2016 West Virginia Football Signees

Name
*Jacquez Adams
Toyous Avery
Elijah Battle
Chase Behrndt
*Jacob Buccigrossi
Justin Crawford
Mike Daniels
*Reese Donahue
Brendan Ferns
Adam Hensley
Jake Long
Sean Mahone
*Kennedy McKoy
Martell Pettaway
*Jeffery Pooler
Zach Sandwisch
*Cody Saunders
Josh Sills
*Marcus Simms
Craig Smith
Steven Smothers
Jovanni Stewart
*Logan Thimons
*Dylan Tonkery
Trevon Wesco
Kyzir White
Jonn Young
*-Enrolled in January 2016

Pos.

Ht.

Wt.

Hometown/Last School

CB
S
CB
OL
OL
RB
CB
DL
LB
LB
CB
CB
RB
RB
DL
LB
QB
OL
WR
OL
WR
S
LB
S
TE
S
K/P

5-11
5-11
6-0
6-4
6-4
6-0
5-11
6-5
6-3
6-3
6-0
5-10
6-2
5-9
6-4
6-2
6-2
6-6
6-1
6-6
5-9
5-10
6-2
6-0
6-4
6-3
6-0

160
194
185
295
295
200
205
245
220
220
180
200
195
200
290
210
205
315
175
310
154
190
220
195
275
210
200

Reisterstown, Md./Milford Academy

Covington, Ga./Coffeyville CC
Linden, N.J./Dodge City CC
Wildwood, Mo./Lafayette
Pittsburgh, Pa./North Hills
Columbus, Ga./NW Mississippi CC
Miami, Fla./Globe Tech CC
Milton, W.Va./Cabell Midland
St. Clairsville, Ohio/St. Clairsville
Centerville, Ohio/Centerville
Columbus, Ohio/Hamilton Township
Liberty Township, Ohio/Lakota West
Clemmons, N.C./North Davidson
Detroit, Mich./Martin Luther King
Dayton, Ohio/Dunbar
Woodville, Ohio/Central Catholic
Panama City Beach, Fla./Arnold
Sarahsville, Ohio/Meadowbrook
Olney, Md./Sherwood
West Palm Beach, Fla./Tyler JC
Reisterstown, Md./Franklin
Katy, Texas/Katy
Sarver, Pa./Freeport Area Senior
Bridgeport, W.Va./Bridgeport
Gerrardstown, W.Va./Lackawanna College
Macungie, Pa./Lackawanna College
Advance, N.C./Davie

Jacquez Adams, CB, 5-11, 160, Reisterstown, Md./Milford Academy

Enrolled at West Virginia in January 2016 originally signed with West Virginia out of high school in 2015
played one season for Coach Bill Chaplick at Milford Academy (New Berlin, N.Y.) finished 2015 with six
receptions for 189 yards and three touchdowns in four games added 51 rushing yards and one touchdown
pass previously played for Coach Anthony Burgos at Franklin High two-time Maryland Class 3A/4A FirstTeam All-State performer led Franklin High to a 13-1 record and a 7-0 mark in the region as a senior
team captured the Maryland Class 3A state championship with a 35-21 victory over Damascus four-year
career totals were 4,810 yards passing and 51 touchdowns, 1,932 yards rushing and 27 scores totaled
6,740 total yards for his career; also played free safety and had 22 career tackles completed 108-of-175
passes for 1,539 yards and 16 touchdowns as a senior 2014 rushing totals were 916 yards and 12
touchdowns led Franklin to the 2013 Class 3A state championship, passing for 2,836 yards and 30
touchdowns, while rushing for 885 yards and 14 scores three-star recruit according to ESPN, Rivals, Scout,
247Sports and PrepStar PrepStar All-Atlantic Region Ranking No. 6 player in prep school according to
Rivals twin brother, Jordan, redshirted at WVU in 2015.

Toyous Avery, S, 5-11, 194, Covington, Ga./Coffeyville CC

Played one year for Coach Aaron Flores at Coffeyville CC (Coffeyville, Kan.) redshirted first year at
Coffeyville helped team to an 8-3 record in 2015 and No. 14 national ranking played in 11 games and
finished with 69 tackles, including 39 solo stops, 5.5 tackles for loss, two forced fumbles, a fumble recovery,
five pass breakups and a team-high five interceptions named All-Kansas Jayhawk Community College
Conference Second Team No. 6 in the Jayhawk CC Conference in interceptions and fumble recoveries
season-high 10 tackles at Highland CC and Dodge City CC had season highs of two interceptions at Iowa
Western CC and two tackles for loss at Highland CC played for Coach Terrance Banks at Newton High in
Covington, Ga. finished with 34 tackles, including 21 solo stops, one forced fumble and one fumble recovery
and a pass breakup as a senior No. 12-rated safety nationally according to 247Sports, No. 45 in Georgia
three-star recruit according to 247Sports two-star recruit according to Rivals and Scout also offered by
Colorado, Colorado State, Missouri and Kansas.

