TE Jacob Barrick, DB Jason Chambers intend to return to WVU football, participating in activities
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MORGANTOWN -- West Virginia football announced two players are coming back to the program. The team announced on social media that tight end Jacob Barrick and defensive back Jason Chambers are participating in team activities, planning on making a return to the team, while things continue to develop about their eligibility.
The two ran out of eligibility this offseason, but were granted a fifth season through the court decision by Colorado District Judge Charlotte Sweeney. Her ruling in July granted a preliminary injunction against the NCAA from disallowing members of the Class of 2022 from taking part in the new 5 for 5 rule, which gives college athletes five years of college eligibility.
Barrick played just one season for the Mountaineers after transferring over with Rich Rodriguez from Jacksonville State. He was used primarily as a blocker, and only caught six passes for 70 yards. The Martinsburg, West Virginia, native played in eight games his prior season with the Gamecocks, battling with an injury during the season.
Barrick has been spotted as a graduate assistant for the team this offseason in the spring and the fall.
Chambers played a lot more. He also spent just one season with the Mountaineers. He spent the previous year at Appalachian State after two years of junior college. Last season, Chambers appeared in all 12 games at corner and on special teams, and he had 34 tackles, four pass breakups and an interception. He’s logged five picks over his career and 22 pass breakups.
Both players provide depth for the Mountaineers and shouldn't have issues jumping right back in, playing in the system last season.
Other former WVU players are seeking more eligibility. Defensive back Jordan Scruggs and Eddie Kelly Jr. were both trying to gain another year, but they haven’t been announced. Rodriguez said he’d be patient to add players affected by the new court ruling at the start of fall camp.
“Right now, my focus and our main focus is getting these guys, the guys that have been here, ready to play,” Rodriguez said. “But I got enough people on the staff to make sure that we're checking that out too.”