Class of 2003 Revealed
February 05, 2003 03:48 PM | General
February 5, 2003
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. – West Virginia University football coach Rich Rodriguez unveiled the newest class of Mountaineers Wednesday afternoon at the Milan Puskar Center.
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| Coach Rich Rodriguez announces the West Virginia football class of 2003 Wednesday afternoon at the Milan Puskar Center. (All-Pro Photography/Dale Sparks) |
Rodriguez announced the signing of 24 prospects to NCAA letters-of-intent. He also revealed that six additional players have enrolled and will be a part of the Mountaineer program.
“I don’t think you can ever know for sure how good the class is until two, three years down the road because everybody develops and matures at a different level,” said Rich Rodriguez. “We went after certain needs on our team and we also tried to get some immediate help at certain positions and I think we accomplished that.”
Headlining the class are three members of the Pennsylvania Big School all-state first team, a pair of Ohio all-staters, three of the top prep players in Louisiana, a standout prep defensive back from Virginia, a top-ranked tight end from Maryland, the New York City player of the year, and three junior college standouts.
Marc Magro, an all-state linebacker from University High School, was one of the top West Virginia players signed.
In all, Rodriguez and his coaching staff successfully landed outstanding prospects from 11 different states.
“I don’t think you get everybody you seek out to get but at the same time we probably got a few that originally we didn’t know if we could get or not,” said Rodriguez.
In addition, the coach announced that wide receiver Eddie Jackson, offensive tackle Michael Watson, defensive end Chris Malamet, defensive back Ridwan Malik, quarterback Dwayne Thompson, and defensive end Pat Liebig have enrolled for the spring semester.
Jackson comes to WVU from the University of Washington, where he caught 16 passes for 152 yards. The 84th-best junior college player in the country by SuperPrep Magazine last year, the 6-foot-5 Columbus, Ohio, native has one year of eligibility remaining.
Watson comes to West Virginia from Pasadena College in Pasadena, Calif. The 6-5, 305-pound blocker earned first-team all-conference honors. Watson prepped at John Moir High School in Pasadena, Calif.
Chris Malamet finished high school early and enrolled in school for the spring semester. The Frederick High School standout earned all-metro, all-league and all-county honors at Frederick High School. Insiders.com lists Malamet as the nation’s 42nd-best tight end while Rivals.com rates Malamet as the nation’s 54th-best defensive end.
Columbia, S.C., defensive back Ridwan Malik deferred enrollment until January after he earned first team Class 4A all-state honors at Richland Northeast High School. Malik was picked to play in the annual North Carolina-South Carolina Shrine Bowl all-star game.
Athletic all-Dade County quarterback Dwayne Thompson passed for 1,625 yards and 10 TDs in 2001 as a senior. Thompson played in the Dade-Broward all-star game and he also ran track at Killian High School, one of Florida's top Class 5A programs.
Defensive end Pat Liebig also deferred enrollment until this semester after leading Naples High School to the Florida Class 5A state title in 2001. Liebig was the Naples Daily News defensive player of the year.
“I think our staff did a good job of finding guys that fit into West Virginia and it was important for us to get guys that want to be here,” said Rodriguez. “In recruiting it’s a sales job and that’s part of our job, but I also think we did a good job of finding a bunch of young men that wanted to be a part of our program.”
Class of 2003 Profiles
James Alford
6-3, 220, Linebacker
A teammate of West Virginia signee Fernando McDowell at East Jefferson High School in East Jefferson, La., linebacker James Alford is one of the top defenders in the Louisiana prep ranks.
He was a three-time all-district performer and first team Class 5A all-state member who led his team in all defensive statistics the past three seasons. He had 146 total tackles, six interceptions and 10 forced fumbles this year.
Alford was an honorable mention pick on the Baton Rouge Advocate’s “Louisiana Super Dozen Team” and was rated the nation’s 47th-best outside linebacker by Rivals.com. Insiders.com rates Alford as the nation’s 87th-best linebacker prospect, and Tom Lemming ranks him as the 65th-best player in the Southwest region.
