Ivy talks decision to commit to West Virginia

Chicago (Ill.) Marist tight end TJ Ivy knew that he was going to end up committing to West Virginia or Indiana but had yet to see Morgantown. After a stop on campus, he had seen enough and left as the newest member of the Mountaineers football program.

Ivy, 6-foot-5, 220-pounds, made the visit to Morgantown Thursday and was able to see all of the facilities as well as sit down extensively with the coaching staff.

That included meeting with both Dan Gerberry as well as offensive coordinator Jake Spavital before sitting down with head coach Dana Holgorsen.

It was during that final meeting that he got the feeling that he was ready to end his recruitment and then gave the news to the West Virginia head man.

“My coach told me to never go against your gut. It hit me right after I got there and it was perfect,” he said. “So why not? It was amazing and I decided to pull the trigger.”

Holgorsen was almost in disbelief at first, so he asked the Rivals.com three-star prospect if he was sure of his decision and that’s when he confirmed that he was ready to be a Mountaineer.

“He asked if I could write this down in pencil or pen and I told him pen. I don’t want to change my mind this is where I want to be,” he said. “He was fired up about it.”

Ivy developed a close relationship with Gerberry throughout the process and also bonded with Spavital, as the offensive coordinator made multiple trips to visit him during the evaluation period. From the minute West Virginia extended a scholarship offer they were a school under high consideration in large part because of the offensive scheme and the plans they have for Ivy in the future.

That was only reinforced during the course of his visit as he was able to get a big picture look at how the coaches plan to utilize his skill set all over the field.

“The tight end position has changed. It’s no longer just an attached lineman, you have to do it all and that’s what I do in my school,” he said. “I play multiple positions and can do different things.”

Ivy also was impressed with the atmosphere on campus as well as the scenery starting with the stadium and branching out to all areas of the school. He also had time to sit down with the academic advisors, which only further cemented his choice.

The athletic tight end selected West Virginia over a total of 25 offers and while he knew he always liked the Mountaineers program didn’t realize how much until he stepped foot on campus.

“I didn’t want to make a decision until I saw this place and I’m glad I did,” he said.

Ivy announced his college choice a day later when he returned home from Morgantown and is excited to get into the program and compete for early playing time. While nothing has been promised, he believes his skill set should allow him chances to earn a spot on the field.

With his decision now in his rearview mirror, Ivy said he does not plan to take any additional visits and is excited for the future that lies ahead in Morgantown.

“I’ve found my place,” he said.

Ivy isn’t sure if he will sign his letter of intent in December or February but now will turn his focus toward first his senior season and then his college career.

“I want to come in and be that guy for West Virginia,” he said.