MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — What was once a holiday of sorts on the college football calendar has evolved into something considerably less exciting, but that doesn’t mean the traditional National Signing Day has lost its value entirely.
With the bulk of its class signed in December, West Virginia added just two new players on Wednesday, intentionally keeping a couple additional spots open for transfers — yet another way in which the recruiting game continues to evolve.
West Virginia has 20 signees in this year’s class.
Due to three transfers from last year counting towards this year’s scholarship total of 25, two spots remain available for this year’s class.
That doesn’t mean the Mountaineers will limit themselves to adding only two transfers in the remainder of the offseason — anything beyond two would just count towards the Class of 2021 scholarship limit.
In terms of need, running back A’Varius Sparrow is West Virginia’s biggest addition.
Listed at 5-foot-10 and 190 pounds, Sparrow isn’t that big in stature, but he makes up for it in speed. An unknown as a junior, Sparrow exploded in his senior season, rushing for 2,135 yards and 26 touchdowns to help lead Orlando’s Jones High School to the Florida Class 5A state championship game.
Neal Brown’s old connections in the southeast came through for Wednesday’s other addition, weakside defensive end Eddie Watkins.
Watkins is a 6-foot-4, 220-pound defensive end/outside linebacker from Evergreen, Ala. He is being listed at the Bandit position by WVU.
Watkins originally committed to Georgia Tech last summer, but reopened his recruitment in September. He was recruited to West Virginia by defensive assistants Al Pogue and Jordan Lesley, who held off late interest from Missouri and Arizona.
According to 247 Sports composite rankings of all recruiting sites, West Virginia has the fourth-best signing class in the Big 12 and ranks 37th nationally. Last year WVU was seventh in the Big 12 and 48th nationally.
Rivals is the recruiting site that holds the class in highest regard, rating it 28th nationally. 2013 is the last time Rivals rated a WVU recruiting class in the Top 30 nationally.
West Virginia Class of 2020 signees
A’Varius Sparrow
Running back—5-10, 190
Orlando, Fla. (Jones)
Rivals: 3 stars
Signed: 9:18 a.m.
Selected No. 21 on Orlando Sentinel’s Central Florida Top 60 recruits … played just two years of football after previously concentrating on wrestling … used at linebacker for part of his junior season, but then exploded as a running back during his senior year … finished with more than 3,200 yards during his junior and senior seasons … helped lead Jones to a 13-2 record, the Florida 5A state championship game and a No. 11 finish in the state … finished with 2,135 yards and 26 touchdowns as a senior.
Coach Brown says
2,000+ yards rushing as a SR. Speed is his game! Welcome to the Family! #TrustTheClimb https://t.co/rPRdKRnyoX
— Neal Brown (@NealBrown_WVU) February 5, 2020
Eddie Watkins
Bandit —6-4, 220
Evergreen, Ala. (Hillcrest)
Rivals: 3 stars
Signed: 2:30 p.m.
2019 4A Alabama Sports Writers Association All-State First Team … finished with 66 tackles and 10 sacks in helping Hillcrest to a 7-5 record and the second round of the Alabama 4A state playoffs in his senior season.
Coach Brown says
Speed off the Edge! Fired up about this guy’s potential. #TrustTheClimb https://t.co/Wgcwz39xhw
— Neal Brown (@NealBrown_WVU) February 5, 2020
December signees
Zach Frazier
Center — 6-2, 277
Fairmont, W.Va. (Fairmont Senior)
Rivals: 3 stars
Played on the offensive line for coach Nick Bartic at Fairmont Senior High… captained the Polar Bears to a 12-1 record and an appearance in the Class AA state semifinals… did not allow a sack in his senior season.
