Zach Frazier Selected in 2nd Round of 2024 NFL Draft

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) 

WVU Teases New Uniforms Ahead of Spring Game

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) 

WVU Receiver Enters Transfer Portal

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) 

WVU Beats Pitt

Morgantown, WV - In front of the largest home crowd ever for WVU Baseball, the Mountaineers took down the Pitt Panthers on Tuesday afternoon, 6-3. The Mountaineers, now 23-13 on the season, saw production from several players. Spencer Barnett, Logan Sauve, Sam White, and Reed Chumley also tallied an RBI. The Mountaineers travel to Texas Tech on Friday for a three-game series. (Photo by WVU Athletics)

WVU Lands 2025 Commitment

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) 

5 Players to Be Excited For Heading Into 2024

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) 

5 Players Who Must Produce for WVU in 2024

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:  

5 Players Who Could Have a Breakout Season for WVU 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) 

Josiah Harris Enters Transfer Portal

Morgantown, WV - Earlier this evening, WVU Forward Josiah Harris officially entered his name into the NCAA Transfer Portal. https://twitter.com/voicemorgantown/status/1777427286091800887?s=46&t=cXIQ4JQG-pp-P6qrRwLwjw Harris, who just completed his sophomore season in Morgantown, averaged 5.0 points and 4.1 rebounds per game. Here is what Harris had to say to Mountaineer Nation: “Dear Mountaineer Family, I am referring to you as family because that is what you are. When I left my family in Ohio two years ago it was difficult, but knew that the departure would not be forever and that it was necessary in order to grow from a boy to a man. That is what West Virginia has done for me. I walked through the doors as a boy, and I am both saddened and proud to say that i must leave you a man, but a man who is truly blessed. Blessed to not only have a Bachelor's degree, but in May, a Master's degree that will be permanently engraved with the West Virginia University insignia.“ The Ohio native wished Coach Darian DeVries and the Mountaineer Basketball program success moving forward. Stay tuned to The Voice of Motown for updates on the transfer portal moving forward. (Photo by WVU Athletics) 

Marshall Loses Women’s Basketball Coach to Tennessee

Huntington, WV - After a successful season with the Marshall Women’s Basketball team, Head Coach Kim Caldwell has accepted the same position with the Tennessee Lady Volunteers, according to Talia Goodman of The Next. https://twitter.com/goodmansport/status/1777014406343225393?s=46&t=cXIQ4JQG-pp-P6qrRwLwjw Caldwell led the Herd to a 26-7 record, including a 17-1 mark in Sun Belt play, as well as a Sun Belt Championship. The Herd failed to advance past the first round following a 92-49 loss to Virginia Tech. Stay tuned to The Voice of Motown for updates regarding the coaching carousel. (Photo via Marshall Athletics) 

Neal Brown Ranked Among Big 12 Coaches

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) 

WVU Adds Kicker/Punter to 2025 Class

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) 

WVU Lands Top 2025 In-State Player

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) 

WVU Lands 2025 Commitment

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) 

Jerry West Receives More Accolades

Morgantown, WV - The legend of Jerry West only continues to grow. According to Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN, West will receive his third Naismith Hall of Fame enshrinement - this time as a contributor to the game of basketball. West, 85, is a native of Chelyan, West Virginia, and was a star guard for the West Virginia Mountaineers from 1957-160, and then went to play for the Los Angeles Lakers from 1960-1974. While with the Lakers, he was a 14-time NBA All-Star and considered one of the greatest professional players ever. Since retiring as a player, he has been active in the NBA as an executive with the LA Lakers, Memphis Grizzlies, Golden State Warriors and Los Angeles Clippers. https://twitter.com/wojespn/status/1775588202096554430?s=46&t=cXIQ4JQG-pp-P6qrRwLwjw West’s previous two enshrinements were as a player in 1979, and in 2010 as a member of the 1960 U.S. Olympic team. (Photo via West Virginia University)