Even if you’re not one of those Mountaineer fans that follows recruiting day-to-day, you still understand it is the lifeblood of the program. This week on the Citynet Statewide Sportsline we caught up with WVU football director of player personnel, Ryan Dorchester. 

 

You can watch the full interview HERE.

 

We covered a wide range of topics during the show. Here are a couple of things that stood out to me. 

 

WVU has jumped into the deep end of the pool when it comes to graduate transfers. Kenny Bigelow (USC), Jabril Robinson (Clemson) and Denzel Fisher (UCLA) have committed to WVU this off season. Notre Dame grad transfer, Nick Watkins, is considering West Virginia as well.

 

Given the influx of grad transfers, we asked Dorchester about the difference between recruiting high school players and graduate transfers. Dorchester pointed out it is really two different approaches.

 

For the graduate transfers it’s really about one thing. Playing time. How much can I play?

 

Many of the other factors that go into a high school player’s decision don’t exist for a potential grad transfer. 

 

It makes sense. Grad transfers have seen all of the bells and whistles. They've seen (and used) the latest facilities. They've traveled on the charter flights. They've received a ton of free gear and in some cases a national championship ring (see WVU's latest signee, Jabril Robinson).

 

What they haven't done (in most cases), is play significant snaps. And for most of them, that becomes the primary goal when choosing their final destination. Under Dana Holgorsen, WVU has done a nice job hammering home that particular recruiting pitch.

 

Think of the recent success stories:  Clint Trickett, Charles Sims and Shaq Riddick are just three of the grad transfers that have played significant roles for WVU in recent years. 

 

Per our Sportsline co-host, Greg Hunter, WVU has hit with grad transfers more often than they’ve missed. According to Hunter, six of WVU's last 10 graduate transfers have become at least part time starters. As Dorchester confirmed to us on Sportsline, if you're hitting at a 60 percent clip in recruiting, you are thrilled.

 

Given that WVU’s defense will rely heavily on at least three grad transfers this season, the coaches are hoping that success rate continues.  

 

Sinkfield Draws More Praise

 

Dorchester was also quick to point out how impressed he was with redshirt freshman, Alec Sinkfield. 

 

The running back from Delray Beach, Florida caught the attention of Mountaineer coaches last year and has earned even more praise coming out of spring practice.  We spend a lot of time talking about the talent at quarterback and receiver, and rightfully so. But, the running back room may have a case for deepest position on this Mountaineer team. 

 

Take a look at this depth:

 

*Kennedy McKoy has rushed for 1,073 yards and 11 touchdowns through two seasons at WVU. 

 

* Martell Pettaway burst on the scene two seasons ago with 189 yards rushing at Iowa State as a true freshman. He didn't get many touches last year (just 43 carries) in a crowded backfield, but has shown he can be highly productive.

 

* Tevin Bush, the 5-6 sophomore from New Orleans, played in nine games as a true freshman. 

 

* True freshman Leddie Brown arrives in Morgantown as a highly touted four star player.

 

That’s a bunch of talent if we stopped right there. 

 

Now, add in Sinkfield who may be the best of the group. His combination of speed and power with the ability to cut and make guys miss has coaches excited about the possibilities. 

 

Yes, West Virginia lost two-time 1,000 yard rusher Justin Crawford, but it may still be as deep at running back as its ever been under Dana Holgorsen. 

 

Editor's Note: Top photo of Ryan Dorchester (courtesy of WVU Sports Communications), while second photo shows Shaq Riddick during his time with the Mountaineers. Bottom photo is of Kennedy McKoy. Bottom two photos are by Ben Queen of www.benqueenphotography.com, while cover photo of Riddick was by Joe McNemar, the previous owner of D-Max Photography.