In state talent

[Slaton10]

Most of my opinions on this have been covered already by DC and bb but I would add economics to the equation as well. bb is spot on about the year round circuit in all sports now, schools want to get a return on investment with their scholarships, they want talent, that happens to be highly skilled in one area and with experience, preferably vs like talent.

Most don't understand just how poor the state is. For a lot of in state residents, making the circuits all over the places where the combines and camps ect. are held is out of the question because they simply cant afford it. Not to mention even travel back and forth to their own high schools for "voluntary workouts" ect.. many of the high schools have consolidated through the years and its a haul for many kids to even get to school once in a day, much less twice or find a way home if they stay late ect.

I do agree with DC about the state overall though. IMO a few schools in state seem to be upping their game when it comes to development as far as spring football and upgrading their programs and again JMO I think we may begin to see some of those 3* type of kids come down the pike a lil more often. I like what I've been seeing in the Kanawha valley as far as the future goes. Capital HS, South Charleston HS and George Washington HS and Martinsburg up in the panhandle is doing a good job too.

Another problem is travel. A coach has limited time when it comes to contacting kids and creating and maintaining relationships with HS coaches. If a coach in Morgantown wants to go see a recruit in certain parts of southern WV he could be looking at a possible 4-6 hour trip one way in a car depending on where the kid lives. Compare that to a 1-3 hour drive into PA and the Pittsburgh area and better populated areas and schools ect.. and its a no brainer, gotta do what you gotta do, you wont go south unless the kid is an absolute freak and a no doubt D1 talent.

I am not sold on this... States like Arkansas, Mississippi, Nebraska, Lousiana, Alabama, Iowa and many others ain't the wealthiest states either...or have better resources..as for instate recruiting? If they can get to Houston, Miami, Cinncy, Cleveland, California, Georgia etc they can get to anywhere in Wv in 3 hours or less driving...and think about it where do they really need to go? The furthest is Huntington at best... they only need to go to five areas and one is their own back yard... University High/Morgantown HS...Morgantown...Stonewarll, Capital, South Charleston, GW...Charleston...Parkersburg South/Parkersburg..Parkersburg.....Fairmont Sr/East Fairmont, RCB, Bridgeport, North Marion, Liberty and Linclon all within 30 minutes from campus..Jefferson County area an 1.30 hours away from Morgantown...

 

[GoldRusher]

I am not sold on this... States like Arkansas, Mississippi, Nebraska, Lousiana, Alabama, Iowa and many others ain't the wealthiest states either...or have better resources..as for instate recruiting? If they can get to Houston, Miami, Cinncy, Cleveland, California, Georgia etc they can get to anywhere in Wv in 3 hours or less driving...and think about it where do they really need to go? The furthest is Huntington at best... they only need to go to five areas and one is their own back yard... University High/Morgantown HS...Morgantown...Stonewarll, Capital, South Charleston, GW...Charleston...Parkersburg South/Parkersburg..Parkersburg.....Fairmont Sr/East Fairmont, RCB, Bridgeport, North Marion, Liberty and Linclon all within 30 minutes from campus..Jefferson County area an 1.30 hours away from Morgantown...

and just like that, Cabell Midland DE Reese Donahue gets an offer and from the sound of things will ultimately be a Mountaineer!

That's the thing tho, way more people in those areas than what most WV cities and towns can offer, more opportunity to create relationships in those higher populated areas. WVU has a leg up on most in state players already by just being who they are so imo it doesn't take as much effort to sway a coach or kid as it does in those other states/cities.

 

[GoldRusher]

Quote from Dana the other day on in state recruiting:
.

Holgorsen on recruiting in-state talent - We’ve always done the same thing. We’ve identified guys. We’ve recruited them. We made decisions on whether to offer them or whether we don’t based off information… we’ve done the same thing we’ve been doing. It just seems like there is more going on within the state in this year’s class and the next couple of classes than in my previous three years. It’s not anymore of an emphasis, it just seems like there’s more to choose from.

 

[WvuDieHard]

Justin Cogar--6-4' 220 3 sport athlete. Sleeper walk on.

 

[WVUDAD]

Justin Cogar--6-4' 220 3 sport athlete. Sleeper walk on.

I love the walk ons who make good, love to see the guy who gets passed over on a scholly earn it!!! There have been quite a few kids who played multiple sports in HS who really shine once in college and putting all their effort into one sport.

 

[DCWV4life]

WVU got an all-state middle linebacker to walk on. D2 schools were recruiting him. I don’t think he is the listed 6-2, 230. Needs to get stronger. But I like the way he gets through the trash and finds the ball carrier. Plays leaning forward which is good. Coach’s son. Not sure he will play defense but sometimes these guys end up as good kick coverage players (Justin Ardnt, Casey Vance, etc).

Senior Highlights - Troy Lilly highlights

WV MetroNews ? Woodrow Wilson?s Troy Lilly breaks down walking-on at WVU