"He had made a commitment to us, made a commitment to Colorado and then a commitment back to us," said Rodriguez. "We were still a little apprehensive until we got the letter of intent today. We think he's going to be a great player -- he's a good-sized linebacker."
Rivals.com ranks Alford as the 32nd-best player in Louisiana and Alford also made the Tiger Rag Top 25 and SuperPrep Top 30 for Louisiana. Alford is a three-year letterman in track and he plans on studying athletic coaching administration.
Three other players from his high school team have signed with Division I schools and his team posted a 10-2 record during his junior season, advancing to the Louisiana quarterfinals. Alford was coached at East Jefferson by Henry Rando.
He was picked to play in the Orleans/Jefferson Parrish and Louisiana All-Star games.
James is the son of Carolyn and Ray Alford.
Chris Bassler
6-5, 245, Tight end/Linebacker
Francis Scott Key High School standout tight end Chris Bassler was named to the Baltimore Sun all-metro first team as a senior.
An all-Monacacy Valley Athletic Conference performer on both offense and defense for Coach John Baugher, Bassler caught seven passes for almost 200 yards and three touchdowns as a tight end, and was a key blocker on an offense that generated more than 2,400 rushing yards on the way to an 8-2 season.
As a linebacker, Bassler had two sacks and made 14 of his 91 total tackles in a 41-20 victory over state runner-up Middletown High School.
"We had Chris at camp and he's listed as a tight end/linebacker but he's going to be an offensive tackle," said Rodriguez. "He could probably play tight end, but we think he's got a big enough frame and will develop into a really good offensive lineman."
Bassler is the 52nd-best tight end in the country by Rivals.com, the 95th-rated tight end by Insiders.com and the 64th-best player in the Mid-Atlantic region by Tom Lemming. Rivals.com lists Bassler as the 12th-best player in the state of Maryland.
PrepStar Magazine rates Bassler as one of the top 150 players in the Atlantic region.
Bassler was an all-county and all-league performer in basketball. He plans to major in education. Chris is the son of Bob and Carol Bassler.
Vince Beamer Jr.
6-3, 190, Defensive Back
Bishop McDevitt defensive back Vince Beamer is considered one of the top defensive prospects in the state of Pennsylvania. Beamer earned first team AP all-state honors after leading the Harrisburg, Pa.-based high school to an 8-2 record.
He accounted for 1,017 yards and 15 touchdowns on offense as a wide receiver, and also returned five kicks for touchdowns.
Beamer was rated the nation’s 19th-best safety prospect by Rivals.com and the 13th-best player in the state by the same service. Insiders.com lists Beamer as the nation’s 38th-best safety prospect and Tom Lemming has him as the 55th-best player in the East.
Beamer also made the PrepStar Magazine East region top 150. West Virginia beat out Pitt for his services. Beamer was coached at Bishop McDevitt by Jeff Weachter.
"Coach Hand had been recruiting him since day one, but he had committed to Pitt over the holidays and we got him to come down and visit," said Rodriguez. "He enjoyed his visit and we turned him in the last couple of days. It was good to get Vince in the fold. He's a very good athlete and we think he has a chance to make a big impact for us at the safety position."
Beamer plans on studying journalism at WVU and he is the son of Vincent Sr. and Sharon Beamer.
Adam Bednarik
6-2, 210, Quarterback
Bethlehem Catholic High School quarterback Adam Bednarik earned AP Pennsylvania Big School first-team all-state honors this year after passing for 2,356 yards and 27 touchdowns. Bednarik, the second cousin of NFL Hall of Fame linebacker Chuck Bednarik, played wide receiver before switching to quarterback late in his junior season.
Despite that, he still managed to throw for more than 1,000 yards in four games to lead his team to the state playoffs. As a sophomore he earned all-area honors on defense as a strong safety.
An all-around athlete, Bednarik scored his 1,000th career point recently for Bethlehem Catholic’s basketball team and is an all-area performer in baseball.
“He’s a field general,” said his high school coach Chuck Sonon. “The kids believe in him, rally behind him, and they know that if they give him enough of an opportunity, good things are going to happen.”
