West Virginia RB Jason Gwaltney (official thread)

[jwinslow]

Somehow I doubt Brandon Joe runs a very fast 40. Yet if he had stayed healthy his entire career, he would be a much bigger household name with more performances like his one against TTUN.

Plus from what we've read, Gwaltney seems to be a power back with vision and potential. If he can bulk up more and become as powerful as joe and then have more footwork and ability, I'll take him even if he runs a 4.96.

[BGriffBuckeye]

How did he like the WVa visit? New premium story on Rivals is up about it.

[wadc45]

He said he had a good visit but that all three were still in the running. He did mention the ongoing issues at OSU and how that concerned him a little. He is not planning on making a decision until after he gets back from San Antonio.

[bucknut11]

San Antonio, Texas-Standout North Babylon (N.Y.) running back and U.S. Army All-American Jason Gwaltney, 6-0 and 223-pounds arrived in San Antonio, Texas today fresh off his official visit to West Virginia. Scout.com sat down with the No. 11 running back in the nation.

Gwaltney a four-star prospect admits his visit to Morgantown has really changed his thought process. Gwaltney has narrowed his search to Ohio State, USC, and West Virginia, after originally committing to the Mountaineers back in February and then decommitting last month.

Gwaltney visited West Virginia Thursday (1/7) and Friday (1/8), before departing for San Antonio and the U.S. Army All-American Bowl. Pat White served as Gwaltney’s host for his official visit. The food at coach Rodriguez may have been the highlight of Gwaltney’s trip had it not been for the love the Mountaineer faithful showed him at the WVU/St. Johns basketball.

“I walked into that game and everyone started chanting “Jason Gwaltney—over-and-over” that was tight,” Gwaltney said. “That showed me that the people there really want me to be a Mountaineer.”

Ohio State and USC appeared to be the front-runners, but after the Gwaltney’s official visit the Mountaineers may be in better shape then some may think.

“My visit went really well, it is going to make my decision that much tougher,” Gwaltney said.

Gwaltney has various reasons for favoring Ohio State, USC, and West Virginia.

USC-“They are recruiting monsters, they show you everything you want to see. They have tradition and may win a title again next year.” Ohio State- “They have tradition, they are ranked in the pre-season top 2-3. It is a big time atmosphere. I am a little concerned about the allegations there.” West Virginia- “It is like family, they are more real with me. Football is god in West Virginia.” Gwaltney is not positive if he will announce at the U.S. Army All-American Bowl on Jan.15, 2005 or on ESPN News on Feb.2, 2005, during national signing day.

“I haven’t decided which day that I will announce for sure, I may know by the end of the week,” Gwaltney said.

For the time being, Gwaltney is focusing on the All-American Bowl.

“I’m here to have fun, and play football,” Gwaltney said.

Gwaltney is part of a contingent of New Yorkers that includes Greg Paulus, Nyan Boateng, and Matthew Waldron. Gwaltney is going to make it a point to show all that New York is not just a basketball state.

“I think we are putting it on the map, if you think about there could very easily be two more N.Y. kids who should be here Doug Worthington and Justin Schifano,” Gwaltney said.

Facing the most pressure packed decision of his young life has been a struggle at times for one of the best big backs in the nation.

“I have a lot of mixed emotions, I’m facing the most important decision of my life. It’s be tough and very confusing,” Gwaltney said.

The U.S. Army All-American Bowl is played in San Antonio, Texas., at the Alamodome on Jan. 15, 2005, and broadcast nationally on NBC at 1 p.m. eastern. Scout.com is a sponsor, the official selection partner and exclusive on-line partner of the U.S. Army All-American Bowl, as well as the associated U.S. Army Combine for underclassmen.

link

[bobcat84]

I take it Doug has had conversations with JG? Too bad DW is not going to be at the AA bowl...Do the rest of you get the feel OSU is the "show horse" in this three team race? (a little horse race lingo...)

[LordJeffBuck]

FWIW, Steve Slaton, a highly-rated RB from the Philadelphia area who had some early interest in Ohio State just committed to West Virginia. The Mountaineers have already received commitments from RB's Scooter Berry (Gwaltney's brother) and Ed Collington. Even though Slaton is a small back (5'10", 190) his commitment might have some effect on Gwaltney; in addition, it seems unlikely that WVU would take four RB's in one class.

Rivals on Steve Slaton (1/10/05)

[AmeriBuck007]

great to have you back LJB, gotta think its USC or OSU for JG, most likely usc though

[BuckTwenty]

I was under the impression that Scooter had de-committed with Jason, but according to rivals, he's still listed as committed to them. It has been thought that WVU pursued Ed "The Horse" Collington as JG's replacement when he de-committed. If I thought Miami signing three blue chip RB's in one class was crazy (though, turns out Bobby Washington ended up going to NCST instead), then having WVU signing FOUR backs in ONE CLASS seems like overkill. These four would be added to their stable of returning RB's:

Jason Colson Jr
Justin Dziak Jr
Erick Phillips Jr
Pernell Williams R-Fr
Bryan Wright Jr

I've heard of a pair and a spare, but why have SEVEN spares??

[Oh8ch]

“I walked into that game and everyone started chanting “Jason Gwaltney—over-and-over” that was tight,” Gwaltney said. “That showed me that the people there really want me to be a Mountaineer.”

Isn't it a violation of recruiting rules to organize efforts to call attention to a recruit in this fashion? (And this sort of thing doesn't happen unless it is organized.)

[Hubbard]

Originally Posted by Oh8ch

Isn't it a violation of recruiting rules to organize efforts to call attention to a recruit in this fashion? (And this sort of thing doesn't happen unless it is organized.)

I don't think so, I know when we recruiting Derrick Morris that a group of Alums went to his game and were all wearing scarlet and gray and cheering for him and stuff. That was organized and it was never brought up by anyone.

[Taosman]

Rumors of Petey to the 49ers have probably reached Gwaltney. What effect this could have is anybodies guess! It will be a very tough decision for him.

[Holy Buckeye!]

I'm hoping this kid understands what a huge impact he could make next year with all the other pieces we have returning, a power running game kills defenses late in games and right now with Joe leaving we don’t have it. Come on Jason be a Buckeye!!!

[MililaniBuckeye]

Originally Posted by Holy Buckeye!

...a power running game kills defenses late in games and right now with Joe leaving we don’t have it.

Don't count out Haw (6'1", 210...and that 210 was when he first got here).

[OSU SPORTS]

It appears WVU has given up on Gwaltney,they got another RB from Florida which gives them 3(not counting Berry).Although USC seems to be the popular choice,he has said that distance is important to him and you can't get any more distant than la la land.

[Ratboy18]

Originally Posted by MililaniBuckeye

Don't count out Haw (6'1", 210...and that 210 was when he first got here).

Big AND Fast -

clocked at 4.21 and 4.28 in the 40 at the OSU camp.