MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — Morgantown High offensive lineman Amanii Brown became the only in-state player to sign a football scholarship with West Virginia.
The 6-foot-5, 285 pound all-state standout is one of five offensive linemen in the Mountaineers’ 2014 recruiting class.
“I enjoyed the recruiting ride, it was fun looking at the different schools,” he said. “But in the end, it is a relief, because I finally can get to work and start realizing what I have to do and what I’m going to be doing.”
Brown said he aims to put on 30 pounds while working to improve his agility as well.
“From what I’ve seen recruiting-wise, (WVU) wants the linemen to be big, but still be able to move and be light on their feet,” he said. “This is a whole other ballclub (from high school): I have to get mentally tough, tougher than I am now in order to fit in with these guys and work with the best.”
As West Virginia continues to build its offensive line numbers, Brown’s ultimate role won’t be defined for a while. Yet he said he’s coming in prepared to put in the work.
“I know there are a bunch of offensive linemen at WVU,” he said. “I see myself fitting in right now as one of those guys who works hard and tries to outwork everyone else. Whether that lands me on the practice squad, second string or first string, I don’t know yet.
“All I know is that I’m going to work hard and try to get first- or second-string,” he said. “I’m going to work my butt off to see if I can attain that.”
Brown has been recovering from a torn meniscus in his knee. He has a scope set for the near future, which will lead to another three weeks of rehab.
“It’s not that bad, but I just can’t run and do stuff like that,” he said. “I should be back pretty soon.”
Regardless, Brown is glad to officially have his place as a Mountaineer set after committing last summer.
“It’s just a huge blessing,” he said. “I’m honored to represent everybody (in the state). It’s a big blessing.”