"He's only been playing quarterback for about a year and a half," Rodriguez added. "He was also a very good linebacker and a wide receiver. We think he can be a great quarterback in our system. He's a big guy, very athletic and we think he's got a chance to have a great career here."
Bednarik is rated the 73rd-best player in the East by Tom Lemming and was listed as one of the East region’s top 150 players by PrepStar Magazine.
Rivals.com lists Bednarik as the 41st-best player in Pennsylvania.
Bednarik comes from a prep program with West Virginia lineage. Two of his coaches at Bethlehem Catholic are former Mountaineer standouts in offensive coordinator Dan Kendra and offensive assistant coach Artie Owens.
He plans on studying physical education and is the son of John and Rosie Bednarik.
Kevin Burke
6-3, 270, Defensive End
Defensive end Kevin Burke earned first team all-metro and second team all-Group 3A honors at Varina High School this season. According to the Blue & Gold News, Burke was also selected as the Capital district player of the year.
He had 76 tackles and 10 sacks as a senior. He was a tight end until switching to defense this season. Varina posted a 10-1 record this year and won the Capital District championship.
Said Varina defensive coordinator Blanda Wolfe: “I think he’ll be a good player pretty quickly. When the WVU coaches came down to see him, they thought other schools were missing out on him.”
Burke played at Varina High School for Coach Gary Chilcoat.
"Kevin is a guy that we'd been recruiting and then got on late," said Rodriguez. "I think he's going to have a great career because he's got a great motor for a big guy."
Burke, who has also lettered in basketball, soccer and track, is expected to begin his Mountaineer career as a defensive end.
He plans on becoming an education major and is the son of Kevin Sr. and Vera Burke.
Milton Collins
6-2, 175, Wide Receiver
Multi-talented Milton Collins signed with West Virginia as a wide receiver, but he has earned a national reputation as a basketball player at O.P. Walker High School in New Orleans as well.
Collins is rated as the nation’s 83rd-best hoop prospect by one scouting service after averaging almost 22 points five rebounds and six assists per game as a junior. He is averaging 20.7 points, 10 rebounds and six assists per game this year and is considered one of the top guards in Louisiana.
Collins was one of 11 expected college-bound prospects at O.P. Walker High School – a New Orleans prep football power that produced a 13-2 record and advanced to the Class 4A state title game.
Collins caught 62 passes for 890 yards and 10 touchdowns, and made three interceptions on defense.
"Milt comes from one of the best high school programs in the state," said Rodriguez. "He's only been playing football for about two years. Everybody has been recruiting him as a basketball player and he's new to the sport of football. A lot of people think he may be the best receiver in the New Orleans area, including the ones that signed with some of the top teams in the country."
Collins is the nation’s 88th-best wide receiver prospect by Insiders.com and teamed with LSU recruit Craig Davis to give O.P. Walker one of the nation’s best high school wide receiver tandems.
O.P. Walker finished fourth in the final Class 4A regular season rankings compiled by the Louisiana Sports Writers Association. He was coached at O.P. Walker by Frank Wilson III.
He plans on enrolling in general studies and is the son of Joann Collins.
Keilen Dykes
6-4, 260, Defensive Lineman
Keilen Dykes, a defensive end-tight end from Chaney High School in Youngstown, Ohio, was named the Northeast Inland defensive player of the year after recording 26 solo tackles and 9.5 sacks as a senior. Dykes was a first-team Associated Press Division II all-Ohio performer in 2002 and also made the team as a junior after recording 18 sacks.
“He’s got size, power, speed and he’s smart,” said Chaney’s defensive ends coach Roy Guy.
According to the Youngstown Vindicator, Dykes narrowed his college choices to Cincinnati, Clemson, Louisville, Missouri, Pitt and Toledo before picking West Virginia.
"Keilen is a big defensive end that we got a commitment from early in the recruiting process," said Rodriguez. "He came here for camp, he's a big guy that can run and we think he's going to have a great career here at West Virginia."
Rivals.com has Dykes rated the nation’s 32nd-best strongside defensive end and the 94th-best player in the Midwest, the Insiders.com has Dykes rated the nation’s 100th-best defensive end, Tom Lemming rates Dykes the 65th-best player in the Midwest and PrepStar Magazine lists Dykes as one of the top 150 players in the Midwest.
