WKU Recruiting: How Does #ThePursuit19 Look in Immediate Aftermath of Coaching Change?
This week has seen a coaching change, a coaching search and a coaching announcement for WKU. And, it all seemed to happen both out of the…
This week has seen a coaching change, a coaching search and a coaching announcement for WKU. And, it all seemed to happen both out of the blue and rather quickly.
Not lost on a number of Hilltopper fans is the fact that the early signing period is right around the corner and the coaching change’s biggest immediate impact could be on the football class of 2019, as Mike Sanford’s recruiting was one of, if not his #1, greatest asset while on the Hill.
As I was peaking the 247Sports commitment list for the Hilltoppers, something sparked my interested — it listed just 13 names. At last report, 15 were committed to the Tops.
So, who are the two dissenters?
The first is JUCO quarterback Tylan Morton, who announced he was reopening his commitment on the same day it was announced Sanford was being dismissed.
Morton was a perfect fit for the offense Sanford wanted to implement, but as I noted when he committed, he had the presence of a pocket passer that Helton could use if he had the opportunity.
247 reports Morton has an official visit scheduled with South Alabama for December 14. The service still lists him as interested in the Hilltoppers, but I’d hold any excitement for this kid for the time being.
The second decommitment holds a little more optimism that he may return to the Hill. Just like Morton, Stephone Atkinson announced he was re-opening his recruitment in the wake of Sanford’s departure from the program, specifically citing “circumstances,” with the school (meaning the coaching change). Atkinson, who apparently was planning to sign in the early signing period, will now be holding out until February’s NSD.
However, the Hilltoppers aren’t going to let Atkinson go without a fight, as he posted this photo yesterday alongside linebackers coach Maurice Crum.
Despite my initial stab at assuming the Tops would want to use him up front, WKU sending their linebacking coach…well, makes it pretty obvious, I think.
I don’t have a crystal ball in front of me so I can’t speak with 100% certainty, but Atkinson very well could return to The Pursuit come February.
As it stands, three days after the official introduction of Tyson Helton, the Hilltoppers’ 2019 class looks like this:
Dalvin Smith (WR) *Grayshirt reporting in January
Ricky Barber (SDE)
Daylen Powell (OT)
Cory Munson (K)
Desmond Johnson (OLB)
Garrett Jennings (OT)
Travares Springer (CB)
Wes Dorsey (OT)
Jordan Flack (OG)
Clayton Bush (S)
Terrell Jennings (RB)
Mitchell Harralson (LS)
Javion Posey (ATH)
Webb Bates (K)