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When former Oklahoma Sooner backup quarterback Austin Kendall announced his transfer to West Virginia in mid-January, most Mountaineer fans assumed he’d become the heir apparent to run Neal Brown’s offense in 2019, but that doesn’t necessarily seem to be the case.
According to a source, none of the three quarterbacks on scholarship were particularly impressive throughout Spring workouts. In fact, during his final press conference ahead of the Gold-Blue Spring game last month, Brown noted that quarterback play had been “too up-and-down” and that walk-on signal caller Trent Jackson had thrown the best in that day’s practice session. Now, according to the same source, Brown is evaluating the possibility of adding another transfer quarterback to West Virginia’s roster to bolster competition heading into Summer, and perhaps finding an outright starter for the Mountaineers’ season opener against James Madison.
Taking a quick look at the transfer portal, there appear to be a couple options that Brown can turn to — the least likely being former Troy quarterback Sawyer Smith. Smith announced his transfer from the Trojan’s program two weeks ago, and would bring familiarity of Brown’s offense. Smith started seven games for the Trojans last season after Kaleb Barker suffered a season-ending knee injury mid-way through the season. (Update 3:30PM: Smith just announced that he’ll be transferring to Kentucky as a grad transfer).
The most likely candidate is Bowling Green’s Jarret Doege — brother of former Texas Tech quarterback Seth Doege. Doege announced his transfer from the Falcons last Wednesday and, if you want to read into recent follows on Twitter, it looks like the ball could already be rolling on this one.
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Doege started every game for Bowling Green last season, and threw for 2,660 yards and 27 touchdowns with a 62.6% completion percentage. Doege is entering his true junior season in 2019. While NCAA rules state Doege would have to sit out the upcoming season due to transfer, he may be able to make a case for a waiver to play immediately based on Bowling Green’s head coach situation.
Keep an eye on this situation over the next week or so.
More Links:
- While Neal Brown is weighing his options at quarterback in the immediate, quarterbacks coach Sean Reagan was busy last week, working on the future. Reagan offered Dacula, GA native Colten Gauthier, a Class of 2021 prospect, and Gunner Stockton, a Class of 2022 recruit from Tiger, GA.
After a great conversation with @CoachSeanReagan this morning. I am so thankful to receive an offer from @WVUfootball. @RabunFootball @CoachJayboShaw @Mansell247 @ChadSimmons_ @tballardqbcoach pic.twitter.com/RK0xJR56up
— Gunner Stockton (@GunnerStockton) May 8, 2019
Let it be known that Gunner Stockton is the most Big 12 football quarterback name possible, and I’d be fully on board with him leading us in 2024.
- In case you missed it, the West Virginia golf team is headed to the NCAA Tournament. Sean Covich’s squad will begin regional play today as the No. 8 seed in the Lousiville Regional. The Mountaineers will be paired with Iowa State and Arizona for the first round, which will begin at 8:25AM. This marks the Mountaineers first appearance in the NCAA Tournament since the program was brought back in 2015, and the first overall since 1947. You can follow along with the action with live updates provided by GolfStat.
- Hot off another series win at Kansas State, the West Virginia baseball team will take on the Pittsburgh Panthers in PNC Park in Pittsburgh tomorrow. The Panthers are also coming in off a huge series win, after winning two of three against No. 11 ranked North Carolina over the weekend. If you’re the Pittsburgh area, or North-Central West Virginia, get to PNC Park tomorrow evening and support your Mountaineers.
Should be a great Backyard Brawl at PNC Park on Tuesday night after Pitt takes 2 of 3 at No. 11 UNC and WVU is coming off its 6th Big 12 series win of the year! Hope to see you at the ballpark! @WVUBaseball @wmattwells https://t.co/Eh1MctcSJS
— John Antonik (@JohnAntonik) May 12, 2019
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