Coach Brown says
Zach will be an integral part of our OL for years to come. He’s tough, physical, athletic, smart – everything you look for in a center. He’s also from WV! #TrustTheClimb https://t.co/fwEZS5x8K9
— Neal Brown (@NealBrown_WVU) December 18, 2019
Reese Smith
Wide Receiver — 5-11, 175
Danville, Ky. (Boyle County)
Rivals: 3 stars
Three-time All-State First Team as a receiver… led Boyle County to a 14-1 record and the Class 4A state championship game… ended his high school career as the only player in the history of Kentucky high school football to finish in the top five in career interceptions (26) and career touchdown receptions (64).
Coach Brown says
Our 1st commit for this class! Going to play inside receiver for us. Reese has tremendous competitive character and great ball skills. Since he’s signed I’ll forgive him for breaking all my HS records! #TrustTheClimb https://t.co/5eMgY3KhjI
— Neal Brown (@NealBrown_WVU) December 18, 2019
Charles Finley
Tight End — 6-4, 215
Wayne, N.J. (DePaul Catholic)
Rivals: 3 stars
Played tight end, outside linebacker and defensive end for coach John McKenna at DePaul Catholic… helped the Spartans to an NJSIAA Non-Public Group 3 State Championship in 2019… registered 29 receptions for 366 yards and seven touchdown receptions in his senior season.
Coach Brown says
Charles is a big time get for us out of NJ. State champion with huge upside. Great ball skills and catch radius. #TrustTheClimb https://t.co/oVqWt1q2vQ
— Neal Brown (@NealBrown_WVU) December 18, 2019
Jordan White
Offensive Guard — 6-3, 310
Hyattsville, Md. (DeMatha Catholic)
Rivals rating: 3 stars
Played offensive guard for coach Bill McGregor at DeMatha Catholic High… earned All-WCAC Capital Division First Team honors… will participate in the Maryland Crab Bowl between the best players in Baltimore and Washington D.C. on Dec. 21.
Coach Brown says
We are back in the DMV! This kid’s senior video is impressive. Plays with great pad level and finishes blocks. #TrustTheClimb https://t.co/0V4d90M9GF
— Neal Brown (@NealBrown_WVU) December 18, 2019
Taurus Simmons
Outside Linebacker — 6-3, 210
Savannah, Ga. (Jenkins)
Rivals: 3 stars
Played outside linebacker and defensive end for coach Jason Cameron at Jenkins High… 2019 All-Region 3A First Team Defense… finished with 198 career tackles, including 136 unassisted tackles, 21 sacks, 50.5 tackles for loss and 10 forced fumbles.
Coach Brown says
Taurus had a great senior season. His best football is in front of him. Very versatile defender with great instincts and a natural pass rusher. #TrustTheClimb https://t.co/0G4qgYTHl4
— Neal Brown (@NealBrown_WVU) December 18, 2019
Daryl Porter Jr.
Cornerback — 5-10, 165
Plantation, Fla. (American Heritage)
Rivals rating: 3 stars
Played cornerback for coach Pat Surtain at American Heritage High School… All-Broward County First Team honoree … helped the Patriots to a 10-2 mark as a senior… a versatile defender who can play cornerback or safety.
Coach Brown says
WV is back in S FL! Daryl is a student of the game with lock down corner skills. #TrustTheClimb https://t.co/BsMbzmzxsr
— Neal Brown (@NealBrown_WVU) December 18, 2019
David Vincent-Okoli
Cornerback — 5-11, 176
Gaithersburg, Md. (The Bullis School)
Rivals rating: 4 stars
Played cornerback and wide receiver for coach Pat Cilento at The Bullis School… 2019 Maryland All-State First Team, All-Montgomery County First Team and All-Interstate Athletic Conference First Team honoree… will participate in the Maryland Crab Bowl between the best players in Baltimore and Washington D.C. on Dec. 21… played his first three seasons (2016-18) at Watkins Mill High in Gaithersburg.
