3-star N.C. running back picks West Virginia over ACC schools

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — West Virginia delved into ACC country and beat out four ACC programs for its latest running back commitment.

Kennedy McKoy, a Rivals three-star prospect from North Davidson High in Lexington, N.C., chose the Mountaineers Saturday over North Carolina, North Carolina State, Virginia and Louisville.

At 6-foot, 190 pounds, McKoy showed plenty of versatility last season, running for 2,061 yards and 27 touchdowns and making 23 catches for 297 yards and two scores. His biggest single-game performance—342 yards and six touchdowns on 24 carries—came last October during a 59-29 win over Davie County.

McKoy becomes the second, and likely final, running back commitment for West Virginia’s 2016 class, following Detroit’s Martell Pettaway.

“It wouldn’t be surprising to see McKoy play in the slot at times in college,” said Rivals writer Keenan Cummings, who reported the commitment for WVSports.com. “He’ll remind Mountaineers fans of Wendell Smallwood. He could create a mismatch when the Mountaineers go five-wide.”

He also could become the second running back WVU has pulled out of talent-rich North Carolina rercently, joining 2014 signee Donte Thomas-Williams.

“In terms of the whole package, he’s got it—size, speed and vision,” said his high school coach Mark Holcomb. “He’s one of the best I’ve coached, if not the best.”

Lonnie Galloway, a North Carolina native who played at Western Carolina and coached at three schools in the state, played a pivotal role in landing McKoy, as did running backs coach JaJuan Seider.

West Virginia’s class has 15 commitments and ranks 33rd nationally, according to Rivals.