Dustin Crouser might have left the state of West Virginia to pursue his college football career but clearly West Virginia never left him.

And it was those strong ties that have led him back to the Mountain State and while it wasn't as direct of a path as he would have initially hoped, as a member of the West Virginia football team.

Crouser plans to walk-on at West Virginia this fall leaving behind his starting spot at Charlotte to sit out a season and follow a childhood dream of suiting up in the gold and blue.

"It's a dream come true for me. I grew up a fan of the Mountaineers and now I have a chance to be a part of the team," he said. "West Virginia was always where I wanted to be."

The former George Washington product signed with the up-start 49ers football program out of high school and the linebacker spent a year redshirting as he worked his way back from ACL surgery.

A two-time first-team all-state and Huff award finalist, Crouser spent that year away from the field learning the importance of preparation in the film room while impressing with his efforts on scout team.

Lining up against the first-team offense, Crouser continued to shine during his redshirt year and after the first game when one of the starters went down with injury he stepped in and never looked back.

The freshman started the remainder of the season, finishing second on the team with 81 total tackles and two interceptions while quickly establishing himself as one of the standouts on the 49ers defense.

He had realized one of his dream of playing college football, but still something didn't feel quite right. And while he was appreciative of the opportunity he had been given, couldn't shake the feeling.

"I felt like my heart was never really there," Crouser said.

Citing distance from Charleston, which caused his parents to miss some of his home games, as well as a change with his position coach, Crouser made the decision to leave the Charlotte program.

It didn't take long to realize where he would try his hand at the next level. Out of high school in the class of 2013, Crouser camped at West Virginia in hopes of receiving an offer but that would never come so he decided it was time to follow his heart.

Crouser first got in contact with recruiting coordinator Casey Smithson after getting his release and within a few days he had spoken with director of player personnel Ryan Dorchester about joining the West Virginia program as a walk-on.

"I wanted to go to West Virginia whether I played football or not," he said.

To further emphasize that desire, Crouser regularly watched every Mountaineer game he was able to while playing at Charlotte and even spent his bye-week this past season attending the Baylor game as a fan.

He plans to arrive in Morgantown when school starts in August and due to NCAA transfer rules he will be forced to sit out this upcoming season. Still, that isn't unfamiliar territory to Crouser and he is anxious to get on campus and start familiarizing himself with his new teammates.

Crouser will have two years of eligibility left after sitting out next season and is expected to remain at inside linebacker, where West Virginia will have holes to fill after graduating five at season's end.

And now standing 6-foot-2, 230-pounds, with college experience under his belt he believes he is ready for the challenge.

"Hopefully I can take what I've learned since I've already been in a division one program for two years and it can help me there," he said. "Even though I have to sit out this year I'm still going to perfect my craft and give a good look to the guys that are playing."

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