Elijah Battle, CB, 6-0, 185, Linden, N.J./Dodge City Community College
Played two seasons for Coach Gary Thomas at Dodge City CC (Dodge City, Kan.) helped team to a 9-3
record in 2015 and an appearance in the Salt City Bowl played in all 12 games, finishing the 2015 season
with 50 tackles, including 38 solo tackles also had 11 pass breakups, two tackles for loss, one interception
and one fumble recovery made 44 tackles with 29 solo stops in 2014, adding eight pass breakups and one
interception 2015 All-Kansas Jayhawk Community College Conference Honorable Mention previously
attended Barringer High (Newark, N.J.), where he finished the 2013 season with 72 tackles and eight sacks
three-star recruit according to Scout and 247Sports also offered by Arizona, Arizona State, Houston,
Minnesota and Nebraska.

Chase Behrndt, OL, 6-4, 295, Wildwood, Mo./Lafayette

Pronounced Parent with a B played for Coach Boyd Mannes at Lafayette High played guard, tackle,
defensive tackle and long snapper two-time All-State Class 6A First-Team by Missouri Media two-time
All-State Class 6A First-Team by Missouri Football Coaches Association an All-State Honorable-Mention
selection as a sophomore as a senior, helped lead Lafayette to a 7-4 record and the third round of the state
playoffs as a junior, helped lead Lafayette to a 6-6 record and the third round of the state playoffs ranked
No. 45 offensive guard nationally, No. 2 offensive guard in Missouri by Scout ranked No. 55 offensive guard
nationally, No. 11 overall in Missouri by 247Sports ranked No. 58 offensive guard nationally, No. 10
overall in Missouri and No. 163 regionally by ESPN.com three-star recruit by ESPN, Rivals, Scout,
247Sports and PrepStar PrepStar All-Midwest Region Ranking two-time All-American heavyweight

wrestler, including advancing to the state championship round as a junior also offered by Illinois,
Indiana, Iowa State, Kansas, Pitt, San Diego State and Syracuse.

Jacob Buccigrossi, OL, 6-4, 295, Pittsburgh, Pa./North Hills HS

Enrolled at West Virginia in January 2016 three-year starter for Coach Pat Carey at North Hills High
played one game in 2015 before suffering a season-ending injury Pittsburgh Post-Gazette Preseason
Fabulous 22 (2015) WPIAL All-Northern Eight Conference First Team (2014) three-star recruit
according to ESPN, Scout, 247Sports and PrepStar PrepStar All-East Region Ranking No. 3 guard
in Pennsylvania, No. 8 guard regionally and No. 56 guard nationally according to Scout No. 36 player in
Pennsylvania according to 247sports No. 25 player in Pennsylvania and No. 77 OT nationally according
to ESPN also offered by Arizona, Northwestern and Virginia.

Justin Crawford, RB, 6-1, 190, Columbus, Ga./Northwest Mississippi CC

Played for Coach Jack Wright at Northwest Mississippi Community College led Northwest to its first
junior college national championship since 1992 2015 Spalding NJCAA Offensive Player of the Year
two-time NJCAA All-American, all-region and All-MACJC First-Team selection two-year career totals at
Northwest CC show 3,161 yards rushing, an average of 6.7 yards per rush and 30 touchdowns had 41
receptions for 700 yards and six scores averaged more than 20 carries per game for his career and is
the schools all-time leading rusher averaged more than 220 all-purpose yards per game in two-year
career as a sophomore, rushed for 1,610 yards, averaging 6.5 yards per carry and 16 touchdowns, to go
along with 29 receptions for 394 yards and six TDs rushed for a school record 338 yards and four
touchdowns against Coahoma totaled more than 200 yards rushing in three other games MACJC
Player of the Week on multiple occasions as a freshman, totaled 1,551 yards rushing and 14
touchdowns his 1,551 yards led the state of Mississippi and was fourth overall in JC finished with 12
receptions for 306 yards three-star recruit by 247 Sports, Rivals, Scout and ESPN 247Sports ranks
him as the No. 34 best prospect in junior college, No. 3 running back and No. 6 JC prospect in
Mississippi member of the Rivals Top 100 as their No. 34 top junior college prospect participated in
the 2014 Nike Football Training Camp played his junior and senior seasons of high school football for
Coach Jeff Battles at Hardaway High in Columbus, Ga. took snaps as a quarterback, running back,
receiver, safety and was the teams starting punter during his career at Hardaway teams offensive
player of the year as a senior, having 825 yards rushing, averaging 8.6 yards per carry and seven
touchdowns participated in track and was the Georgia High School State 5A long jump champion
(22 19) basketball standout at Hardaway, averaging more than 12.0 points per game as a senior
Scout ranked him as the nations No. 42 best running back coming out of high school played freshman
and sophomore seasons at Gainesville High in Florida also offered by Arkansas, Georgia, Louisville,
Missouri, Tennessee, Texas A&M, South Carolina and Florida.

Mike Daniels, CB, 5-11, 205, Miami, Fla./Globe Tech CC

Played cornerback for Coach Cameron Chadwick at Globe Tech CC (NY) named NJCAA All-American
Second Team helped lead Globe Tech to an 8-3 record as a sophomore, a No. 19 final regular season
ranking and an appearance in the Graphic Edge Bowl in Cedar Rapids, Iowa played in 11 games as a
sophomore, finishing with seven interceptions, returning them for 162 yards and two touchdowns had
37 tackles, including 21 solo stops and one blocked kick finished with a season-high 11 tackles against
Lackawanna and Navy Prep had two interceptions at Dean College, returning one for a touchdown
had two interceptions against ASA College, returning one for a touchdown was a wide receiver as a
freshman, playing in four games and finishing with eight catches for 156 yards, averaging 19.5 yards per
catch and a touchdown played for Coach Nate Hudson at South Dade High in Miami three-star rating
by Rivals also offered by Arizona, Kansas, New Mexico, Purdue.

