College Football Recruiting
West Virginia University
By Greg Washington

A tidal wave of uncertainty engulfed the West Virginia football program after the 2006-07 season - Rich Rodriguez nearly succumbed to the allure of Tuscaloosa, AL and his staff lost valuable coaches Rick Trickett, Butch Jones, and Herb Hand - but the Mountaineers still landed a solid 2007 recruiting class.

The coaching overturn cost the Mountaineers offensive lineman Rodney Hudson, who followed line coach Trickett to Florida State, but the rest of the class stayed in tact. And with two consecutive bowl victories and the nation's No. 2 rushing attack luring talented recruits, the Mountaineers assembled their top class under Rodriguez's tutelage.

Compared to past classes, where West Virginia has found several diamonds in the rough, this particular class is composed of highly-graded players that fit specific needs.

"The class overall is solid, I think Rich Rodriguez is doing a better job at finding guys with obvious talent that everybody is going after, as opposed to stealing a couple guys around signing day," Rivals.com analyst Dallas Jackson said.

Perhaps preparing for life post-Steve Slaton, the Mountaineers are bringing in three running backs to maintain their formidable ground attack, each possessing a diverse skill set.

Terence Kerns, who rushed for 1,719 yards and 27 touchdowns last season, boasts an impressive frame, a knack for changing directions and hits the hole quickly. Although not a prefect fit for Rodriguez's offense, Kerns-like Slaton, a Maryland native-could see the field next season.

Kentucky's Victor Anderson is already drawing comparisons to Slaton with his 4.48 40-time and pass catching ability, but is undersized. Although expected to contribute mostly on special teams because of his game-breaking athleticism, Jock Sanders out of Florida is an electrifying scatback with explosive cutback ability.

The Mountaineers also have commitments from three quarterbacks. Morgantown native Charlie Russell is more of a pocket passer than Bradley Starks and Brandon Hogan, both from Virginia.

Seton-LaSalle's Gino Gradkowski has the potential to step in and possibly replace Dan Mozes because of great feet and quickness off the ball, but he needs to increase his size. Pittsburgh area lineman Donny Barclay also possesses great footwork and provides solid pass protection, yet needs time to improve his footwork.

On the defensive side of the ball, the Mountaineers did not add elite talent to their front three or linebacking corps. Hometown Junius Lewis has the potential to someday be the centerpiece of the d-line, but needs to add weight.

However, the Mountaineers bolstered their secondary by signing a top lockdown corner in junior college defensive back Ellis Lankster, who is already enrolled. Ohio's Sidney Glover, thought by many to be the best running quarterback in the nation, likely will transition to defensive back. Although Glover will be raw, his outstanding athleticism and toughness may lead to playing time.

The final piece of the puzzle could come in the form of one of the best prep players in the country, running back Noel Devine. The blue-chip talent was considering West Virginia, along with Florida State and Alabama shortly before letter of intent day.