Coach Brown says
Speed kills! David is going to develop into a big time player. Has return skills also. #TrustTheClimb https://t.co/izEBCY2m8L
— Neal Brown (@NealBrown_WVU) December 18, 2019
Jackie Matthews
Cornerback — 6-0, 180
Pinson, Ala. (Gulf Coast CC)
Rivals rating: 3 stars
Played defensive back for coach Jack Wright at Mississippi Gulf Coast CC… named First Team Junior College All-American… helped team to an undefeated season and the junior-college national championship … his key, last-second interception in the end zone clinched the national championship over Lackawanna.
Coach Brown says
Winner!
✅HS state champion ✅JC national champion Can’t wait to add his playmaking skills to our secondary. #TrustTheClimb https://t.co/SSyWwC98e3— Neal Brown (@NealBrown_WVU) December 18, 2019
Chris Mayo
Offensive Line — 6-5, 305
Richland, N.J. (The Peddie School)
Rivals rating: 4 stars
Played offensive guard for coach Christopher Malleo at The Peddie School… a first team All-MAPL (Mid-Atlantic Prep League) selection in his senior season at Peddie… 2019 Mercer County Prep Offensive Lineman of the Year… helped the Falcons to an 8-0 record and the MAPL Championship in 2019.
Coach Brown says
It all starts up front! Chris is a versatile OL that has great feet, balance, and power. Big addition! #TrustTheClimb https://t.co/3JrM8T3hUy
— Neal Brown (@NealBrown_WVU) December 18, 2019
Garrett Greene
Quarterback — 6-0, 175
Tallahassee, Fla. (Lawton Chiles)
Rivals rating: 3 stars
A standout dual-threat quarterback for coach Kevin Pettis at Lawton Chiles High … a member of the prestigious quarterback Elite 11 Club in 2019 … MVP of the Camp Series Event in Tampa… passed for 1,155 yards and seven touchdowns to go along with 930 rushing yards and 15 touchdowns as a senior.
Coach Brown says
Competitor! Garrett has great energy and leadership skills. Dual threat with a quick release and plus arm talent. #TrustTheClimb https://t.co/Se1jPanAsy
— Neal Brown (@NealBrown_WVU) December 18, 2019
Lanell Carr
Outside Linebacker — 6-3, 230
St. Louis, Mo. (De Smet Jesuit)
Rivals: 3 stars
Played outside linebacker and defensive end for coach Robert Steeples at De Smet Jesuit High… earned Missouri 6A All-State First Team (DE) honors… given the team’s “Hammer” Award (hardest hitter)… helped lead De Smet Jesuit High to a 14-0 record and the state championship… member of a defense that only surrendered 120 points for the entire season, averaging 8.6 points per game allowed… De Smet finished the season ranked No. 1 in Missouri and No. 17 in the nation.
Coach Brown says
Long time commit with huge upside. Lanell can really rush the passer. Most impressive thing to me is how much he improved as a SR and how well he played in leading team to state championship. #TrustTheClimb https://t.co/5CEisaZcCS
— Neal Brown (@NealBrown_WVU) December 18, 2019
Sean Martin
Defensive End — 6-6, 260
Bluefield, W.Va.
Rivals rating: 3 stars
Played defensive end for coach Freddy Simon at Bluefield High… captained the Class AA All-State First Team Defense in 2019… led the Beavers to a 12-2 record and the 2019 Class AA state championship game… team captain… registered 102 tackles, including eight sacks, four forced fumbles and one fumble recovery.
Coach Brown says
Sean’s been a high priority for us since arriving in January. Great kid with huge potential. When I watched him play this Fall I was very impressed with his motor and power. However, his best attributes are how coachable he is and how good a teammate he is. #TrustTheClimb https://t.co/tg9xhwDR8b
— Neal Brown (@NealBrown_WVU) December 18, 2019
Tairiq Stewart
Offensive Tackle — 6-6, 330
Warrensville, Ohio (ASA College)
Rivals rating: 3 stars
Played offensive tackle for coach Chris Calabrese at ASA College… helped lead ASA College to an 8-2 record and a final national ranking of No. 15… part of an offensive line that paved the way for ASA College to produce 46.7 points per game (No. 2 nationally) and 463.4 yards of total offense a game (No. 4), including 254.6 rushing yards per game (No. 2).
