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For class of 2023 football commit Josiah Trotter, West Virginia was not his top interest within his
recruiting process; in fact, WVU wasn’t even in Trotter’s top four when he announced his top schools on
Twitter.
Trotter, a four-star linebacker, announced in the summer of 2021 that his top four schools included Ohio
State, Clemson, Penn State and South Carolina.
Although WVU was not included in Trotter’s top four, inside linebacker coach Jeff Koonz continued to
recruit him, developing a personal relationship with Trotter that made him rethink his previous list of
top schools.
On his seventeenth birthday, Koonz’s efforts paid off as Trotter made it official: he was coming home to
Morgantown.
Trotter said the relationship he developed with the coaching staff was a significant reason he committed
to West Virginia. While on his official visit, Trotter reconnected with the coaches that were dedicated to
him since the start of his recruiting process.
“The love they showed me throughout the whole recruiting process and being able to go down there
and see it for myself was amazing,” Trotter said.
The 6-foot-2, 230-pound linebacker will likely have the chance to compete for a spot in the rotation as
early as his freshman year, another determining factor for Trotter’s commitment decision.
“I saw the opportunity of being able to go in and help out early as a freshman,” said Trotter. “I have the
chance to contribute right away and compete for the starting job.”
On his official visit, Trotter was given the opportunity to see more of West Virginia’s campus outside of
the football facilities. He said that one of his favorite parts was being able to see more of the student
life.
Trotter will be entering his freshman season along with other Pennsylvania natives Rodney Gallagher,
Jaheim White and James Heard.
“We just want to bring as much talent as we can into the program,” said Trotter. “We’re trying to build
one of the best classes at West Virginia.”
As far as the future of WVU football, Trotter is confident that the class of 2023 is going to make a big
impact on the program.
“When we get there, we’re expecting to put West Virginia back on top,” he said. “We want to make it
one of the best programs in the nation.”
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