West Virginia gets signing day surprise

Lithonia (Ga.) safety Jeremy Tyler had narrowed his choices down to West Virginia and Vanderbilt, and the Rivals.com three-star made his choice on signing day to become a Mountaineer.

Tyler, 6-foot, 200-pounds, was announced by the school's website as having faxed in his letter of intent and gives West Virginia its first real surprise of Wednesday. He visited campus Jan. 18 as the only uncommitted prospect in town that weekend and has the ability to play multiple positions in the secondary.

Running backs coach Robert Gillespie served as the lead recruiter for Tyler and during his official felt very comfortable in Morgantown.

"I thought it wasn't really going to be a college town, but when I touched down and came back to the school I said this is a college town and everybody here loves football. West Virginia is really like the only school people have for entertainment and they have a huge fan base," he said.

Heading into signing day, Tyler was believed to be a slight lean to the Mountaineers but it was considered around 50-50 between West Virginia and Vanderbilt.

WVSports.com will have more with Tyler later today as he planned to have an announcement at his school around 10 a.m.