Rivals.com lists Dykes as the 23rd-best player in the state of Ohio. Ohio Future Stars lists Dykes as the state’s 23rd-best player.
Dykes joins WVU recruit Davanzo Tate on the North roster for the Ohio North-South All-star Game to be played this summer.
He was coached at Chaney High School by Ron Berdis. Keilen is the son of Jewell and James Dykes. He plans on enrolling in general studies.
Andy Good
5-8, 160, Kicker
Andy Good, a promising kicker from Youngstown Boardman High School, earned second-team all-conference honors this season as a senior. He earned first team all-conference honors as a junior. PrepStar Magazine lists Good as one of the top 150 players in the Midwest region.
As a junior he went 8 of 11 in field goals, including a school-record 42-yarder. Good also kicked three game-winning field goals during his career.
A teammate of West Virginia recruit Mike Villagrana, Good is also an all-state baseball player as a second baseman.
"It's kind of rare for a Division I school to sign a kicker, but we had Andy in camp and we've liked him since," said Rodriguez. "We also like the fact that he's made three-game winning kicks. The true test of a kicker is how he does when the pressure is on. Andy has been able to do that throughout his high school career."
He was coached at Boardman High School by Gary Smith.
Andy plans on studying accounting and is the son of Robert and Teresa Good.
Kay Jay Harris
6-2, 240, Running Back
Kay Jay Harris is one of the nation’s most highly sought-after junior college running backs after an outstanding two-year career at Garden City Community College in Garden City, Kan.
As a freshman in 2001, Harris rushed for almost 1,300 yards and 11 touchdowns to earn second-team all-Jayhawk Conference honors. A preseason JUCO All-American pick last fall, Harris managed 808 yards and eight touchdowns on 122 carries in helping Garden City to a 7-3 record. Harris topped the 100-yard mark four times as a sophomore including a season-high 172 yards and three touchdowns on Oct. 5.
Before arriving at Garden City, Harris was a former minor league outfielder in the Texas Rangers organization. He prepped at Tampa Technical High School in Tampa, Fla., where he won four long jump state titles with a beat leap of 24-feet 7-inches.
"He's just a couple years younger than I am," Rodriguez joked. "Kay Jay is 24 or 25 years old and he came out of high school as one of the best athletes in the state of Florida. Coach Magee coached him in high school, and after giving minor league baseball a run, he went to junior college football. He's a big guy and he's a great athlete."
He is the son of Delores Harris and Peggy and Keith Atkins.
Devin Kirkland
6-7, 300, Offensive Tackle
Promising offensive tackle Devin Kirkland’s size and age impressed college football recruiters this winter. The 17-year-old offensive tackle from Aliquippa High School near Pittsburgh stands 6-foot-7 and weighs more than 300 pounds.
Kirkland, a two-year starter for the Quips, chose the Mountaineers over interest from Maryland and Bowling Green.
“He just turned 17 in August,” said Aliquippa coach Mike Zmijanac. “He’s a young kid yet. He has a big upside.
“I doubt if he will go there and start as a freshman,” Zmijanac added. “But by the time he’s a redshirt sophomore, he might be 6-9, 350 and ready to go. Offensive linemen with his size are the kind of kids you take a chance on.”
"Devin is kind of a late bloomer in football," said Rodriguez. "He's 6-7, 320, he's a good athlete and a pretty impressive physical specimen."
Aliquippa finished its season with an 8-3 record and lost to Seton-LaSalle in the WPIAL Class 2A semifinals. Rivals.com lists Kirkland as the 34th-best player in the state of Pennsylvania.
Kirkland joins city league recruits Vaughn Rivers and Eric Wicks of Perry Traditional Academy as Pittsburgh natives in West Virginia’s class of 2003.
Devin plans on enrolling in general studies and is the son of Denise McCoy and Ricky Kirkland.
