West Virginia received a commitment Tuesday from offensive lineman Grant Lingafelter, a 6-foot-5, 270-pounder who previously pledged to Miami (Ohio) in October.
Lingafelter, who visited WVU last weekend, showed big development as a senior for Chagrin Falls (Ohio) High School and is rated a three-star prospect by Rivals. (Scout and 247Sports list him as a two-star recruit.) Lingafelter has offers from Illinois, Cincinnati, Akron and Ball State, with other Big Ten programs showing increasing interest as National Signing Day approaches on Feb. 6.
“Lingafelter is a versatile guy who can play guard or tackle for the Mountaineers,” said WVSports.com senior writer Keenan Cummings of the Rivals network. “Lingafelter had offers from several programs and a late interest from Michigan State. He’s a prospect that will most likely redshirt as he adds weight and adjusts to the college game.”
Kevin Kinder, publisher of BlueGoldNews.com and the Scout network, offered his analysis:
“Although Lingafelter didn’t get a WVU offer until recently, he was a player that the Mountaineers stayed in touch with throughout his senior season, so he’s definitely not just a spot-filler on WVU’s commitment list. He is a good blocker who can control the edge well, and like almost all of West Virginia’s offensive line recruits, he’s a rangy player with the frame to add bulk.
“Two other factors really helped seal his commitment switch from Miami (Ohio) to West Virginia: His ability to play every position along the offensive line, and the fact that Chagrin Falls played a version of the “Air Raid” offense. That familiarity will definitely help him as he learns West Virginia’s version, and his experience at all three line positions also will help him down the road. Like most offensive linemen, it’s difficult to see him playing in his first year at WVU. He’ll need some time to develop, but down the road he could be a stalwart up front.”
WVU’s class of 2013 now stands at 23 commitments, including four offensive linemen.
Lingafelter highlights: