West Virginia received its 24th commitment for the 2013 recruiting class, and its seventh from the junior college ranks, by adding punter Nick O’Toole.
Contributed photo
On the heels of a solid freshman season punting for Fullerton (Calif.) Community College, O’Toole visited Morgantown this past weekend and landed a scholarship offer from assistant Joe DeForest.
“O’Toole is a prospect who addresses a need for West Virginia at punter after the departure of both Tyler Bitancurt and Corey Smith,” said Keenan Cummings, senior writer for WVSports.com of the Rivals network. “He averaged 42 yards per kick last season at Fullerton – with a long of 62 yards — and is a native of Southern California who played at the legendary Mater Dei High School.”
The 6-foot-4, 220-pound O’Toole plans to enroll this summer and will have four years to play three at West Virginia.
“He had interest from a number of schools out of high school but went the junior college route after not receiving a scholarship offer,” Cummings said. “The offer from West Virginia, along with his desire to play for special-teams ace Joe DeForest, sealed the deal this week.
“It is the third specialist the Mountaineers have extended a scholarship to in the past two classes, following last year’s additions of kicker Josh Lambert and long snapper John DePalma.”
National Signing Day is Wednesday, and MetroNews will provide updated coverage throughout the day as recruits submit their letters-of-intent.
Gold and Blue Now Monday, May 20 
Gold and Blue Now Friday, May 17 
Gold and Blue Now Thursday, May 16 
Oliver Luck Q&A at WVU faculty senate meeting 
Randy Mazey on losing series to TCU 
Randy Mazey on WVU's 7-4 Game 2 loss to TCU 
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Comments
Shawn
6'4 220 lb kicker....yes i'll take that! I'm just glad they went after a legit kicker. Keep em' coming coaches. I cant wait to see how this class shapes up.
February 5, 2013 at 9:46 am | Report comment
Shawn
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PWtYz1yei_I
Great hang time and distance on his kicks. Just what the doctor ordered.
February 5, 2013 at 9:55 am | Report comment
harvey Lantz
Another glaring need resolved..Good work..
Keeping my fingers crossed for tomorrow's national signing day..Looks like a solid recruting year for W.V.U..
Big harv
February 5, 2013 at 9:57 am | Report comment
Wemakerain
Congrats guys, we have officially landed punterzilla lol
February 5, 2013 at 10:42 am | Report comment
J!
Lmfao!
February 5, 2013 at 11:13 am | Report comment
MJC
How can you go wrong at 6'4'' 220 and a name like O'toole.. Maybe he can play linebacker as well. lol
February 5, 2013 at 11:30 am | Report comment
Hop'sHip
Good. Given the quarterback situation, we just might be doing a lot of punting next year. Let's hope he doesn't end up our team MVP!
February 5, 2013 at 11:57 am | Report comment
Shawn
I think you'll be surprised with our QB play. Its the rebuilding of the O-Line that is the key factor. Both of our QB's can get the job done if they have enough time to release the ball.
February 5, 2013 at 1:23 pm | Report comment
THE MEB
Why couldn't I have a cool name like O'toole. Serious envy.
February 5, 2013 at 12:30 pm | Report comment
unclec
Sounds good big guy kick high and deep. Hope he doesn't have to punt very often.
February 5, 2013 at 12:41 pm | Report comment
Henry Hall
My concern is OL. QB's have the talent. We have guys that can catch. Now who is going to run the ball?
February 5, 2013 at 3:23 pm | Report comment
Shawn
Dreamius Smith will surprise everybody this year!
February 5, 2013 at 3:50 pm | Report comment
Shawn
Actually all these kids have the look and thats something we havent had in a long time. They look like grown men.
February 5, 2013 at 3:53 pm | Report comment
Larry
Thats just because you dont look like one...
February 5, 2013 at 4:21 pm | Report comment
shawn
Wow Larry you're one cool operator! Your overwhelming knowledge of sports and quick comebacks are a killer. I think you and Allan should switch roles because you run the metronews show. Heck they should just let you taker over the whole operation ever while they are at it, make you the head coach of all sports. Nah....just kidding! I forgot you need class and you come up a little short in that area. Stick to computer games and painting your toenails.
February 5, 2013 at 9:14 pm | Report comment
joe
This is great. Much needed. Great job Joe DeForest bringing this mammoth punting in. I think Patterson is going to do a great job with our Defense, DeFo is known for doing great with Special Teams and Holgo & company will get the offense going again I am sure of it.
February 5, 2013 at 10:17 pm | Report comment
J Floyd
"...special-teams ace Joe DeForest..." ???
February 6, 2013 at 2:50 pm | Report comment
Helen5844
I was very pleasently surprised at the caliber of talent we recruited this year. GOOOOOO MOUNTAINEERS.
February 7, 2013 at 3:41 pm | Report comment