By Jonathan Martin:
New West Virginia football coach Neal Brown and his staff are preparing for their first February signing day in Morgantown, now just a few short hours away.
After taking over the reigns as head man of the Mountaineer program in January, Brown hit the ground running immediately, securing commitments from Cocoa, Fla., safety Rashean Lynn and Oklahoma quarterback transfer Austin Kendall.
The Mountaineers have been linked to upwards of ten prospects to round out their class, with the likelihood, however, of only adding a couple more after the recent additions of Lynn and Kendall.
Blue Gold Sports has the latest on each:
Darnell Wright (OL, Huntington, W.Va.) – Easily the highest remaining prospect on the board Wright is believed to be down to two schools, West Virginia and Tennessee. The Vols have long been considered the favorite although the Mountaineers have made a late surge.
BGS Prediction – Tennessee
Jordan Jefferson (DL, Navarre, Fla.) – Jefferson released his top four on Monday – Florida Atlantic, Louisville, West Virginia and Kansas State. One of the first offers by the new coaching staff, Jefferson visited the Mountaineers in late January and are believed to be the leader for his services.
BGS Prediction – West Virginia
Tavian Mayo (CB, Leesburg, Ga.) – Mayo also visited West Virginia in late January and is thought to hold the Mountaineers in high regard. The speedy corner also lists Louisville and Nebraska as potential suitors.
BGS Prediction – West Virginia
Doug Nester (OL, Ona, W.Va.) – Nester, an Ohio State commit, didn’t sign with the Buckeyes in December leaving hope the Mountaineers could made a late surge. He’s continued to visit other school but Virginia Tech and Penn State appears to be more of a threat.
BGS Prediction – Ohio State
Final Analysis – Neal Brown and his Mountaineer staff had to make up ground in the final month leading up to NSD with the hope of seeing the reward for their efforts. The most likely signatures coming their way are Jordan Jefferson and Tavian Mayo while holding out hope Darnell Wright will be a pleasant surprise.