Coach Brown says
HUGE late pickup. Excited about Tairiq and his improvement over the last year. He’s only going to continue the climb here. #TrustTheClimb https://t.co/qIUG8cF920
— Neal Brown (@NealBrown_WVU) December 18, 2019
Akheem Mesidor
Defensive End— 6-3, 255
Ottawa, Canada (Clearwater Academy International)
Rivals: 3 stars
Played defensive end for coach Jesse Chinchar at Clearwater Academy International… finished his senior season with 92 tackles, including 57 solo stops, averaging 9.2 tackles per game… also recorded 18 tackles for loss and 10 sacks… forced four fumbles and recovered two for 18 yards in his final season with the Knights.
Coach Brown says
Akheem is going to be a game changer at WVU. High end talent with the motor to match. Can’t wait to work with him. #TrustTheClimb https://t.co/1afqE9lCGs
— Neal Brown (@NealBrown_WVU) December 18, 2019
Jaïro Faverus
Cornerback — 6-0, 190
Amsterdam, Netherlands (Bristol U.K. Academy)
Rivals: 3 stars
Played cornerback while traveling in the United States with Brandon Collier of PPI Recruits during the DreamChasers Tour – attended camps at universities in United States… clocked a 4.4 40-yard dash at multiple camps, including WVU… graded as one of the top five defensive performers in the 247Sports European Combine in April of this year.
Coach Brown says
WVU Football goes international! Jairo is a talented athlete – great mix of speed and power. Look forward to him being on campus in January. #TrustTheClimb https://t.co/p88ZmYOZjD
— Neal Brown (@NealBrown_WVU) December 18, 2019
Devell Washington
Wide Receiver — 6-4, 215
Bay City, Mich. (Bay City Central)
Rivals: 3 stars
Played wide receiver and free safety at Bay City Central High … 2019 All-Saginaw Valley League North Second Team … named to the 2019 Xenith Senior All-Star Game … caught 29 passes for 410 yards and four touchdowns as a senior … totaled 74 receptions for 1,131 yards and 15 touchdowns in three seasons with the Wolves.
Coach Brown says
… Finally, I’ve been waiting on this one. Devell is a long, physical WR with playmaking skills. #TrustTheClimb https://t.co/STtn2c6lYf
— Neal Brown (@NealBrown_WVU) December 18, 2019
Sam Brown
Wide Receiver — 6-3, 185
Savannah, Ga. (New Hampstead)
Rivals: 3 stars
Chose West Virginia over Florida on signing day… Played wide receiver and free safety for coach Kyle Hockman at New Hampstead High … named 5A-Region 2 Player of the Year … Big 22 Squad member as one of the top players in southeast Georgia and South Carolina Low Country … finished with 40 catches for 731 yards, an average of 18.2 yards per catch and 11 touchdowns … had 39 carries for 308 yards, a 7.9-yards per carry average and five touchdowns.
Quay Mays
Defensive Tackle — 6-2, 290
Bradenton, Fla. (Northwest Mississippi CC)
Rivals rating: 3 stars
Played on the defensive line for coach Benjy Parker at Northwest Mississippi Community College for the past two seasons … led the Rangers to an 8-3 record, a trip to the MACJC championship game and No. 6 NJCAA final ranking … finished with 29 tackles, including four tackles for loss and one sack in 2019.
Coach Brown says
Quay welcome to the family! His skill set is going to be a great fit in Coach Vic’s system. He’s strong and extremely quick. #TrustTheClimb https://t.co/0EdQTke81G
— Neal Brown (@NealBrown_WVU) December 18, 2019