Antonio Lewis
5-11, 190, Quarterback
All-metro quarterback Antonio Lewis passed for 1,104 yards and 15 touchdowns this season for Thomas Stone High School. Lewis averaged 24.1 yards per completion and he also rushed for 847 yards and 15 touchdowns to earn Washington Post metro player of the year honors.
Lewis help his Cougar team to a 7-3 record. Thomas Stone High School is coached by Steven Lindsay.
“I liked the university because it’s close to home, but I also like the plan they have for me,” Lewis told the Washington Post. “I’ll probably redshirt so I can learn their system.”
According to the Washington Post, Thomas picked West Virginia over Syracuse.
"He was a guy that we kind of recruited late and then we got into the mix," said Rodriguez. "He's an athlete that played quarterback and defensive back. We may look at him at quarterback first because of his athletic abilities. If he doesn't pan out there we can put him at corner because we think he's good enough to play there."
Lewis earned all-conference honors in basketball and he plans on studying athletic coaching at WVU. He is the son of Tonya Dorsey and Jimmy Lewis.
Marc Magro
6-3, 210, Linebacker
University High School linebacker Mark Magro is the only Mountain State product in this year’s recruiting class.
Magro earned first-team Class 3A all-state honors and first-team all-conference honors after helping University High School to a 9-3 season and another trip to the West Virginia state playoffs.
He recorded 154 tackles, 28 tackles for losses and five sacks for the Hawks as a senior.
"We looked at Marc a good bit during our camp and waited to watch his senior year and we really liked the way he played at linebacker," said Rodriguez. "He's a big guy with good size, got a tremendous motor and he's a tough guy with a lot of intelligence. Obviously we're biased, but we thought Marc was one of the best players in West Virginia."
Magro, nearly a 4.0 student, is expected to play linebacker at WVU.
“Marc is a big, physical player who really understands the game,” said University High School coach John Kelley. “He reads the whole first, just like (current WVU linebacker) Scottie Gyorko used to for us. He’s also got the frame to easily add 30 pounds. In college I think he’ll be a defensive end or outside linebacker.”
Marc plans on majoring in exercise physiology and is the son of Phil and Suzanne Magro.
Fernandez McDowell
6-2, 195, Defensive Back
Louisiana defender Fernandez McDowell was a two-time all-district and all-Parrish selection at East Jefferson High School in East Jefferson, La.
He produced 16 career interceptions, returning three for touchdowns. McDowell also had more than 160 tackles and forced two fumbles to twice earn all-district honors.
McDowell was an honorable mention pick on the Baton Rouge Advocate’s “Louisiana Super Dozen Team,” and was rated the nation’s 29th-best safety prospect by Insiders.com
"A lot of folks down there think he might be the best safety in the state," said Rodriguez. "He's a big time athlete and a lot of schools were looking at him down there."
McDowell was rated the 70th-best player in the Southwest region by Tom Lemming and the nation’s 41st-best safety by Rivals.com. He was also rated the 26th-best player in Louisiana by Rivals.com and made the Tiger Rag Top 25 for Louisiana.
“He could be a true impact player,” said East Jefferson high school coach Harry Rando. “He’s as good as I’ve coached, and I’ve been coaching for 34 years. I really believe he can play either safety or cornerback in college. Rich Rodriguez and his staff did a great job recruiting him, and they got a great player.”
McDowell made an early pledge to Indiana before picking West Virginia.
Fernandez plans on majoring in business and is the son of Schwann Jackson and Hernandez McDowell.
Michael Meggett
6-1, 195, Wide Receiver/Defensive Back
Fort Hamilton High School product Michael Meggett earned first team all-city and all-state honors as a senior free safety for Coach Vince Laino.
Meggett produced 251 career solo tackles and 11 interceptions on defense, and caught 71 passes for 1,499 yards and 10 touchdowns as a wide receiver on offense.
Meggett, the second cousin of former NFL standout Dave Meggett, was named to the Heisman tri-state all-star team and was the Iron Horse player of the year for New York City.
“He’s just a tremendous player,” said Laino. “He’s a great skill position player, but he’s also a big hitter on defense. He was a four-year player and a three-year starter for us at both safety and wide receiver.”
