Listen Now: Morning News

Pennsylvania 4-star tight end boosts Mountaineers’ class into top 25

T.J. Banks, a 6-foot-6 four-star prospect from North Versailles, Pa., committed to West Virginia on Wednesday.

 

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — West Virginia landed a commitment Wednesday night from Rivals four-star recruit T.J. Banks, a 6-foot-6 prospect who could play tight end or defensive end in college.

Out of East Allegheny High in North Versailles, Pa., Banks holds offers from Pitt, Maryland, Illinois, Syracuse, Cincinnati and Rutgers.

His commitment lifted West Virginia’s class six spots to No. 25 in the 2018 national rankings.

The Mountaineers have two other high school tight ends committed for this cycle, along with Miami transfer Jovani Haskins, who’s currently sitting out before becoming eligible next season.

“Banks isn’t just a big-bodied tight end — he also has the athleticism to actually line up at wide receiver for his high school team,” said Rivals writer Keenan Cummings.

“We’re working under the assumption that Banks will begin his career on the offensive side when he arrives at West Virginia. On the defensive side, however, Banks is quick off the ball, has great flexibility, shows good change of direction and pursues the ball from sideline to sideline.”

Several programs prefer Banks as a defensive lineman, though he wants to give offense a try first. He told the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette in August that Pitt coaches had stopped recruiting him because they didn’t have a spot for another tight end in this class.

The Mountaineers are back to 18 commitments in this class after Houston receiver Ralph Davis recently re-opened his recruitment, according to a Rivals report on WVSports.com.

West Virginia’s commitments for 2018:

Dante Stills (Fairmont, W.Va..) 6-4, 265 DL 4 stars
Leddie Brown (Smyrna, Del.) 6-1, 190 RB 4 stars
T.J. Banks (North Versailles, Pa.) 6-6, 240 TE/DE 4 stars
Joshua Norwood (Senatobia, Miss) 5-11, 185 DB 3 stars
Charlie Benton (El Dorado, Kan.) 6-3, 215 LB 3 stars
Randy Fields (Baltimore, Md.) 6-3, 190 WR 3 stars
Trey Lowe (Bolivar, Tenn.) 6-3, 175 QB 3 stars
Briason Mays (Bolivar, Tenn.) 6-4, 290 OG 3 stars
James Gmiter (Bethel Park, Pa.) 6-4, 300 DT 3 stars
Sam James (Richmond, Hill, Ga.) 6-1, 160 WR 3 stars
Mike O’Laughlin (Oak Park, Ill.) 6-5, 215 TE 3 stars
Tyrese Allen (Paintsville, Ky.) 6-3, 290 DT 3 stars
Josh Chandler (Canton, Ohio) 6-0, 220 LB 2 stars
TJ Ivy (Chicago) 6-5, 217 TE 3 stars
Jayce Rogers (Valdosta, Ga.) 5-8, 160 CB 3 stars
Oyenmwen Uzebu (Alpharetta, Ga.) 6-6, 300 OT 3 stars
Bryce Wheaton (Holly Springs, N.C.) 6-3, 200 ATH 3 stars
Alex Williams (Pickerington, Ohio) 6-3, 200 OL 3 stars




More Sports

Marshall Sports
Lockette, Shoop add to responsibilities on Herd football coaching staff
Telly Lockette, whose running backs have been successful throughout head coach Charles Huff's tenure in Huntington, has been appointed associate head coach.
June 25, 2024 - 4:32 pm
High School Sports
Morgantown girls basketball head coach Doug Goodwin steps down after two seasons
Goodwin led the Mohigans to the Class AAAA state championship in 2023.
June 25, 2024 - 2:23 pm
High School Sports
'He was just that guy': As Philip Barbour begins grieving process, Mayle recalls McDermott in fond fashion
A standout two-sport athlete at Philip Barbour High School, Keaton "Beef" McDermott lost his life Sunday in a vehicle accident.
June 25, 2024 - 11:23 am
High School Sports
Doddridge County seeks eighth consecutive playoff appearance with veteran roster
The Bulldogs have won nine playoff games in the last six seasons.
June 25, 2024 - 6:00 am