For Oak Park (Ill.) Fenwick tight end Mike O’Laughlin in the end it all came down to relationships with those in the West Virginia football program.

Even with a late scholarship offer from Ohio State and others such as Penn State, Mississippi and Arkansas jumping into the mix, O’Laughlin never budged in his pledge to West Virginia signing with the Mountaineers during the early period.

“I knew West Virginia was the place for me and being able to commit early gives you a strong feeling that both sides want each other and it’s where you are wanted and needed,” he said.