Reese Donahue, DL, 6-5, 245, Milton, W.Va./Cabell Midland HS

Enrolled at West Virginia in January 2016 two-year starter for Coach Luke Salmons at Cabell Midland High
first player in West Virginia history to win the 2015 Stydahar Award (states top lineman) and the 2015 Huff
Award (states best defensive player) West Virginia All-State Class AAA Defensive Captain (2015) twotime West Virginia All-State Class AAA First Team (2014-15) USA TODAY American Family Insurance
All-USA West Virginia Defensive Player of the Year (2015) USA TODAY American Family Insurance
All-USA West Virginia First Team (2015) The Herald-Dispatch All-Tri-State Defensive Player of the Year
(2015) two-time The Herald-Dispatch All-Tri-State First Team (2014-15) helped team to a 22-3 record and
an appearance in the semifinals of the 2015 state playoffs had 167 career tackles, including 99 solo stops,
46 TFLs, 27 sacks and 31 quarterback hurries made 97 tackles, including 53 solo tackles, in 2015 with 25
tackles for loss, 16.5 sacks and three forced fumbles made eight or more tackles in eight games; had
at least one TFL in 11 games had 74 tackles with 25 tackles for loss and 16 sacks in 2014 two-time
All-Mountain State Athletic Conference First Team (2014-15) played in the Blue-Gray All-American Bowl
(2015) MVP of Football University Camp and Top Gun Camp (2014) three-star recruit according to
ESPN, Rivals, Scout, 247Sports and PrepStar PrepStar All-Atlantic Region Ranking No. 1 player in West
Virginia according to Rivals and Scout No. 2 player in West Virginia according to ESPN No. 3 player in
West Virginia according to 247Sports No. 6 defensive end in the East Region according to Scout No. 69
defensive lineman national ranking according to Scout also offered by Cornell and Purdue.

Brendan Ferns, LB, 6-3, 220, St. Clairsville, Ohio/St. Clairsville

Played for Coach Brett McLean at St. Clairsville High as a senior, led team to a 9-3 record, 4-1 conference
mark and the second round of the state playoffs strong athlete who also excelled at running back senior
stats showed 118 tackles, 10 TFLs, two sacks, five pass breakups, two forced fumbles and two interceptions in
leading the St. Clairsville defense offensive stats as a senior showed 1,066 rushing yards and 18
touchdowns, averaging 6.9 yards per carry also recorded 27 receptions for 600 yards and four touchdowns,
averaging 22.2 yards per catch U.S. Army All-American Bowl (2016) USA Today American Family
Insurance All-USA Ohio First Team (2015) Big 22 Player of the Year (2015) AP All-Ohio Division IV
Defensive Player of the Year (2015) AP All-Ohio Division IV First Team (2015) AP All-Ohio Division V
First Team (2014) AP All-Eastern Division IV District Defensive Player of the Year (2015) AP All-Eastern
Division IV District First Team (2015) AP All-Eastern Division V District Defensive Player of the Year (2014)
AP All-Eastern Division V District First Team (2014) captain of the Times Leader All-District Defensive unit
two-time All-Buckeye 8 Athletic League South All-Star First Team (2014-15) ranked No. 232 on the
Rivals250 ranked No. 145 on the ESPN300 ranked No. 106 on the Scout300 four-star recruit
according to ESPN, Rivals, Scout, 247Sports and MaxPreps 247Sports rates him as the No. 7 best
linebacker prospect in the nation and No. 6 overall prospect in Ohio Scout rates him at No. 7 best linebacker
nationally, No. 12 best prospect in the region and No. 6 best recruit in Ohio Rivals recruit of No. 11 overall in
the state, No. 16 nationally at linebacker and a member of the Rivals 250 club PrepStar Top 150 helped
team to a 11-2 overall record and a 5-0 conference mark as a junior received more than 31 collegiate
scholarship offers, including Alabama, Arizona, Georgia, Michigan, Michigan State, Nebraska, North Carolina,
Notre Dame, Ohio State, Oklahoma, Oregon, Penn State, Stanford and Wisconsin.

Adam Hensley, LB, 6-3, 220, Centerville, Ohio/Centerville

Two-year starter for Coach Rodney Roberts at Centerville Senior High finished 2015 with 77 totals,
including 32 solo stops, 1.5 sacks, two forced fumbles and one interception made 10 or more tackles in
three games, including a season-high 14 against Beavercreek registered 57 tackles with 29 solo tackles and
three sacks in 2014 two-time AP All-Ohio Division I Honorable Mention (2014-15) two-time AP
All-Southwest Division I District First Team (2014-15) two-time All-Greater Western Ohio Conference
Central Division First Team (2014-15) TriStateFootball.com All-TSF Second Team (2015) three-star
recruit according to ESPN, Rivals, Scout, 247Sports and PrepStar PrepStar All-Midwest Region Ranking
No. 34 player in Ohio and No. 47 outside linebacker nationally according to Rivals No. 3 inside linebacker in
Ohio, No. 8 inside linebacker regionally and No. 41 inside linebacker nationally according to Scout No. 60
player in Ohio and No. 55 inside linebacker nationally according to 247Sports No. 49 player in Ohio and
No. 41 inside linebacker nationally according to ESPN also offered by Connecticut, Illinois and
Northwestern.

