Football

MORGANTOWN, WV - Moments ago, former WVU Center Zach Frazier heard his name called during the second round of the 2024 NFL Draft. The Fairmont, West Virginia native will be taking his talents to Pittsburgh to play for the Pittsburgh Steelers! Frazier was selected in the 2nd round and #51 overall in the draft. Frazier, a 6'3 313 pound center, finished his decorated Mountaineer career with two All-American selections, three All-Big 12 selections, and 46 starts in 47 career games. According to NFL.com, "Frazier has a sawed-off frame with short arms and terrific power once he gets locked in. Frazier’s lack of ideal arm length will be a problem for some evaluators and could cause him problems on the next level. Frazier has bulldozer drive strength in his lower half but allows his hands to do too much grabbing and hugging at times. He has quick eyes and a firm punch in pass protection, but because of his lack of length and recovery ability, he’s going to have issues if he’s forced to protect on an island. Frazier has the potential to be a good backup or eventual starter, but he needs to play with consistent inside hands and must stay tight to his targets in order to mitigate his physical deficiencies." Many experts believe that Frazier could make an immediate impact in the NFL. Trevor Sikkema of PFF College Football said "Frazier's background and build give him a high floor as a scheme-versatile center who is worthy of an early Day 2 pick and a starting role." https://twitter.com/PFF_College/status/1783935829070758294 Strengths (according to NFL.com) Wide, squared-off frame with muscular arms and exceptional core strength. Jolting upper-body power helps widen run lanes with down/secure blocks. Drives opposition into the ground with every opportunity he gets. Uses darting eyes and plus instincts to locate pressure points around him. Squeezes down toward A-gap blitzers with forceful positioning. Punches with good placement and above-average grip strength. https://twitter.com/CoachChadScott/status/1784000429468090490 (Photo by WVU Athletics) 

Morgantown, WV - Since the conclusion of the 2023 season, it has been rumored that the WVU Football team will be revealing a new set of uniforms for the 2024 season. After much speculation, and some even questioning the validity of the reports, we now have confirmation that the Mountaineers WILL be unveiling a new look to fans in attendance at the Gold-Blue Spring Game. https://twitter.com/wvufootball/status/1783934073171485181?s=46&t=cXIQ4JQG-pp-P6qrRwLwjw Earlier this afternoon, the WVU Football social media team shared a first look video as to what fans can expect from the new uniform. A compilation of old uniforms, primarily ones with the Flying WV on the sleeves and stripes down the pants, were showcased with the caption “first look tomorrow.” WVU followed a similar blueprint with their latest set of uniforms in 2019. Fans in attendance at the Gold-Blue Spring Game can anticipate that the official reveal will take place during halftime. With the new set of threads, it has also been rumored that WVU will be revealing its first set of black uniforms in the football program’s history. According to a report from EerSports in the winter, the anticipation is that these will be worn during WVU’s August 31st season opener against Penn State. It is likely that fans will be encouraged to wear black in what is being deemed as a “Blackout.”   Stay tuned to The Voice of Motown as we will bring you updates on WVU’s uniform reveal tomorrow. (Photo by WVU Athletics) 

MORGANTOWN, West Virginia -- Moments ago, it was revealed on West Virginia Football's official social media accounts that two of the Mountaineers' all-time greatest players, Pat White and Pat McAfee, will return to Morgantown this weekend to coach the two opposing teams in the annual Gold and Blue Spring game! White, who started at quarterback for the Mountaineers from 2005-2008, is perhaps West Virginia's greatest player ever, and will coach the blue team. During his time at WVU, White started a total of 40 games during his 4-year career and had a career starting record of 35–8, which is unmatched by any quarterback in WVU history. In addition, he is the first quarterback to have started and won 4 consecutive bowl games and rushed for 4,480 career yards, which is second most among any quarterback in FBS history. White also accounted for 100+ touchdowns, which is a Big East record for any position. https://twitter.com/WVUfootball/status/1783874399369580569 McAfee, who was the kicker/punter for the Mountaineers from 2005-2008, is now one of the most popular sports media personalities in the world, will be the coach of the gold team tomorrow. McAfee had the following to say in his announcement on social media: "All I can think about right now is that Blaine Stewart and I are going to get a big W in the spring game this Saturday! GG (Garrett Greene) is about to run wild! The rest of the squad is about to be absolute dawgs! I can't wait to get there to see all of you and meet all of you, let's go!" https://twitter.com/WVUfootball/status/1783882016800309713 According to the official WVU Athletics website, "the Gold-Blue Spring Football Game will be televised on the Big 12 Now on ESPN+ platform at noon. Nick Farrell will handle the play-by-play duties, Rasheed Marshall will provide analysis and Anjelica Trinone will be an on-site reporter. Additional television coverage will start with a special Mountaineer GameDay Gold-Blue pregame show starting at 11 a.m. on the all of the local Nexstar affiliates, as well as on AT&T SportsNet Pittsburgh, followed by the game broadcast at Noon, on Big 12 Now on ESPN+."

