MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — West Virginia landed a 2017 quarterback commitment after all, making David Isreal of Butler (Kan.) Community College a late addition Sunday.
The 6-foot-2, 190-pounder Isreal was a full qualifier who spent his freshman season at the juco level, meaning he’ll report to West Virginia this summer with three years plus a redshirt season at his disposal.
With junior Will Grier entrenched as the starter, Isreal adds depth at a position where the only scholarship backups are sophomore Chris Chugunov and redshirt freshman Cody Saunders.
After signing day came and went without West Virginia adding a quarterback, coach Dana Holgorsen preached patience. Sunday’s commitment showed why.
“Isreal is a dual-threat quarterback with a good arm with decent accuracy,” said Rivals writer Keenan Cummings. “He should transition smoothly into the West Virginia offense because Butler uses a similar vertical passing game with the quarterback mostly using the shotgun or pistol.”
In 12 games at Butler last season, Isreal completed 52 percent of his passes for 1,841 yards, 13 touchdowns and 12 interceptions. He fumbled 10 times on 97 carries.
Isreal’s other FBS offer came from Memphis, though SMU was believed to be in pursuit also.
He becomes WVU’s second late-cycle commitment from Butler , joining cornerback Fontez Davis.
Isreal led Blythewood to the 2015 South Carolina state quarterfinals in the AAAA large-school division, compiling 2,025 yards passing and 19 touchdowns.