As West Virginia awaited the midterm signings of four junior college players Wednesday, the Mountaineers landed a commitment from a fifth. Arizona Western Community College outside linebacker D’Vante Henry pledged to WVU and plans to enroll next summer.
The 6-foot-6, 205-pound Henry was a high school safety in Oklahoma who originally signed with Oregon State in 2011 but failed to qualify, said Keenan Cummings of WVSports.com and the Rivals network. After transitioning into a pass-rushing linebacker, Henry had more than a dozen scholarship offers this fall, spurning the likes of Texas Tech, Utah, Oklahoma State, Arizona State and Oregon State.
“Henry’s an explosives rusher off the edge,” Cummings said. “With his size and athletic ability, he should provide spark at a position where the Mountaineers need it. He really can come of the edge.
“The possibility exists for Henry to redshirt next season to increase his bulk, but he could see time as a situational pass rusher.”
WVU’s other four junior college commitments — running back Dreamius Smith, defensive back Terrell Pinson and receivers Kevin White and Ronald Carswell — reportedly submitted their paperwork late Wednesday, and sources said the school anticipates announcing the signings on Thursday.