Rivals.com lists Meggett as the nation’s 57th-best free safety and Insiders.com rates Meggett the nation’s 106th-best safety prospect. Meggett is considered one of the top 150 players in the East by PrepStars Magazine. He was recognized as one of the top 10 players in New York by SuperPrep.
"We were one of the first schools to offer and I think some other schools offered after we did," said Rodriguez. "He's a big guy and a very intelligent player. He's one of the most productive players in the state of New York."
According to the Blue & Gold News, Meggett also visited Vanderbilt.
He plans on studying forensics and is the grandson of Priscilla Knox.
Jules Montinar
6-0, 190, Defensive Back
Jules “L.J.” Montinar, a free safety at Naples High School in Naples, Fla., was named to the Florida Sports Writers Association all-state first team in 2002 after making the second team in 2001.
He finished his senior season with 124 tackles, 2.5 sacks and three interceptions on the way to being named the Naples Daily News and Southwest Florida defensive player of the year. Montinar helped Naples to the Florida Class 5A (second largest) state championship as a junior in 2001.
“(WVU) Coach (Rich) Rodriguez likes his safeties to be physical on every snap,” said Naples head coach Bill Kramer.
According to the Charleston Gazette, Pitt and Clemson also offered Montinar scholarships.
"He's the player of the year in the Naples area and we thought he was one of the best safeties in the state of Florida," said Rodriguez. "He had visited several schools and had been offered by several other schools."
It is the second straight year West Virginia has landed the top defensive player from Naples. Last year, defensive end Pat Liebig signed with the Mountaineers and deferred his enrollment until this January.
Montinar plans on enrolling in general studies and he is the son of Jacob and Weese Montinar.
Zac Napier
6-3, 295, Offensive Line
Offensive line prospect Zac Napier hails from the same prep program that produced current West Virginia backup quarterback Charles Hales at South Jones High School in Ellisville, Miss.
Napier made first team all-area, all-district, all-county and was listed as one of the top 40 recruits in the state of Mississippi.
“His feet are very good, and his quickness is probably his best strength,” former South Jones coach Jack Thompson told the Blue & Gold News. “Like most linemen making the move to college, he needs to work on his strength, but he has a real desire to play.”
Napier is expected to play either guard or tackle at WVU.
"He's a big guy, very good athlete and an outstanding catcher for his baseball team," said Rodriguez. "We really like his motor and he'll probably play guard for us but is also big enough to play tackle as well."
Zac plans on majoring in physical therapy and he is the son of Susan and Greg Napier.
Vaughn Rivers
5-9, 165, Athlete
Talented defensive back Vaughn Rivers helped Perry Traditional Academy plow through the Pittsburgh City League before finally falling in the Pennsylvania state semifinals to Hopewell, 20-3. It was the first time a team scored on Perry (13-1) all season and Rivers was a big reason why.
"Vaughn Rivers was one of the players of the year in the Pittsburgh area who is also a very good basketball player," said Rodriguez. "We had Vaughn in camp, offered him early, he accepted early and went out and had a great senior year. Vaughn is listed as an athlete. He will probably play corner for us, return punts and return kicks."
The cornerback was named to the Pennsylvania Big School all-state second team as a specialist. Rivers also made the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette Fabulous 22 and Pittsburgh Tribune-Review Terrific 25 teams after scoring 18 total touchdowns and intercepted five passes on defense. Rivers intercepted 14 passes for his career and caught 15 passes for 225 yards as a senior.
Tom Lemming rates him the 75th-best player in the East and PrepStar Magazine lists Rivers as one of the top 150 players in the region.
Rivals.com lists Rivers as the 44th-best player in Pennsylvania.
Vaughn plans on studying business at WVU and he is the son of Margaret and Anthony Rivers.
Joe Sykes
6-4, 230, Defensive End
Pass rushing specialist Joe Sykes comes to West Virginia from Holmes Community College in Goodman, Miss. As a sophomore, Sykes produced 60 tackles, 12 tackles for losses and 7.5 sacks in helping Holmes to a 9-2 record and the 2002 Region XXIIII championship.