Jake Long, CB, 6-0, 180, Columbus, Ohio/Hamilton Township

Played one season for Coach Nathan Hillerich at Hamilton Township High helped team to an 8-3 record and
a berth in the state playoffs made 28 tackles with 2.5 tackles for loss, three interceptions, two pass
breakups, one forced fumble and one fumble recovery in 2015 played in the 2016 Semper Fidelis
All-American Game AP All-Ohio Division III First Team (2015) AP All-Central Division III District Defensive
Player of the Year (2015) AP All-Central Division III District First Team (2015) All-Mid-State League First
Team (2015) previously played at Paul Blazer High (Ashland, Ky.) three-star recruit according to ESPN,
Rivals, Scout, 247Sports and PrepStar PrepStar All-Midwest Region Ranking No. 46 player in Ohio and
No. 65 cornerback nationally according to Rivals No. 6 cornerback in Ohio and No. 18 cornerback regionally
according to Scout No. 74 player in Ohio according to 247Sports No. 55 player in Ohio and No. 88
cornerback nationally according to ESPN also offered by Purdue and Virginia.

Sean Mahone, CB, 5-10, 200, Liberty Township, Ohio/Lakota West

Two-year starter for Coach Larry Cox at Lakota West High made 43 tackles with two interceptions and two
pass breakups in 2015 finished the 2014 season with 51 tackles and three interceptions played in the
2016 Semper Fidelis All-American Game AP All-Ohio Division I Honorable Mention (2015) AP
All-Southwest Division I District First Team (2015) AP All-Southwest Division I District Honorable Mention
(2014) two-time All-Greater Miami Conference First Team (2014-15) All-Southwest Ohio Football
Coaches Association Division I First Team (2015) Cincinnati Enquirer Division I Fall All-Star (2015)
Cincinnati Enquirer Division I Fall All-Star Honorable Mention (2014) Journal-News All-Area First Team
(2015) Journal-News All-Area Second Team (2015) TriStateFootball.com All-TSF Second Team (2015)
three-star recruit according to ESPN, Rivals, Scout, 247Sports and PrepStar PrepStar All-Midwest
Region Ranking No. 39 player in Ohio and No. 61 cornerback nationally according to Rivals No. 3
cornerback in Ohio, No. 7 cornerback regionally and No. 61 cornerback nationally according to Scout No. 43
player in Ohio and No. 91 cornerback nationally according to 247Sports No. 66 player in Ohio according to
ESPN also offered by Cincinnati, Kentucky, Marshall, Northwestern, Purdue and Virginia.

Kennedy McKoy, RB, 6-2, 195, Clemmons, N.C./North Davidson HS

Enrolled at West Virginia in January 2016 three-year starter for Coach Mark Holcomb at North Davidson
High three-time Winston-Salem Journal All-Northwest Team (2013-15) Davidson County Offensive
Player of the Year (2014) helped team to a 33-7 record from 2013-15 and the state quarterfinals in 2015
rushed for 1,871 yards and 24 touchdowns on 310 attempts in 2015 also had 43 receptions for 683 yards
and seven touchdowns ran for 2,061 yards and 27 touchdowns in 2014 established school records for
single-season rushing yards (2,061), career rushing yards (5,331 yards), single-season touchdowns (27) and
career touchdowns three-time All-Davidson County First Team (2013-15) Central Piedmont Class 4A
Offensive Player of the Year (2015) three-time All-Central Piedmont Class 4A Team (2013-15) played in
the 2015 Shrine Bowl of the Carolinas three-star recruit according to ESPN, Rivals, Scout, 247Sports and
PrepStar PrepStar All-Atlantic Region Ranking No. 31 player in North Carolina according to Rivals
No. 10 running back in North Carolina and No. 42 running back regionally according to Scout No. 21 player
in North Carolina and No. 26 running back nationally according to 247Sports No. 33 player in North Carolina
and No. 57 running back nationally according to ESPN also offered by Boston College, Louisville, NC State,
North Carolina, Vanderbilt, Virginia and Wake Forest.

Martell Pettaway, RB, 5-9, 202, Detroit, Mich./Martin Luther King

Played his senior season for Coach Dale Harvell at Martin Luther King High in Detroit played in the 2016
Semper Fidelis All-American Game led team to a 14-0 record and the state championship team
captured a 40-38 championship victory over Lowell on a last second Hail Mary pass rushed for 1,629
yards and 22 touchdowns as a senior career saw him average more than 150 yards rushing per game
before transferring to MLK, played sophomore and junior seasons at St. Clair Shores South Lake High
rushed for more than 1,300 yards as a junior with 15 touchdowns, averaging 8.6 yards per carry with
a long run of 80 yards as a sophomore, rushed for more than 1,400 yards with 14 scores and a long
run of 96 yards three-star recruit by ESPN, Rivals, Scout, 247Sports ranked No. 8 best prospect in
the state, No. 30 in the region and No. 19 overall at his position by ESPN 247Sports ranks him No. 26
overall at running back and No. 14 best prospect in Michigan Rivals rank is No. 17 nationally at position
and No. 12 overall best prospect in the state No. 1 running back in Michigan, No. 11 running back in the
Midwest Region and No. 46 running back nationally according to Scout PrepStar All-Midwest Region
Ranking also offered by Cincinnati, Illinois, Iowa, Michigan State, Minnesota.

