With the 2024 football season right around the corner, West Virginia will be looking to make their mark on the season in this new era of Big 12 football.
Last year the Mountaineers exceeded expectations, finishing 8-4 and picking up a bowl win. True freshmen played a big part in this, helping WVU create a much-needed spark at times, including Ben Cutter, Jahiem White and Traylon Ray.
This year West Virginia could have another exciting freshman class that may soon make an impact. The Mountaineers currently have 24 true freshmen on their current roster, signed in the 2024 class. The following will further break down that number and use recruit rankings from 247Sports.
West Virginia had the 61st overall class in the nation, two of their enrollees were four-stars, offensive lineman Kyle Altuner and wide receiver Ric’Darious ‘DayDay’ Farmer, who the Mountaineers flipped from UCF on national signing day, 20 three-stars and two unranked recruits. Of the 24, 13 players are currently listed with defensive positions and the other 11 offense. Three of the 24 were in-state recruits, the No. 2, No. 3 and No. 5 overall recruits in the state.
Of the 13 defensive players, five are defensive backs, Chris Henry, Israel Boyce, Jason Cross, Keyshawn Robinson and Key’on Washington. Four are defensive lineman, Elijah Kinsler, Makai Byerson, Nate Gabriel and Zyir Daniel. Two are linebackers Curtis Jones and Rickey Williams. Obinna Onwuka is listed as SPUR and Zae Jennings as SPEAR.
Of the 11 players on offense, there are three offensive lineman, Altuner, Justin Terry and Lucas Austin. Three are running backs, Clay Ash, Diore Hubbard and Traveon Dunbar. Three are wide receivers, Brandon Rehman, Dom Collins and Farmer. Jack Sammarco is a tight end and Khalil Wilkins is a quarterback.
Fall camp starts for WVU on August 2, roughly four weeks before their season-opener when they host Penn State. Players will have a chance to impress coaches, earning bigger roles and playing time, including the freshman listed in this article.