"Joe Sykes is a guy that may have a chance of helping us immediately," said Rodriguez. "We may look at Joe as a standup linebacker first simply because of his body type. But he's big enough to play end in pass rushing situations. A lot of folks think he was one of the best pass rushers in the Mississippi junior colleges and we're pretty excited about getting him."
Sykes earned first team JUCO all-state and all-region honors, and was named to the NJCAA All-American second team. He was coached at Holmes Community College by Hugh Shurden. Sykes has been invited to play in the MACJC all-star game.
Sykes is a native of Grenada, Miss., and prepped at Grenada High School where he played for Coach Neil Hitchcock. He has an older brother that plays for the Indianapolis Colts.
Joe is the son of Patsy Sykes and he plans on studying sociology.
Davanzo Tate
5-11, 185, Running Back/Defensive Back
Davanzo Tate, a three-year starting defensive back for the Austintown Fitch High School Falcons, was named to the Associated Press Division I all-state team in 2002.
Tate’s reputation grew last spring as a track standout for the Falcons, where he won three individual sprinting events at the Mahoning County meet and qualified for the state championships in the 200-meter dash.
As a junior, Tate made 65 tackles and grabbed three interceptions on defense and ran for 451 yards as a running back on offense to earn all-conference honors.
“I liked the environment and I really hit it off with the coaches,” Tate told the Youngstown Vindicator. “It seemed like a good school to me.
Tate was recently selected to play in the Ohio North-South All-Star game this summer. He says he has 4.3 speed in the forty yard dash.
Rivals.com has Tate rated the nation’s 62nd-best cornerback, Insiders.com rates Tate the nation’s 122nd-best cornerback, and PrepStar Magazine lists Tate among the top 150 players in the Midwest. Rivals.com lists Tate as the 43rd-best player in Ohio. Ohio Future Stars lists Tate as the state’s 57th-best player.
"Davanzo is going to be a corner for us," said Rodriguez. "We had Davanzo in camp, liked the way he looked and he went out and had a great senior year. He'll play in the Big 33 all-star game and he's one of the fastest guys we signed."
Tate is one of four Youngstown area standouts to sign with the Mountaineers, joining Boardman defensive end Mike Villagrana and kicker Andrew Good, and Chaney High School defensive end Keilen Dykes. He was coached at Austintown Fitch by Carl Pelini.
The cornerback also considered Pitt, Syracuse, Boston College and Maryland before casting his lot with the Mountaineers. His older sister Aleemah also attends WVU.
He is the son of Davanzo Sr. and Rita Tate and Dedra Harris. Davanzo plans on studying business.
Jubal Thomas
6-1, 180, Wide Receiver
Wide receiver Jubal Thomas earned Western State Conference Pacific Division second team honors this season for Los Angeles Harbor College.
In one game this season, Thomas caught a 36-yard touchdown pass with 12 seconds left to lift LA Harbor to a 40-33 victory over rival Orange Coast. It was one of two TD catches for Thomas in the game. In another game, the speedy receiver caught a 99-yard touchdown pass. He caught 33 passes for 746 yards and nine touchdowns. LA Harbor racked up 4,695 yards of total offense.
“He’s a downtown receiver,” LA Harbor coach Steve Schmitz told the Blue & Gold News. “He catches the ball and gets up the field. He’s the kind of receiver everyone looks for.”
“I’ve gotten better at seeing what the defense is doing. That and my speed are the best things I have going for me,” Thomas says.
Last year Thomas spent a season at El Camino College. Prior to that he was a three-sport standout at Culver City High School, where he caught 40 passes for 800 yards and three touchdowns in football, scored more than 1,000 career points in basketball and ran a 10.4 100 meters in track.
He has two years of eligibility remaining at WVU.
"Jubal was a guy we started recruiting late. I think he is probably the fastest guy we signed in this year's class and may be faster than anyone we've signed since we've been here," said Rodriguez. "He's a very talented guy and he will probably have a chance to help us immediately if he learns the system."
Jubal plans on studying sport management and he is the son of Carol King and Alvin and Susan Thomas.
