MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — The restart of summer school sessions meant decision time for many graduate transfers, and former West Virginia running back Andrew Buie selected Charlotte.
The 49ers are transitioning to Conference USA this season after relaunching their football program over the past two years as an FCS independent.
Buie is a fifth-year senior who enjoyed some big moments at West Virginia, but he was projected to climb no higher than third-string for the Mountaineers next fall. At Charlotte, Buie may not become a starter either, though he could form a strong tandem with1,400-yard rusher Kalif Phillips, a junior who scored 20 touchdowns in 2014.
Buie also visited Alabama recently, where his prospects for playing time were no better than at WVU.
A native of Jacksonville, Fla., Buie came to West Virginia as a three-star recruit and led the team in rushing in 2012 with 851 yards, seven touchdowns and a 4.8-yards per carry average. He also proved to be a valued special-teams contributor, blocking more fiercely than a 5-9, 185-pounder should.
He sat out the 2013 season before returning last season to contribute 232 yards and two touchdowns on 55 carries. During the 41-27 upset of then-No. 4 Baylor, after Rushel Shell exited with a sprained ankle, Buie ran for a touchdown and made four catches worth 63 yards.
Mountaineers coach Dana Holgorsen announced in March that Buie was no longer a part of the team. Reserve running back Dustin Garrison also announced within the past 24 hours that he was transferring to Fresno State.