Jacksonville State offensive tackle transfer Xavier Bausley narrowed his choices down to West Virginia and Kentucky after taking visits to both schools but kept going back to one thing.
That was his connection with Mountaineers offensive line coach Matt Moore.
“What ultimately made West Virginia the choice was coach Moore. In this quick process, he left the biggest impact on me,” he said.
The 6-foot-5, 315-pounder, collected scholarship offers from a long list of schools but made visits to only three of those with a focus on opportunities close to his Dunbar home.
West Virginia checked that box as well as the fact that Moore made a strong connection with him while he was on his official visit to Morgantown from Jan. 4-5. So, it should come as no surprise that it was Moore who received the call that Bausley was ready to become a Mountaineer.
“When I committed they were very excited and relieved,” he said. “And it feels so great to have this behind me so I can just focus on football.”
Bausley spent two seasons at Jacksonville State, including starting 11 games this past season while earning all-Conference USA freshman honors while playing over 900-snaps. The Mountaineers are targeting Bausley as a right tackle and are impressed with what he brings to the table.
“They like my athleticism, length and bend,” he said.
Bausley has three years left in his career and will enroll at West Virginia at the mid-term in order to get a head start on his next destination. For now, the goal is to improve as a player this coming spring to make the most of his time in Morgantown.
“I can’t wait to sing Country Roads,” he said.
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