Mike Villagrana
6-3, 230, Tight End/Defensive Lineman
Tight end-defensive end Mike Villagrana earned second team Division I all-state honors as a senior at Boardman High School in Youngstown, Ohio. He came into his senior season rated the 49th-best player in the state by Ohio’s Future Stars, and was a two-time all-conference pick.
As a junior Villagrana caught 28 passes for 299 yards and five touchdowns at tight end, but it is on defense where he is expected to play at West Virginia.
“They could have me at defensive end or they could put me at defensive tackle or linebacker,” Villagrana told the Youngstown Vindicator. “It depends on what they want to do and how much bulk I can put on.”
Villagrana is the nation’s 77th-best tight end according to Insiders.com and was listed as one of the top 150 players in the Midwest by PrepStar Magazine. Rivals.com lists Villagrana as the 48th-best player in Ohio.
"We're going to look at Mike as a defensive end," said Rodriguez. "We also had Mike camp. He was an early offer and an early commitment and he had a great senior year. We think Mike is a guy that can grow into a 260, 265-pound defensive end. He plays very hard."
Mike plans on studying sport management at WVU. He is the son of Laurie Villagrana.
Eric Wicks
6-1, 195, Defensive Back
Two-way standout Eric Wicks teamed with West Virginia recruit Vaughn Rivers to help Perry Traditional Academy post 13 straight shutouts on the way to a 13-1 record and a semifinal berth in the Pennsylvania state playoffs. Perry has won three straight city league titles.
Wicks was named to the Associated Press Big School all-state first team defense after picking off 22 career passes at Perry, including five this year. As a wide receiver, he caught 22 passes for 642 yards and 16 touchdowns.
Wicks made the Pittsburgh Post Gazette Fabulous 22 and Pittsburgh Tribune-Review Terrific 25 teams and was rated the 45th-best player in Pennsylvania by Rivals.com.
"Eric might be the best athlete among the Pittsburgh city schools," said Rodriguez. "He can play on either side of the ball but we're going to look at him at safety. He's got a chance of playing early in his career."
He plans on enrolling in general studies and he is the son of Yvonne Wicks.
Larry Williams Jr.
6-1, 180, Defensive Back
Defensive back Larry Williams earned first-team all-state honors by the Virginia Coaches Association after a stellar senior season at Highland Springs High School.
Williams also made the all-state second team as a kick returner and was honorable mention as a wide receiver. Williams made the district and all-regional teams at three different positions, and was list on the Richmond all-metro team as a wide receiver for Coach Scott Burton.
He recorded 30 tackles and two interceptions on defense, and 35 catches for 848 yards and six touchdowns on offense.
"We're excited about getting Larry," said Rodriguez. "He's another guy that can play both ways if we needed him to. We're going to look at Larry as a corner first off because we think he can make an impact there."
Rivals.com lists Williams as the 55th-best cornerback in the nation, Insiders.com rates Williams as the nation’s 104th-best safety, and PrepStar Magazine has Williams as one of the top 150 prospects in the Atlantic region. Williams was also listed on the SuperPrep Mid-Atlantic Top 35 team.
Tom Lemming rates Williams the 59th-best prospect in the Mid-Atlantic region and Rivals.com lists Williams as Virginia’s 19th-best prospect.
Williams is the 35th-rated player in Virginia by the Roanoke Times.
Larry plans on majoring in education and he is the son of Larry Sr. and Barbara Williams.
Andrae Wright
6-5, 260, Defensive End
Defensive end Andrae Wright produced 74 tackles and eight sacks as a senior at Shaw High School in Mobile, Ala., in 2001 for Coach Marty McDole. Wright was named to the Mobile Register all-region team and participated at Nike Camp.
"Andre is a defensive end that we signed last year," said Rodriguez. "He's 6-5 and he actually has gained some weight. He has now qualified under the new rules so that's why he delayed enrollment. Because he's a year older, he's got a chance to make an immediate impact."
Rivals100.com rated Wright as the nation’s 83rd-best defensive line prospect last year. He was also a standout in basketball and track.
Wright originally signed with the Mountaineers last year but has deferred enrollment until this fall.
Andrae is the son of Pattie Landelson and Alarick Wright. He plans on majoring in business at WVU.
