It’s almost hard to believe the early signing period is upon us.
It’s been a year like no other in recruiting with basically all visits shut down and no in-person contact as part of the ongoing dead period, but the 48-hour window opens today.
This year, there have been no official visits, no evaluation period and no coaches visiting prospects last minute in order to finalize things heading into when they sign their letters of intent. Things have been shut down since March, which eliminated all official visits and much of the fanfare leading into the holiday for recruits, which can be compared to Christmas.
Things have gone exclusively virtual with visits and communication limited to that avenue. That has made things less exciting for some reasons, but the band plays on, so to speak.
West Virginia is expected to sign all 16 of its commitments heading into the period, which will lock them into their careers with the Mountaineers. Currently, there are eight offensive commitments — quarterback, running back (2), wide receiver (1), tight end (2) and offensive line (2), as well as eight on defense — defensive line (3), linebacker (1), safety (3) and cornerback (1).
But could the Mountaineers add anymore to the mix?
WVU has six spots remaining and the program is looking to fill some of those slots with defensive backs and linebackers. That doesn’t necessarily mean it has to come in the next few days as head coach Neal Brown indicated the plan is to wait and hold some of those scholarships for transfers.
That is going to be even more important than most years because of the possibility players will be allowed to transfer without any penalty and would be immediately eligible if a measure is passed.
Still, the program is involved with several players down the stretch who could be added to the class if things fall in the right direction in the next few days.
Some of those players who have been mentioned down the stretch are Florida linebacker Deshauwn Alleyne and Ohio defensive back Tamarion Crumpley, to name a few.
It won’t quite be the normal signing day, but it’s here all the same.
Tweet @rivalskeenan
