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<table align="center" border="0" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="0" width="620"> <tbody><tr><td colspan="2" class="showdate"> February 01, 2005 </td> </tr> <tr> <td colspan="2"> WVU expected to be Gwaltney’s selection
</td> </tr> <tr> <td colspan="2"> By
Mitch Vingle
Sports Editor </td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top">The courtship of tailback Jason Gwaltney is expected to end at 5:20 p.m. today on ESPNEWS.
And all indications are the back will announce his intentions to play at West Virginia University.
A report on Newsday.com said Gwaltney had made his decision late Sunday, according to “a family source.’’ The Gazette confirmed the decision on Monday. However, until Gwaltney signs his national letter-of-intent on Wednesday, the NCAA’s signing day, nothing is binding.
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</td> </tr> </tbody></table>The tailback, who starred for Long Island’s North Babylon High, N.Y., originally gave WVU a commitment. He drew back, however, as the recruiting process went along. Gwaltney visited national champion Southern Cal as well as Ohio State, Michigan State and Central Florida.
The back narrowed his choices to WVU, USC and Ohio State.
“It’s been a very long road to make a decision,’’ North Babylon coach Terry Manning told Newsday. “No, let me change that, because it’s been a ridiculous road to a decision. It’s been very stressful on the kid and Team Gwaltney. We’ve investigated and checked out every school to a T. And I know he’s put a tremendous amount of energy in making the right choice and that he’s comfortable with his decision. But he did change his mind like 16 times so until he signs that piece of paper, I’m not convinced he’s going anywhere.’’
WVU coaches, however, made a strong push late, visiting Gwaltney this past Thursday. On Friday, the back reportedly bought a plane ticket and flew to Morgantown, spending two days off-campus.
“I’ve had such a tough time making a decision because everyone involved has been so accommodating and made such a great presentation about their school,’’ Gwaltney told Newsday. “There are so many reasons why I should go to USC. And so many reasons I should go to Ohio State. And West Virginia started recruiting me when I was a sophomore. I have changed my mind so many times.’’
Rich Berry, Gwaltney’s father, tried to downplay the Newsday story on Monday.
“ I don’t know what’s going on with that,’’ Berry told the Gazette. “We’re having a little problem with Newsday up there. [Gwaltney] didn’t say [he would sign with WVU] directly. I don’t know where they got that.’’
The back is Long Island’s all-time leading scorer and rusher. Scooter Berry, Gwaltney’s half-brother, is also expected to sign with the Mountaineers.
In other WVU recruiting news, Becky Sowers, mother of Kennedy Award winner Nate Sowers, confirmed her son would sign with the Mountaineers on Wednesday. A visit from Marshall head coach Bob Pruett to Martinsburg last week fueled speculation the quarterback may move away from WVU.
“We went to Morgantown this past weekend,’’ Becky Sowers said on Monday. “He’s decided he’s definitely going to WVU. It’s all settled.’’
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