Jeffery Pooler, DL, 6-4, 290, Dayton, Ohio/Dunbar HS

Enrolled at West Virginia in January 2016 ... played for Coach Darren Powell at Dunbar High AP All-Ohio
Division IV Honorable Mention (2015) first Team Division III-IV All-Area Team (2015) Southwest Ohio
- American Defensive Player of the Year (2015) second Team All-Greater Catholic League (2014)
Scout Southwest Ohio Super 25 Team as a senior, he finished with 82 tackles, including eight sacks, five
forced fumbles and four fumble recoveries as a junior, he registered 67 tackles, including two sacks and
two forced fumbles three-star recruit according to ESPN and PrepStar two-star recruit according to
Rivals and Scout PrepStar All-Midwest Region Ranking No. 77 player in Ohio according to 247sports
No. 67 player in Ohio and No. 96 defensive tackle nationally according to ESPN also offered by
Louisville, Maryland and Tennessee.

Zach Sandwisch, LB, 6-2, 210, Woodville, Ohio/Central Catholic

Two-year starter for Coach Greg Dempsey at Central Catholic High helped team to a 12-3 record in
2015 and a trip to the state championship USA TODAY American Family Insurance All-USA Ohio
Second Team (2015) AP All-Ohio Division III Defensive Player of the Year (2015) AP All-Ohio
Division III First Team (2015) AP All-Northwest District Division III Defensive Player of the Year (2015)
AP All-Northwest District Division III First Team (2015) all-Three Rivers Athletic Conference First Team
(2015) all-Three Rivers Athletic Conference Honorable Mention (2014) three-star recruit according to
ESPN, Rivals, Scout, 247Sports and PrepStar PrepStar All-Midwest Region Ranking No. 28 player in
Ohio and No. 25 inside linebacker nationally according to Rivals No. 2 inside linebacker in Ohio, No. 6
inside linebacker regionally and No. 29 inside linebacker nationally according to Scout No. 30 player in
Ohio and No. 48 inside linebacker nationally according to 247Sports No. 54 player in Ohio and No. 79
inside linebacker nationally according to ESPN also offered by Illinois, Indiana and Iowa.

Cody Saunders, QB, 6-2, 205, Panama City Beach, Fla./Arnold HS

Enrolled at West Virginia in January 2015 three-year starter for Coach Josh Wright at Arnold High
Florida All-State Class 5A Honorable Mention (2015) finished high school career with 4,753 passing
yards, completing 345-of-601 passes with 37 touchdowns also rushed for 2,230 yards on 345 carries
with 24 touchdowns completed 165-of-259 passes for 2,005 yards and 12 touchdowns in 2015 only
quarterback in Florida with 2,000 yards passing and 1,000 yards rushing in a season rushed for 1,003
yards on 165 carries with 13 touchdowns had one game with more than 300 yards passing, four games
with more than 200 yards passing and six games with more than 100 yards rushing rushed for 163
yards and two touchdowns in the season-opener against Florida State University HS went 20-of-25 for
301 passing yards and one touchdown, while also rushing for 182 yards and four touchdowns against Fort
Walton Beach HS threw for 273 yards and three touchdowns on 18-of-28 passing against Milton HS
starting quarterback in the 2015 FACA North/South Florida All-Star Game FloridaHSFootball.com
All-Panhandle Honorable Mention (2014) PrepStar All-Southeast Region four-star recruit according to
ESPN and PrepStar three-star recruit according to Scout and 247Sports No. 16 quarterback
nationally according to ESPN No. 6 quarterback in Florida, No. 17 quarterback in the South Region and
No. 54 quarterback nationally by Scout also offered by South Florida

Josh Sills, OL, 6-6, 315, Byesville, Ohio/Meadowbrook

Two-year starter for Coach Jeff Twiddy at Meadowbrook High helped team to a 9-2 record in 2015 and a
berth in the state playoffs paved the way for the offense to average 36.3 points per game, 222.3
passing yards per game, 160.9 rushing yards per game and 27 rushing touchdowns in 2015 also
handled kicking and punting duties, averaging 41.9 yards per punt ... connected on two-of-two field goal
attempts with a long of 43 yards and had 18 touchbacks on kickoffs ... set the season extra point record
with 27 and also the career mark with 69 made ... AP All-Ohio Division IV First Team (2015) AP
All-Ohio Division IV Honorable Mention (2014) selected to play in the North-South All-Star Game (2016)
two-time AP All-East Division IV District First Team (2014-15) East Central Ohio League Gray Division
Offensive Lineman of the Year (2015) two-time All-East Central Ohio League Gray Division First Team
(2014-15) East Central Ohio League Gray Division Defensive Lineman of the Year (2014) three-star
according to ESPN, Rivals, Scout, 247Sports and PrepStar PrepStar All-Midwest Region Ranking
No. 32 player in Ohio and No. 35 guard nationally according to Rivals No. 4 guard in Ohio, No. 18 guard
regionally and No. 72 guard nationally according to Scout No. 54 player in Ohio and No. 59 guard
nationally according to 247Sports No. 34 player in Ohio, No. 69 guard nationally and No. 97 player
regionally according to ESPN also offered by Cincinnati and Michigan.

