MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — It took two years of college football and one season of game action for Xavier Bausley to earn a scholarship opportunity back in West Virginia. In January, the South Charleston High School alumnus transferred from Jacksonville State to WVU. Bausley redshirted in 2022 before breaking into the starting lineup at right tackle last fall.
“I think the number one thing I have improved is my work ethic. Having that mentality in the weight room that I want to be the best player that I can be,” Bausley said.
“It is a good experience to come back home. Coach Mike [Joseph], he will work you to death but that is what you want. You want to take your game to the next level and that is why you move up from ‘Group of 5’ to a school like this.”
Bausley is in one of the most high-profile position battles as preseason training camp begins in August. Morgantown High School graduate Nick Malone and Bausley are vying for the starting spot at right tackle. Malone is entering his sixth season at WVU and he has played in 40 career games.
“Nick Malone is a great guy. We have all the respect in the world for each other. We’re going to compete. But at the end of the day, Coach [Matt] Moore is going to put out who he feels is best equipped to help us beat Penn State.
“Coach Moore is a real big family guy. When you enter his room, he just lights up a room. That’s something that makes you want to be in the building, makes you want to put in extra time in the film room when you know here’s a real good dude. It makes you want to play harder for a guy like that.”
When Bausley announced his decision to transfer in January, the chance to get closer to his family was one of the most significant reasons to make the move.
“It is awesome. I had about eight family members at my spring game. Now the only problem is that the spring games here are a lot more packed than they were at Jacksonville. I couldn’t even find my momma. I can’t imagine what it is going to be like with Penn State.
“My brother is coming to a prospect camp Saturday. It is so convenient. He would never been able to go to one of my prospect camps at Jacksonville.”
Bausley was one of several WVU players to take part in the Third Annual Country Roads Trust Youth Football Clinic on Tuesday at Milan Puskar Stadium.
“Kids always have energy. I love working with kids. I know how much this means to them. Being a West Virginia kid, if I had the opportunity to meet Tavon Austin or Stedman Bailey, that would have made my whole life, my whole existence when I was a kid. Country Roads Trust is great for putting this on. It gives me opportunity to see the fruits of my labor.”