Being an invited walk-on, even with what they call “preferred status,” at West Virginia University or any other school that competes in Division I football means one thing. And that is that you’re starting out at the bottom and will have to do more than most to prove yourself.

 

Bridgeport High School senior Elijah Drummond is aware of that. For one of the top team players on the Indians’ three-time Class AA state championship, he relishes the opportunity to prove himself.

 

“Obviously, I’m going to have to start at the bottom. I’ve been doing that my whole life and working my way up,” said Drummond. “Hopefully, I can do that at WVU.”

 

Drummond took the first step to doing that this afternoon. He signed a binding letter of intent to play for the Mountaineers inside the school library surrounded by family and Coach Josh Nicewarner.

 

In December, shortly after BHS won its third state title, Drummond was offered and accepted the walk-on invitation from the Mountaineers. Since that time, he said he’s been working harder than ever to be ready for football at the Big 12 level. And he’s been doing it with fellow walk-on Dante Bonamico and current scholarship player Dylan Tonkery, who enrolled early.

 

“We’ve been in the weight room, me and Dante and Dylan has been coming back on the weekends,” said Drummond. “Dylan has been letting us know some of the things they’ve been doing and that should help us get a leg up on some of the other people.

 

“I’m just really excited,” Drummond continued. “I can’t wait to get up there.”

 

Drummond said he anticipates being cast in a fullback role in Morgantown. He was proficient on both sides of the ball for BHS as the upback and a linebacker. On defense, Drummond was second on the team in tackles with 77, including 10 for loss. He also had an interception in the Class AA semifinal game that he returned 17 yards for a touchdown. Drummond also recovered a pair of fumbles for the 13-0-1 Indians.

 

Offensively from the upback, or H-back position, Drummond managed just 37 carries. However, he made the most of those opportunities by finishing with 323 yards (8.7 yards per carry) and six touchdowns.

 

BHS Coach Josh Nicewarner, who sang the praises of Drummond’s unselfishness all season, also believes his standout could be among the most prepared from a physical standpoint. Drummond comes in at 6’1 and weighs 215 pound and, as he’s already mentioned, has turned up his effort on the conditioning front.

 

 

“Elijah has always been committed to the weight room and he’s somehow managed to increase his presence there,” said Nicewarner. “I’d say going in that with Elijah’s size and the position he’s looking at that he has a good shot. He comes from a blocking background and that’s what they’re going to be looking at.”

 

Nicewarner said Drummond has been focusing on his hands and his speed. With improvement there, Nicewarner said he wouldn’t be surprised to see Drummond eventually contribute.

 

Click HERE for a story on early WVU enrollee Dylan Tonkery.

 

Click HERE for a story on Dante Bonamico also signing today with WVU.

 

Editor's Note: Top photo show shows today's signing. Front row, middle, is Elijah Drummond surrounded by his parents Kevin and Cindy Drummond. Brother Noah joins Coach Josh Nicewarner in the background. Action photos shows Drummond getting a lift after scoring a touchdown, while he closes in for a tackle in the bottom photo. Photos by Ben Queen of www.benqueenphotography.com.