WVU Moves On
By Joe Giardina

On Dec. 1, West Virginia's bid for a National Championship in 2007 was crushed thanks to a 13-9 defeat at the hands of the Pittsburgh Panthers. In the ensuing weeks the Mountaineers lost their head coach to Michigan, their star running back to the NFL, five commits to other teams and their shot at one of the top recruits in the country, Terrelle Pryor.

But new head coach Bill Stewart and his staff are not throwing in the towel. Picked by rivals.com to be the 4th best recruiting class in the Big East, the Mountaineers have hit the trails hard making late pushes on several players. To date they have 14 sure commits and one junior college transfer who is already enrolled in classes. But the jewel of their class could be Josh Jenkins, a highly touted offensive lineman right in their backyard.

"Josh Jenkins is probably the best offensive lineman in America that hasn't committed anywhere," says Jim Laise of rivals.com. The 6'4" 303 pound Jenkins is a run blocking specialist who can dominate the defensive line - the perfect lineman to be lined up in front of quarterback Pat White and running back Noel Devine. He currently has offers from Ohio State and Florida State as well, but he had a very positive visit to Morgantown in mid-January, and hopes to make another trip before making a final decision.

Another recruit the Mountaineers are pushing for is Coley White, younger brother of All-American quarterback Pat White. Standing at 6-foot, 165-pounds, and a southpaw, the Mountaineers hope the comparisons to the elder Pat hold water.

Similar in build and abilities, athlete J.J. Dorsey of Winchester (VA) will honor his commit that he made back in May. Dorsey, 6'1", 195 pounds, was the Northern Virginia Daily Offensive Player of the Year throwing for 1,676 yards and rushing for another 1,255 yards.

With Steve Slaton leaving early for the NFL Draft, the Mountaineers will look to replace his 230-plus touches. Star sophomore running back Devine will step into the feature back role and WVU hopes that 6'1", 225 pound Terence Kerns from Hargrave Military Academy in Virginia will see some playing time as well. Kerns, who has already verbally committed but is still waiting to qualify, is a powerful back who would be a nice compliment to the shiftiness of Devine.

On the defensive side of the ball, West Virginia beat out N.C. State, Colorado, Maryland and Minnesota for defensive tackle Chris Palmer out of Philadelphia. The 6'2", 285 pound Palmer is strong and quick, but very raw and likely will need a year under his belt to learn technique.

Most Immediate Impact: Donovan Miles, LB -- Had 107 tackles as a junior, including eight sacks. Has ability to push for immediate playing time.

Terence Kerns, RB -- Was a big recruit last season before being derailed by grades. Could make a nice one-two punch with Devine.

Star in four years: Christopher Palmer, DT -- Has the potential and raw ability to be a star, but needs to learn techniques and mature physically.

Biggest Sleeper: Jerome Swinton, DB -- Only other offers were from Florida Int'l and Connecticut. Makes up for his height (5'9") with quickness (4.4 forty) and strength.