Marcus Simms, WR, 6-1, 175, Olney, Md./Sherwood HS

Enrolled at West Virginia in January 2016 two-year starter and team captain for Coach Chris Grier at
Sherwood High Maryland Consensus All-State First Team (2015) Maryland Big School All-State First
Team (2015) Maryland Big School All-State Honorable Mention (2014) USA TODAY American Family
Insurance All-USA Maryland Second Team (2015) helped team to a 10-2 record in 2015, falling in the
state quarterfinals recorded 43 receptions for 1,020 yards and 20 touchdowns in 2015 hauled in 36
receptions for 712 yards and nine touchdowns in 2014 The Washington Post All-Met First Team (2015)
Montgomery County Class 4A Player of the Year (2015) all-Montgomery County First Team (2015)
four-star recruit according to ESPN and PrepStar three-star recruit according to Rivals, Scout and
247Sports PrepStar All-Atlantic Region Ranking No. 23 player in Maryland according to Rivals
No. 4 wide receiver in Maryland; No. 11 wide receiver regionally and No. 88 nationally according to Scout
No. 15 player in Maryland; No. 77 wide receiver nationally according to 247Sports No. 12 player in
Maryland; No. 45 player regionally; No. 77 wide receiver nationally according to ESPN also offered by
Boston College, Maryland, Pitt, Rutgers and Wake Forest.

Craig Smith, OL, 6-6, 310, Palm Royal, Fla./Tyler Junior College
Played for Coach Danny Palmer at Tyler JC (Tyler, Texas) named NJCAA All-American First Team helped
lead Tyler to a 7-3 record, the semifinals of the conference tournament and a final ranking of No. 16
member of the offensive line that blocked for Tyler to average 47.8 points per game, No. 5 nationally and 534.5
yards per game, No. 3 selected All-Southwest Junior College Football All-Conference First Team earned
All-Region XIV honors as a sophomore played for Coach Rob Baumgarn at Ridgewater College (Minn.) as a
freshman all-Minnesota College Athletic Conference All-Division First Team played for Coach
Willie Bueno at Royal Palm Beach High earned all-county second-team honors as a senior played in the
Florida-Georgia All-Star Game selected to play in the Palm Beach County Treasure Coast All-Star Game
ESPNs top recruits West Palm Beach played in Palm Beach All-Stars vs. Atlanta All-Stars No. 14 rated
offensive tackle by 247Sports three-star rating by 247Sports two-star rating by Rivals also offered by
Louisiana Tech, Louisiana-Lafayette, UAB, UCF and USF.

Steven Smothers, WR, 5-11, 150, Reisterstown, Md./Franklin

Played for Coach Anthony Burgos at Franklin High two-time Maryland Consensus All-State First Team
(2014-15) two-time Maryland Big School All-State First Team (2014-15) selected for Under Armour
All-Star Game three-time All-Baltimore Metro First Team helped team to a 10-2 record as a senior and
advance to the regional finals of the state playoffs triple threat as a receiver, returner and rusher finished
career with more than 2,700 yards receiving, 44 touchdowns receiving, 65 total touchdowns and 20.3 yards
per catch registered 1,164 all-purpose yards as a senior also rushed for 192 yards and three scores in
final season senior season totaled 556 yards receiving, 15 touchdowns receiving, averaged 17.4 yards per
catch and had 19 total touchdowns MaxPreps named him the Franklin Player of the Year prior to senior
season, had three-year statistical totals of 2,190 yards and 46 touchdowns junior season totals showed 696
yards receiving, 143 rushing, 437 returns yards and 22 total touchdowns four-year career all-purpose totals
stand at 987 yards as a freshman, 1,816 as a sophomore, 1,440 as a junior and 1,164 yards in his final season
for his career, averaged 23.1 yards on punt returns and 21.5 yards on kickoff returns four-star recruit by
Rivals and member of its 250 group Scout ranks him as the No. 27 best wide receiver prospect nationally,
No. 3 receiver in the East and No. 1 receiver in state of Maryland MaxPreps ranks him as No. 30 best
recruit in Maryland PrepStar All-American also excelled in track also offered by Alabama, Florida,
Florida State, Miami, Nebraska, Ohio State, Penn State and Tennessee.

Jovanni Stewart, S, 5-10, 190, Katy, Texas/Katy

Three-year starter for Coach Gary Joseph at Katy High helped lead Katy to a 16-0 record and eighth straight
6A DII state title team was ranked No. 1 in the nation by MaxPreps and USA Today computer rankings
part of a defense that allowed 3.9 points per game for the season as a senior, he finished with 101 tackles,
10 sacks, eight forced fumbles, four fumble recoveries, three blocked kicks, 10 pass breakups and scored five
touchdowns two-time All-District 19-6A selection two-star rating by Rivals, Scout and 247Sports also
offered by Air Force, Army, Navy, UTSA and UTEP.

