WVU adds Rivals250 DB Kwantel Raines

West Virginia has been doing a pretty good job recruiting western Pennsylvania and landed a huge piece of their recruiting class in the form of Aliquippa, Pa. star Kwantel Raines. The Rivals250 defensive back seemed to be in love with the Mountaineers since day one.

IN HIS OWN WORDS…

“I decided to pick West Virginia because they were the first school to give me an opportunity,” Raines said. “I really like the position they want me to play. I’ll get to move around and play a lot all over the field. I fit their scheme very well. I’m really cool with all their coaches. I think it will be a good fit for my family and me to go there.

“The coaches aren’t totally sure which position, safety or linebacker, that I will play but they will figure it out when I get there,” he said. “They just want me to move around a lot and cover anybody.

“Coach Tony Gibson was the coach that recruited me,” Raines said. “He was telling me that there was a spot that was going to be given to me and that I would have to go get it. That was the realest thing any coach has told me. I like that about him, that he was really honest with him. I was most comfortable with him.

“If (former Aliquippa star and teammate) Dravon (Henry) stays another year, I could learn a lot under him,” he said. “It will be a good time to work with him. If he does stay, I’ll be ready to work and come in right after he goes.”

RIVALS’ REACTION

West Virginia is doing a good job on the recruiting trial and this commitment should push the Mountaineers up into the top 20 of the team rankings. Their success in western Pennsylvania is noticeable. Raines is the third commitment, and second four-star, from that region in this cycle and West Virginia got three from that region in last year’s class. West Virginia’s continued presence and success in area is vital to their team’s success. Raines’ versatility should help the Mountaineer defense and gives them a weapon that can cause offensive confusion.