WVSports.com takes a look back at the four-star linemen and linebacker commits on Rivals.com since 2002. How did they fare in Morgantown and how have the Mountaineers hit at the positions when it comes to the top rated?
We examine how it’s turned out and how the Mountaineers have done on the offensive and defensive lines and at the linebacker spots.
Arrived at West Virginia after a legal issue, but was a model citizen during his career with the program. Lazear played all four years in his career finishing with 147 tackles. One of six true freshmen to play during the 2007 season and started 15 career games at strong side linebacker where he developed into a key contributor.
One of the crown jewel’s of the West Virginia recruiting class given the fact he was from within the state’s borders. Started 37 games in his career for West Virginia. Took a redshirt after injuring his knee and was a contributor throughout his career although at times was plagued by inconsistency. Still there is no doubting that Jenkins lived up to his billing as a lineman that could make an impact on the program.
Finau’s recruitment is somewhat of a legend to West Virginia fans as he signed with the Mountaineers twice but was unable to qualify either time. He eventually enrolled at Utah where he spent two seasons recording 42 tackles before going undrafted in the NFL draft. He then signed with several teams over the course of his career.
A junior college prospect, Irvin had two monster years in Morgantown finishing with 61 tackles and 23 sacks during that time and was picked in the first round of the NFL Draft by the Seattle Seahawks. One of the true homeruns from the group, Irvin was not only loved on the field but away from it as he has became one of the most endearing players in recent memory. Has had a long professional career as well on several different clubs.
Spain became a priority target for the West Virginia coaches and saw his recruitment take off after but he stuck with the Mountaineers. Spain started 26 games during his career and appeared in a total of 38 at a number of positions. Graduated after that productive career and signed as an undrafted free agent where he has been able to put together a solid NFL career across several different franchises.
A high school linebacker, Howard chose West Virginia over a long list of scholarship offers but upon arriving to campus was immediately moved to defensive line. He did not make it until the end of August during his first year and was on track to be redshirted until depth issues forced the Mountaineers hand to pull it late in the year. Ironically, the same thing would happen during his sophomore season as well. Howard served as a key depth option backing up Kyle Rose during his junior year and took over the starting nose guard role in his final season starting all 13 games and recording 66 tackles and 3 sacks. Howard put together a very productive career, but it would have been nice to get four full years out of him during his time on campus.
Ferns was the prized recruit in the 2016 class selecting West Virginia on signing day over fellow finalists Penn State and Ohio State. At first there was a lot of promise but a torn ACL and then several other injuries in his career limited him to only 8 total games resulting in 10 tackles. He elected to retire from football to focus on academics. There was certainly talent there but it was never realized for those aforementioned reasons.
Stills, the younger brother of Darius and son of former player Gary, was a top target for West Virginia from the time he was a sophomore. That pursuit never let up and eventually the program was able to land him over a series of other high profile opportunities. Stills has been very consistent throughout his first three years and has rolled up 75 tackles and 12 sacks during that time. Will enter his final year of eligibility this fall and is looking to make the most of it. The product from down the road in Fairmont has certainly proven to be a very good addition to the roster.
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