Logan Thimons, LB, 6-2, 220, Sarver, Pa./Freeport Area Senior HS

Enrolled at West Virginia in January 2016 three-year starter for Coach John Gaillot at Freeport Area Senior
High Pennsylvania Class 2A All-State First Team (2015) Pennsylvania Football News Class 2A Defensive
Player of the Year Pennsylvania Football News Class 2A All-State First Team (2015) USA TODAY
American Family Insurance All-USA Pennsylvania First Team (2015) helped team to a 10-2 record in 2015
and the WPIAL quarterfinals had 401 career tackles, including 204 solo stops, 77 TFLs, 23 sacks and 13
forced fumbles set the single-season record for tackles (161), TFLs (33) and sacks (15.5) in 2015 made
10 or more tackles in 10 games, including 24 tackles and five TFLs vs. West Shamokin (9/25) had 122
tackles with 24 tackles for loss and 5.5 sacks in 2014 registered 97 tackles with 20 tackles for loss and one
sack in 2013 Pittsburgh Tribune-Review Terrific 25 (2015) Pittsburgh Post-Gazette Fabulous 22 (2015)
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette Preseason Fabulous 22 (2015) three-time WPIAL All-Allegheny Conference First
Team (2013-15) three-star recruit according to ESPN, Rivals, Scout, 247Sports and PrepStar PrepStar
All-East Region Ranking No. 28 player in Pennsylvania according to Rivals No. 1 inside linebacker in
Pennsylvania, No. 4 inside linebacker regionally and No. 24 inside linebacker nationally according to Scout
No. 34 player in Pennsylvania according to 247Sports No. 40 player in Pennsylvania according to ESPN.

Dylan Tonkery, S, 6-0, 195, Bridgeport, W.Va./Bridgeport HS

Enrolled at West Virginia in January 2016 three-year starter for Coach Josh Nicewarmer at Bridgeport High
two-time West Virginia All-State Class AA First Team (2014-15) USA TODAY American Family Insurance
All-USA West Virginia First Team (2015) helped team to three state championships and a 39-2-1 record
started three years at safety and recorded 72 tackles, 7.5 tackles for loss, four forced fumbles and two
interceptions had 34 tackles with five tackles for loss and three forced fumbles in 2015 started at running
back for two seasons, recording 3,401 yards on 378 carries with 40 touchdowns ran for 1,534 yards on 152
carries, averaging 10.1 yards per carry, with 19 touchdowns in 2015 ran for 200 or more yards in two games
and 100 or more yards in eight games two-time All-Harrison County First Team (2014-15) all-Harrison
County Second Team (2013) all-Big Ten First Team (2015) all-Big Ten Second Team (2014) three-star
recruit according to Scout two-star rating by PrepStar PrepStar All-Atlantic Region Ranking
No. 2 player in West Virginia according to Rivals No. 4 player in West Virginia according to 247Sports and
ESPN No. 1 safety in West Virginia, No. 8 safety in the East Region and No. 46 safety nationally according
to Scout Brother of former Mountaineer defensive standout, Wes Tonkery (2011-14).

Trevon Wesco, TE, 6-5, 260, Gerrardstown, W.Va./Lackawanna College

Played two seasons for Coach Mark Duda at Lackawanna College missed the 2015 season due to injury
finished the 2014 season with five receptions for 47 yards an all-state football and basketball player at
Musselman High three-star recruit according to ESPN, Rivals, 247Sports and PrepStar two-star recruit
according to Scout PrepStar Junior College All-American No. 46 junior college player according to
Rivals No. 3 junior college tight end nationally according to ESPN No. 7 junior college tight end nationally
according to 247Sports also offered by UCF.

Kyzir White, DB, 6-2, 210, Macungie, Pa./Lackawanna College

Played two seasons for Coach Mark Duda at Lackawanna College helped team to an 8-2 record in 2015
finished the 2015 season with 37 tackles, two tackles for loss, four breakups, three interceptions, two fumble
recoveries made 34 tackles in 2014, adding two pass breakups, 1.5 tackles for loss and one
interception 2015 All-Northeast Football Conference First Team 2014 All-Northeast Football
Conference Third Team previously played for Randy Cuthbert as a senior at Emmaus High and Coach Joe
Bottiglieri his previous three years four-star recruit according to ESPN, Rivals, Scout, 247Sports and
PrepStar PrepStar Junior College All-American No. 19 junior college player according to Rivals No. 20
on the ESPN JC50 No. 27 junior college prospect according to Scout No. 1 junior college safety nationally according to ESPN No. 12 junior college player nationally, No. 1 junior college safety nationally and
No. 1 junior college Pennsylvania player according to 247Sports also offered by Arizona, Arizona State,
Illinois, Louisville, Missouri, Nebraska, Oklahoma, Penn State, Pitt and USC brother of former WVU
All-American wide receiver Kevin White and current WVU wide receiver KaRaun White.

