By Keenan Cummings
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — West Virginia still needs a running back in the 2020 recruiting class but that picture is starting to become clearer with National Signing Day approaching on Feb. 5.
The Mountaineers parted ways with longtime top target Brooklyn (N.Y.) tailback Lamy Constant after only a few weeks, making the position a top priority during the late period.
“Running back, we’ll definitely sign one in February,” WVU coach Neal Brown said in December.
It seems that the dust is starting to settle on prospects who could fill that slot.
One of the primary targets is now off the board after Ellisville (Miss.) Jones J.C. running back La’Damian Webb committed to Florida State over the weekend, putting the spotlight squarely on two others.
Orlando (Fla.) Jones running back A’Varius Sparrow was on campus over the weekend on an official visit and quickly emerged as a prime target for the program. The 5-foot-9, 180-pounder has only played football for two years and started his career as a linebacker before moving to offense.
That’s when things took off regarding his recruitment. Sparrow is coming off a dominating senior season where he led Jones to the state title game while rushing for 2,135 yards and 26 scores.
The Mountaineers extended a scholarship offer to Sparrow in mid-December and he has since added offers from both Rutgers and Central Florida. Others are sniffing around, as well. While somewhat under the radar, one look at his highlight tape makes it apparent why more Power 5 schools are getting involved with the talented senior prospect.
A home-run threat with the ball in his hands, Sparrow has little wasted motion and can separate from defenders at the second level. He is a physical runner that hits the hole aggressively and breaks tackles.
The Mountaineers efforts have been led by running backs coach Chad Scott, and the two have developed a strong connection throughout the process.
If things don’t progress far enough with Sparrow, the Mountaineers could play host to Mobile (Ala.) running back Jordon Ingram, who also has been in contact with Scott. But with Sparrow already visiting, he has the edge in the race to fill that vacant slot in the class.
With National Signing Day only two weeks away and classes filling up we’re not going to have to wait much longer to find out.
