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Commodore proves himself

Commodore was put on scholarship during fall camp.
Commodore was put on scholarship during fall camp.

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One of Morgantown’s own received the news that student-athletes desire.

Entering his fifth year at West Virginia, safety Shane Commodore, a Morgantown High School graduate, was awarded a scholarship along with fifth-year wide receiver Alejandro Morenco III.

Commodore first heard the news when Ryan Dorchester,West Virginia’s director of player personnel, pulled him into his office.

“It’s really special,” Commodore said. “It shows your hard work finally came to pay off.”

For Commodore, earning a scholarship has been his goal since day one, but after walking onto his hometown Mountaineers, the Morgantown native knew that he had prove he was worthy of a scholarship and remain patient.

“I didn’t expect to get one right off the bat,” Commodore said. “I knew had to come in and prove myself.”

After redshirting his freshman year, Commodore progressed through scout team reps which would eventually lead him to earning more playing time on the field. He was named the team’s scout team champion for the Iowa State game during his redshirt freshman year, but did not see any game action during the season.

That would change during his redshirt sophomore season when he appeared in five games, but Commodore’s would earn his break during his redshirt junior year. Last season, he played in all 13 games and was the special team’s champion for the TCU and Iowa State games.

“Shane’s been a great Mountaineer from day one,” West Virginia defensive coordinator Tony Gibson said. He’s been a great player for us on special teams and he’s been a role player on defense.”

Through his progress and journey, Commodore found inspiration from former West Virginia linebacker, Justin Arndt.

“I would look up to him because he started off on all them special teams and he made a difference and he got noticed,” Commodore said. “He was a good player and it showed that last year.”

This season, Commodore’s role centers around special teams duties, but he will also provide some depth at the safety position.

Knowing that he cannot play football forever, Commodore finds more value in his academics, but finds a balance between his performance on both the field and in the classroom.

“It’s difficult, but it’s doable,” Commodore said. “I don’t think I’d actually be able to play football at first if I didn’t have academic scholarships.”

An accounting major, Commodore plans on attending graduate school following graduation this fall.

As he is now into his final season with the Mountaineers, now as a scholarship player, Commodore stands tall with respect and praise from his teammates and coaches for his hard work and dedication as he suits up in the blue and gold for one last season.

“He’s a guy that’s put his time in and deserves this,” Gibson said. “Shane has done everything that you ask him and I couldn’t be happier for him.”

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