Jonn Young, K, 6-0, 200, Advance, N.C./Davie

Punter/kicker for Coach Holeman DeVore at Davie High for his career, he hit 10-of-13 field goal attempts
and 64-of-73 extra point attempts, scoring 94 points five-star rating by Kohls Kicking Academy as a
kicker 4.5-star rating by Kohls Kicking Academy as a punter five-star rating by Kornblue Kicking
five-star rating by Chris Sailer Kicking Academy Kornblue Kicking Fab 50 Chris Sailers "TOP 12"
hit 5-of-5 field goal attempts and 33-of-37 extra point attempts as a junior 2013 NC Nike Fall Camp Field
Goal Champion 2013 NC Nike Fall Camp Kickoff Champion 2014 Vegas Spring Event Punt Finalist
2014 Vegas Spring Event Field Goal Finalist 2014 Underclassmen Event Field Goal Champion
2014 FBU Ohio Punt Champion 2014 FBU Ohio Camp MVP 2015 Vegas XXVI Punt Finalist 2016
Vegas XXVII Overall Punt Champion Prepstar All-Atlantic Region Ranking No. 1 kicker in North
Carolina, No. 4 kicker in South Region and No. 7 kicker nationally according to Scout No. 13 kicker
nationally and No. 63 overall by 247Sports No. 35 kicker nationally and No. 46 overall in North Carolina
by ESPN.com three-star rating by ESPN, Scout, 247Sports and Prepstar two-star rating by Rivals.

2016 West Virginia Football Preferred Walk-ons

Name
Matt Bezjak
Mitch Chugunov
Elijah Drummond
Nathan Green
Kyle Poland
Kody Shearer
Evan Stire
Carter Walburn
Conner Watts

Pos.
TE
WR
FB
TE
LS
S
K
LB
WR

Ht.
6-5
6-0
6-1
6-6
6-1
5-11
5-11
6-1
5-11

Wt.
215
172
215
240
215
165
178
180
200

Hometown/Last School
Loveland, Ohio/Loveland
Skillman, N.J./Montgomery
Bridgeport, W.Va./Bridgeport
Wellsburg, W.Va./Brooke
Morgantown, W.Va./Morgantown
Morgantown, W.Va./Morgantown
Morgantown, W.Va./Morgantown
Martinsburg, W.Va./Martinsburg
Hurricane, W.Va./Hurricane

Matt Bezjak, TE, 6-5, 215, Loveland, Ohio/Loveland

Played for Coach Fred Cranford at Loveland HS ... two-year starter and three-year letterwinner ... all-Eastern
Cincinnati Conference Honorable Mention ... finished with 10 catches for 107 yards and a touchdown

Mitch Chugunov, WR, 6-0, 172, Skillman, N.J./Montgomery

Played for Coach Zoran Milich at Montgomery HS ... as a senior, saw action in seven games, finishing with 49
catches for 638 yards and three touchdowns ... also had three carries for 31 yards with a long of 18 yards for
his career, he finished with 133 catches for 1,786 yards and 15 touchdowns ... all-Conference First Team wide
receiver ... brother, Chris, is a quarterback on the current West Virginia football team

Elijah Drummond, FB, 6-1, 215, Bridgeport, W.Va./Bridgeport

Played for Coach Josh Nicewarner at Bridgeport HS ... named All-State 2A First Team linebacker by West
Virginia Sportswriters Association ... helped team to three state championships and a 39-2-1 record ... as a
senior, played in 14 games, finishing with 37 carries for 323 yards and six touchdowns ... had 77 tackles,
including 10 tackles for loss, two forced fumbles, two fumble recoveries and an interception

Nathan Green, TE, 6-6, 240, Wellsburg, W.Va./Brooke

Played for Coach Mac McLean at Brooke HS ... named All-State 3A Special Honorable Mention ... earned
all-Conference honors (DE) ... helped Brooke finish 9-4 and advance to the third round of state playoffs

Kyle Poland, LS, 6-1, 215, Morgantown, W.Va./Morgantown

Played for Coach John Bowers at Morgantown HS ... started all 11 games at center and long snapper ...
helped Morgantown to a 10-3 record, the Two River Conference Championship and the first round of the state
playoffs

Kody Shearer, S, 5-11, 165, Morgantown, W.Va./Morgantown

Played for Coach John Bowers at Morgantown HS ... named All-Conference Second Team ... had two interceptions, seven pass breakups and three fumble recoveries as a senior ... finished with 16 catches for 402 yards
and seven touchdowns ... used as a cornerback and wide receiver ... named All-State 3A Second Team (DB) ...
all-Two Rivers Conference Second Team Selection ... brother, Dan, lettered in football at WVU in 1987-88

Evan Stire, K, 5-11, 178, Morgantown, W.Va./Morgantown

Played for Coach John Bowers at Morgantown HS ... connected on all four field goal attempts and 32-of-37
extra-point attempts ... helped Morgantown to a 10-3 record, the Two River Conference Championship and the
first round of the state playoffs ... four-star kicker rating by KCKicking ... starting goalkeeper on Morgantown
soccer team; won two state championships

Carter Walburn, LB, 6-2, 215, Martinsburg, W.Va./Martinsburg

Played for Coach David Walker at Martinsburg HS ... two-year starter at linebacker and quarterback ... injured
during preseason and had to sit out the season ... named All-State 3A Special Honorable Mention ... as a
junior, earned All-Conference First-Team honors, all-county first team, all-district first team, all-region first team

Conner Watts, WR, 5-11, 200, Hurricane, W.Va./Hurricane

Played for Coach Jeremy Taylor at Hurricane HS ... played running back, wide receiver and defensive back ...
named All-State 3A Honorable Mention in 2014 and 2015 ... earned 2015 All-Mountain State Athletic
Conference First-Team honors ... had more than 1,100 offensive yards in 2015, despite missing games due to
ankle injury