Morgantown, WV - Moments ago, WVU Receiver E.J. Horton announced that he is officially in the NCAA Transfer Portal. https://twitter.com/_issalilgoat/status/1782871648007262531?s=46&t=cXIQ4JQG-pp-P6qrRwLwjw Horton, who spent his first three seasons at Marshall, tallied 10 receptions for 201 yards and a touchdown in 2023. He was expected to contend for a starting receiver position this fall. This marks WVU’s first loss to the transfer portal this spring. Stay tuned to The Voice of Motown for updates. (Photo by WVU Athletics) 

MORGANTOWN, West Virginia -- Last year in the season opener at Penn State, KeAndre Lambert-Smith absolutely shredded West Virginia in the Nittany Lions' 38-15 victory over the Mountaineers, accounting for 4 receptions for 123 yards and 2 touchdowns. Now, Lambert-Smith is in the transfer portal, and West Virginia is among the favorites to land him. In fact, according to On3.com, the Mountaineers are in the driver's seat in his transfer recruitment right now. "KeAndre Lambert-Smith entered the transfer portal Monday and immediately became the top available wide receiver in college football," Pete Nakos of On3.com said. The 5th-year player led the Nittany Lions with 53 catches for 673 yards and four touchdowns in 2023. Speaking with a source close to the situation, Texas A&M, Auburn, Colorado, Georgia and West Virginia are among the teams who have contacted the wide receiver." Nakos went on to say, "West Virginia provides the opportunity to step in and immediately become a threat in the passing game. Quarterback Garrett Greene threw for 2,406 yards and 16 touchdowns last season." In addition, J.D. Pickell posted a video on social media today, projecting where the top players in the transfer portal will end up, and he predicted Lambert-Smith to become a Mountaineer. "KeAndre Lambert-Smith's cell phone likely hasn't stopped ringing since he jumped in to the transfer portal," Pickell said. "I'm going to call my shot for the former Penn State  wideout to end up at West Virginia. The Mountaineers are reportedly gaining some traction when it comes to his recruitment. Also, it can't hurt that they are about a road trip away from Norfolk, Virginia, where Lambert-Smith is from." West Virginia is absolutely loaded with talent on the offensive and defensive sides of the ball heading into the 2024 season, but one thing they are missing is a true #1 wide receiver. With Lambert-Smith available as the top wide receiver in the transfer portal, landing him would be one of the most important moves Neal Brown and his coaching staff could make this offseason. West Virginia opens the 2024 season at home against Lambert-Smith's former team, the Penn State Nittany Lions, on August 31st.

Morgantown, WV - Moments ago, Neal Brown and the West Virginia Mountaineers secured yet another piece to their 2025 class. Eidan Buchanan, a 247Sports three-star offensive lineman from Olney, Maryland, officially announced his commitment to WVU via Instagram. Buchanan held many offers from several different Power Five programs. Among the programs on his top five, other than WVU, were Kentucky, Wisconsin, Rutgers, and Maryland. He also received offers from Pitt and Syracuse. Standing at 6-foot-8 and weighing 325 pounds, Buchanan was a highly sought after prospect in the 2025 class. His latest official visit to WVU was held on March 29th. (Photo via WVU Recruiting) 

