National Signing Day 2017: Is West Virginia’s Tevin Bush the next Tavon Austin?

Ever since Tavon Austin graduated in 2012, West Virginia has tried, unsuccessfully, to replace the skilled playmaker. Tavon’s unique ability to take a 1-yard pass and turn it into a 99-yard touchdown has left a huge hole in the offense. All-purpose back Tevin Bush, out of Landry-Walker High School in New Orleans, Louisiana, will hope to replace Tavon this coming fall.

Bush has many similarities to Austin including his size. Listed at 5’-8” and 170 pounds, there are concerns with Bush’s size and ability to hold up against larger competition. Without those concerns, Bush shows tremendous speed, agility and elusiveness both as a ball carrier and a receiver.

Bush committed to the Mountaineers in early April and never wavered on his commitment. He became a mid-year enrollee a couple of weeks ago. Bush’s 4.4-speed could allow him to insert himself into the conversation early as a kick returner or punt returner while learning the offense. With three very talented running backs ahead of him (Crawford, McKoy and Pettaway) Bush may have a hard time cracking the rotation this year.

Tevin chose the Mountaineers over Arkansas, Louisville, Texas Tech and Cincinnati.