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Top targets: Wide receivers

MORGANTOWN, W.Va.— Though West Virginia’s 2014 recruiting class includes commitments from wide receivers Jacob McCrary, Ricky Rogers and Lamar Parker, the coaching staff continues to seek skill players to fuel the Air Raid attack.

MetroNews talked with Rivals senior writer Keenan Cummings of WVSports.com about the most dynamic pass-catching targets left on WVU’s wish list:

Trevion Thompson

Trevion Thompson
WR • Durham Hillside (N.C.) High School
Rivals rates Thompson a four-star prospect, and at 6-foot-2 and 184 pounds he has the size to flourish at outside receiver. Despite fielding offers from the likes of Alabama and Notre Dame, Thompson last week narrowed his list to six finalists—West Virginia, Ohio State, Clemson, Florida State, North Carolina and N.C., State.

“Thompson is an explosive wide receiver who has the size and speed to make an impact on the next level,” Cummings said. “Thompson visited with his teammate running back Donte Thomas-Williams in the spring and plans to return for the weekend of July 27 for another unofficial visit.

WVU running backs coach JaJuan Seider—who landed pledges from McCrary and Parker— is serving a the lead recruiter on Thompson.

“It won’t be easy,” Cummings said, “but this is a very talented prospect and would only be an upgrade to the existing group.”

Thompson produced a combined 82 catches for 12 touchdowns and more than 1,400 yards as a sophomore and junior. As his 2012 highlight video reveals, he’s a long-strider with strong hands.

Stanton Truitt

Stanton Truitt
ATH • Monroe Area (Ga.) High School
A three-star prospect whom Rivals ranks as the 30th-best overall prospect in Georgia, Truitt is being recruited by Lonnie Galloway.

“Truitt is an impressive specimen,” Cummings said. “He plays quarterback at his high school, but is destined for the wide receiver position once he arrives on a college campus.”

The 5-foot-9, 177-pounder counts offers from the likes of Florida, UCLA, Wisconsin, South Carolina, Nebraska, Arkansas, Stanford, Cal and Arizona State.

“He has great speed and compares his game to former West Virginia standout Tavon Austin,” Cummings said. “He’s considering a long list of schools, but the Mountaineers have been there since the beginning.”

C.J. Worton

C.J. Worton
WR • Homestead South Dade (Fla.) High School
Why is WVU still pursuing the 6-foot, 170-pounder who committed to Florida State some 11 months ago? Because Worton has made two unofficial visits to Morgantown since April.

“That’s impressive for any prospect coming on his own dime, especially one from south Florida,” Cummings said.

He’s a three-star prospect ranked by Rivals as the No. 92 overall recruit in Florida.

“Worton stole the show at the West Virginia prospect camp playing both wide receiver and cornerback,” Cummings said. “He displayed his speed and quickness, along with great hands—catching seemingly every pass thrown his way. He’s another prospect considering a visit for the July 27 weekend.”

Braxton Berrios

Braxton Berrios
WR •  Raleigh (N.C.) Leesville Road
At 5-9, 180 pounds, the four-star Berrios has a thick build and sub-4.6 speed. He said he intends to visit all five of his top schools—South Carolina, Clemson, Tennessee, Kentucky and West Virginia.

“Berrios is another inside receiver who has been attracted to the West Virginia offense,” Cummings said. “He has started both ways for his high school team since his freshman season. He compiled 33 touchdowns and over 2,000 yards rushing and receiving and wants to play in a role where he can use his versatility.







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