Morgantown, WV - After finishing with a 9-4 record in 2023, many are excited about the potential of the 2024 West Virginia University Mountaineers. With a plethora of production returning, fans will be eagerly awaiting the fireworks that are destined to take place. There are many players to be excited for, but we have narrowed it down to the FIVE players that fans will be most intrigued by heading into next season. If they can continue to build off of their previous success, 2024 could be the year that they officially put their names on the national map. Without further ado, here are the players you should be excited for this fall: Garrett Greene, QB (Sr.) - This one was a no-brainer. Greene went from being someone who was struggling to get their chance to a bonafide badass in no time flat. The Florida native graded out as one of the best quarterbacks in College Football, according to Pro Football Focus. If he can improve his completion percentage, this could be a special final season in Morgantown for Greene. Hudson Clement, WR (R-So.) - Clement is another Mountaineer to receive an excellent grade from Pro Football Focus. The former Martinsburg Bulldog became a fan favorite in West Virginia after posting a 3 touchdown game against the Duquesne Dukes. This performance was so impressive that it prompted Neal Brown to put him on scholarship immediately after the game. https://twitter.com/wvufootball/status/1700720328199098578?s=46&t=cXIQ4JQG-pp-P6qrRwLwjw Should he maintain his yards per catch average, Clement could quickly become recognized as one of the best receivers in the Big 12 Conference. Jahiem White, RB (So.) - This one was another no-brainer. White was the team’s leading rusher in 2023, accomplishing the feat in less than 100 carries. His production will undoubtedly increase in 2024. With the increase in touches, the potential of explosive plays will only continue to grow. Was this a one-off performance from White or will he cement himself as a playmaker on a national scale? We easily believe it will be the latter. Michael Hayes, K (R-Sr.) - How about some love for the kicker? Hayes was almost automatic in 2023. With the schedule set to be more difficult this fall, his services will be even more pivotal for this team’s success. We aren’t claiming he will receive Lou Groza recognition, but Hayes could be the determining factor in many outcomes for the Mountaineers. Neal Brown found a gem in this former Georgia State Panther. Ben Cutter, LB (So.) - Since the Mountaineers have so many potential superstars to choose from, this last spot was incredibly difficult to pick. With the first four picks going towards offense (and special teams), we decided that the last should go to a defender. Cutter was too good to keep on the sidelines. He is one of the few players that were able to step in and contribute right away. While his size may be a concern, he plays with a motor that makes up for any deficits. A role increase will be in the cards for Cutter in 2024. He has the potential to become one of the nastiest defenders this conference has to offer. Keep an eye on #15 whenever the defense is on the field. (Photo by WVU Athletics) 

Morgantown, WV - At the end of the day, College Football is a business. If you do not perform, you will be replaced. While I have a deep respect for all Mountaineers, I understand that sometimes players will run out of opportunities to prove themselves to the coaching staff and fanbase. Heading into 2024, there are a few Mountaineers that MUST play well in order to remain in the good graces of coaches and fans. Today, we are going to take a look at players who must produce and survive this season. Here are five players that have to turn their fortunes around in 2024:  

