Through four games this season the biggest concern for the Mountaineers may be the defensive side of the ball, but one could make a strong argument for the special teams and, more precisely, the punting. After four games, West Virginia ranks 118th (out of 120 teams) in net punting.
Not surprisingly, the staff has been keeping tabs on several prep punters, including in-state star Houstin Syvertson.
“West Virginia invited me to the Maryland game, so I went up there, watched it and talked with the coaches,” said Syvertson, who also plays linebacker and running back for Shady Spring (WV). “I had a great time.”
Typically, scholarships for punters and kickers are rare. Syvertson knows this and says that the coaches have made it clear they liked him, but needed some time to assess the situation.
“They said they were interested in me,” said the 6-foot-2, 215-pound prospect. “They said they were going to see what happened with their guys before they decided what to do.”
The Mountaineers aren’t the only program showing interest, though.
“I went to Rutgers for kicking camp and won the competition for the longest hang time,” said Syvertson. “I also went to camp at Cincinnati and feel like I did very well there. Virginia Tech asked me to come down to a game, too, but I wasn’t able to go.”
Born in Nashville, but moving to the West Virginia before his first birthday, Syvertson says the home-state Mountaineers are his go-to team, though.
“I really enjoyed it up there,” he said. “West Virginia is definitely my number one school right now.”
Not a member and want to get the full treatment? Try us FREE through the end of 2012!
- Chris Anderson
- WVU & BC Insider - 247Sports