Incoming Freshman Looking for Early Edge
Quarterback Barry Brunetti, Safety Travis Bell, and Cornerback Ishmael Banks were all getting a head start as they were the only incoming freshman that reported to summer workouts on Monday. This was the first day that incoming players were allowed to report to the football team. They are giving themselves the best chance to play right away which, pleases the coaching staff.
It was not easy, however, landing these recruits as Brunetti and Bell both committed early but were still browsing around other schools.
Brunetti, 6’0 207 lbs, committed awful early to the Mountaineers but wanted to browse around a little more. His only other school besides West Virginia boiled down to Mississippi State. With returning quarterback Geno Smith still not back to normal, Brunetti will indeed have a realistic shot at the starting quarterback position. Jeremy Johnson from from Silsbee, Texas will also be in the running.
Former recruiting director Doc Holliday played a major role in Bell’s commitment. Before National Signing, he originally decommitted and switched his decision to Marshall when Doc Holliday took the Head Coaching position there. He eventually became a Mountaineer when National Signing Day came around. Bell had several offers from different powerhouses such as Florida, Florida State, and Miami.
Banks is coming from Hargrave Military Academy in Virginia. the 6’0 talented cornerback has been classified as one of the best corners in the prep classification. West Virginia is really benefiting from this as in the past they had to convert recruits into cornerbacks. With experience coming in with Banks, he can see some playing time time right away.
The three players are coming in a time where the Mountaineers currently lack depth. They also have an advantage as they are currently on summer break already as most of the other recruits still have a few weeks left. They are scheduled to report in late June for summer classes and conditioning.