Morgantown, WV - WVU’s annual Gold-Blue Spring Game is upon us. Fans will get a first look at their 2024 Mountaineers at Milan Puskar Stadium on April 27th. Kickoff is set for noon, and the university has announced various festivities taking place prior to and after the event. While fans will certainly enjoy the atmosphere, the extracurriculars will not be where everyone’s attention will be. West Virginia has the opportunity to build off of a successful 9-4 season in 2023. With many key contributors returning, the search will be on for potential breakout stars who will emerge over the next four months. Today, we are going to take a look at FIVE potential breakout players for the Mountaineers in 2024. Taken into consideration will be their skill sets as well as their previous production and potential. Here are the names that Mountaineer Nation should be keeping a close eye on: EJ Horton, WR (Sr.) - The speedy Marshall transfer has been deemed one of the fastest players on the team by the coaching staff. While his stats were relatively quiet in 2023 (10 catches for 201 yards and 1 touchdown), his skill set makes him one of the most intriguing prospects on the roster. If he can put it all together, Horton could be a name that Mountaineer fans become familiar with very quickly in 2024. Josiah Trotter, LB (R-Fr.) - Trotter was the talk of fall camp last season until a lower leg injury ended his inaugural campaign in Morgantown before it got started. With his return comes a plethora of intrigue as everyone will be anticipating how well he can play after a serious injury. His size resembles that of Lee Kpogba, and we can expect that his play will also. Trotter’s career trajectory has the potential to be one celebrated by WVU for years to come. Rodney Gallagher, WR (So.) -  Gallagher is the second and final receiver on this list. His true freshman season saw him adjusting to the college game. The Pennsylvania native garnered early playing time, but was only able to muster 65 receiving yards on 8 catches. His athleticism makes him a threat to score each time he touches the ball. If he can display any kind of significant adjustment to the speed of the game, he could become a pivotal playmaker for the Mountaineers. Garnett Hollis Jr., CB (Sr.) - The Northwestern transfer brings with him loads of excitement. WVU Co-Defensive Coordinator ShaDon Brown has been on record calling him the “steal of the portal.” During his time with the Wildcats, he accumulated 78 tackles and 2 interceptions. With Beanie Bishop gone, Hollis will become a voice that the locker room depends on in big moments. His experience sets him up perfectly for a huge final season of eligibility with WVU. Sean Martin, DL (Sr.) - Martin is easily the surprise of this list as many consider him to be one of the critical pieces to the defense. However, Martin has yet to reach his full potential in a Mountaineer uniform. Given his stature and skill set, the Bluefield, West Virginia native should have had no problem coming in and dominating the Big 12. While his stats are respectable, he has yet to put together a truly jaw-dropping season. With yet another year under his belt, 2024 is now or never for Martin. This is his last opportunity to become a household name for the Mountaineers - and we believe he will. (Photo by WVU Athletics) 

Morgantown, WV - Neal Brown has had quite the comeback in Morgantown. After being squarely on the hot seat going into the 2023 season, the Kentucky native squashed any discussions of his firing with a 9-4 record. Coming off of a 30-10 Mayo Bowl win over North Carolina, expectations will be high for Brown and the Mountaineers going into 2024. Yesterday, College Football Report, a popular account on X, revealed their ranking of the Big 12 head coaches. Brown, who is coming off arguably his best season as a head coach, was placed considerably low on the list. Despite the optimism, Brown came in 9th on the list. https://twitter.com/cfbrep/status/1776326831295152435?s=46&t=cXIQ4JQG-pp-P6qrRwLwjw While most of the coaches above him are reasonable, Deion Sanders, who is 4-8 at Colorado, coming in at 8th is simply laughable. Though West Virginia and Colorado do not play one another this season, Brown is undoubtedly a better head coach than Sanders at this time. With time Sanders can surely improve, but we have not reached that point. Brown and the Mountaineers will have the opportunity to prove the doubters wrong right out of the gate. West Virginia is scheduled to take on Penn State in Morgantown on August 31st. It is anticipated that the Nittany Lions will be ranked, and Milan Puskar Stadium will be at full capacity, potentially breaking attendance records. The kickoff time and network have yet to be announced. (Photo by WVU Athletics) 

MORGANTOWN, West Virginia -- Neal Brown has made keeping homegrown talent home during his tenure as the head coach of the West Virginai Mountaineers, and he's certainly been successful landing the state's top recruits. Yesterday, the top player in the 2025 recruiting class, "Zah" Trelious Jackson, a three star cornerback from Huntington, West Virginia. Jackson chose to stay home over offers from Akron, Appalachian State, Eastern Kentucky, NC State, the University of Charleston, etc. When Jackson committed, his former teammate at Huntington High School, Robby Martin, congratulated him on social media, saying, "I'm proud of you my brother and I'm behind you every step of the way." https://twitter.com/Robcat27/status/1776281541716464007 Martin, a 6'3 300 pound offensive lineman, was the #1 high school player in the state of West Virginia during the 2024 recruiting class and one of the few players who slipped away for Neal Brown since he's been the head coach of the Mountaineers. Martin, who was a four star recruit out of high school, instead chose to play for the NC State Wolfpack. However, Martin could potentially be interested in returning home to play for the Mountaineers! In the comments of his congratulatory post to his friend Zah Jackson on social media, a fan said, "You should've stayed home too." Martin's reply? "Ain't too late." The West Virginia offensive line is loaded with talent already, but Martin is an exceptional talent who would certainly be welcomed by the Mountaineers' head coach if he is truly interested in returning home. Stay tuned and keep a close eye on Robby Martin potentially entering the transfer portal! If he enters the portal, West Virginia would likely be his ultimate destination. YouTuber Mountaineer Paul discussed the possibility of Robby Martin flipping to West Virginia on his show last night. Check it out below:  https://www.youtube.com/live/ZVOtLi4O9Nc?si=TrZ1aLytm-PtW9uu

