Just when one might think things can’t get any better for Bridgeport High School football standout Dylan Tonkery, it gets substantially better. On the same day that Tonkery is named to the Class AA All State football first team, Bridgeport High School Coach Josh Nicewarner confirmed that West Virginia University has offered the speedy junior a scholarship for the 2016 football season.

 

Nicewarner said he was contacted by Defensive Coordinator Tony Gibson who extended the offer. Nicewarner said he was called since it’s a “no-contact” period with athletes and was pleasantly surprised with the phone call.

 

“When Coach Gibson called me it really caught me off guard because I had no idea they were looking at him,” said Nicewarner. “He told me that Dylan has been on their radar ever since he attended a camp there this summer. This was actually the first contact that I’ve had with WVU about Dylan, but it’s certainly good news if that’s where Dylan wants to play.”

 

Nicewarner wasn’t the only one surprised. You can count Tonkery among those caught by surprise about the offer from the Mountaineers. In fact, he said he didn’t even get slightly curious when he was called to the office today.

 

“I really had no idea when they called me to the office. I just figured it had something to do with the (Class AA) All State announcement today. Coach Nicewarner let me know and honestly, I’m pretty excited,” said Tonkery.

 

Tonkery said he plans on accepting the offer. He called having a chance to play for the Mountaineers “a tremendous honor.”

 

He won’t be the first in his family to don the Gold and Blue. Older brother Wes is a senior starting linebacker this year for the Mountaineers. The elder Tonkery went to WVU as a defensive back before putting on weight and switching to linebacker.

 

“I imagine that I’ll be looking at playing in the secondary,” said Tonkery.

 

Nicewarner said Gibson also said they have looked at fellow junior standout Dante Bonamico as well, but there’s nothing beyond that at this time.

 

“If Dylan was going to play college ball and would have had any stress wondering where he would go after next season this should eliminate that,” said Nicewarner. “I’m so very proud he’s earned this opportunity.”

 

Due to injury, Tonkery had solid – but not eye-popping offensive numbers during the regular season. After missing more than one game due to injury, he finished the regular season with 112 carries for 708 yards rushing and six touchdowns. He ended the postseason with a combined total on the year of 183 carries for 1,557 yards and 17 touchdowns. Incredibly, Tonkery had 71 carries for 849 yards (11.96 yards per carry) and 12 touchdowns in four postseason games – Liberty Raleigh, Robert C. Byrd, Wayne and Frankfort.

 

Tonkery was also a force on the defensive side of the ball. He teamed with Dante Bonamico on the backline of the Indians’ defense in the secondary to not only make passing a difficult option against the Tribe, but to also swarm to the ball when opponents tried – with almost no success – to run the ball.

 

Click HERE for Class AA all-state story.

 

Editor's Note: Photo by www.benqueenphotography.com.