Thurmond commits to WVU

Buford (Ga.) offensive lineman Tyler Thurmond received his first power five offer from West Virginia and he repaid the Mountaineers by offering his verbal commitment to the football program Monday.

Thurmond, 6-foot-5, 280-pounds, visited West Virginia over the weekend and was impressed with his time on campus enough to put an end to his recruitment and pledge to the Mountaineers.

The offensive lineman also held offers from Charlotte, Old Dominion, Texas San-Antonio, Ohio and multiple others. He also received interest from several schools such as Virginia and North Carolina State.

Cornerbacks coach Blue Adams served as the lead recruiter for Thurmond, while offensive line coach Ron Crook was also involved with the versatile offensive lineman. The Mountaineers first identified Thurmond during the spring on a visit to his school and then offered a scholarship in late June.

From that point forward, the West Virginia coaches remained in steady contact with Thurmond and immediately became the favorite in his overall recruitment.

“It was my first power five offer and they have a great history,” he said. “I know who they are and they are always competing. They are the first school to believe in me that I can play at the next level.”

Thurmond is being targeted as an offensive tackle or an offensive guard at the next level and drew interest from college coaches due to not only his size but ability to bend. A fundamentally sound football player, Thurmond also is equipped with the feet needed at the college level but will need to further develop.

The Rivals.com two-star prospect is the 12th commitment for West Virginia in the class of 2017 and the second offensive lineman behind Miami (Fla.) Southridge offensive lineman Cody Bowes.