Morgantown, WV - Moments ago, Neal Brown and the Mountaineers added a specialist to their 2025 class. Matthew Park, a kicker/punter from Central York High School in Pennsylvania, committed to WVU via X. https://twitter.com/matthew_parker2/status/1776370337053131224?s=46&t=cXIQ4JQG-pp-P6qrRwLwjw Parker, who does not hold an official rating from any major recruiting outlet, attended the same high school as Running Back Jahiem White. He only holds one other offer, according to 247Sports. This is to Penn State, who WVU opens the 2024 season with on August 31st. Stay tuned to The Voice of Motown for recruiting updates. (Photo via WVU Recruiting) 

Morgantown, WV - Moments ago, Neal Brown and the Mountaineers secured yet another addition to the 2025 class. Zah Jackson, a 247Sports three-star defensive back from Huntington, announced his commitment to the Mountaineers via Instagram. Jackson, who is the top ranked player in West Virginia for 2025, holds eight total offers from various schools. Akron, Appalachian State, and  N.C. State were among the other FBS teams to offer him. Last season, Jackson made 57 tackles, four for lost yardage, intercepted five passes, broke up eight, returned one for a touchdown, forced one fumble and blocked a punt for a TD as a defender. On offense, he ran for 1,157 yards and 18 touchdowns, caught 221 yards worth of passes. Jackson helped Huntington High to a Class AAA state title in 2022 and earned most valuable player honors. Zah is such an explosive player,” Huntington High School head coach Billy Seals said. “There’s no doubt he’s the best in the state. The thing is, he continues to get better and better. He works at it. He’s a great young man and the No. 1 player in the state,” Seals said. “His future is very bright.” He becomes the third addition of the day for WVU’s 2025 class. Stay tuned to The Voice of Motown for recruiting updates. (Photo via WVU Recruiting) 

Morgantown, WV - Moments ago, Neal Brown and the West Virginia Mountaineers added to their 2025 recruiting class. Thomas Barr, an offensive lineman out of Pennsylvania, announced his commitment to the Mountaineers via social media. https://twitter.com/t_barr56/status/1776035237757165982?s=46&t=cXIQ4JQG-pp-P6qrRwLwjw Barr currently does not hold a rating from any major recruiting outlet. WVU is one of three schools to offer him a scholarship - UMass and Lafayette College being the other two. Stay tuned to The Voice of Motown for recruiting updates.   (Photo via WVU Recruiting) 

Morgantown, WV - Earlier today, College Football Broadcaster Kirk Herbstreit made an appearance on ESPN’s The Pat McAfee Show. During his segment, Herbstreit discussed the upcoming EA Sports College Football ‘25 that is set to release this summer. During this discussion, Herbstreit CONFIRMED that the game will officially release during the month of July. The former Ohio State Buckeye also claimed that he has not yet finished recording for his role in the game as a broadcaster. Another wrinkle to the game will be multiple broadcast teams. In the past, only one broadcast team was used in the game - notably Herbstreit and Brad Nessler. Now, depending on the game you play, there will be a different team for each game. What is your excitement level for the new College Football video game? Let us know in the comments below! (Photo by WVU Athletics)  https://youtu.be/i4mnacv4Fv8?si=VjwYy4STjVmDSkZ4