WVU Adds Two

Breaking News – West Virginia University received two verbal commitments today for their 2010-11 football class. The commits come after an important weekend for the Mountaineers in which they had several high-profile players visiting.

The first commitment comes from Pennsylvania dual-threat QB Terrell Chestnut. The 5-10, 178 pound athlete had originally committed to play for West Virginia rival Pittsburgh, but reneged on his word following the Panthers’ coaching change(s). Chestnut’s commitment could prove pivotal for either side of the ball at the college level, as many recruiting services have him listed as a 3 to 4-star player at either the quarterback or safety position.

The Mountaineers second commitment is a rather surprising one. Florida running back Andrew Buie had reportedly narrowed his focus down to two schools, Louisville and Auburn. However, new WVU offensive coordinator and head coach in-waiting Dana Holgorsen and his staff must have impressed the Sunshine State speedster as his verbal comes a week after his first visit to Morgantown. Buie is considered a steal for WVU as nearly every major SEC program sought Buie’s 4-star services.

While it remains to be seen if either players will follow through with their commitments and sign with the Mountaineers on the up-coming national signing day, this must be viewed as good news to WVU fans. Clearly Holgorsen’s resume, and most recent success at Oklahoma State, is a key factor in bringing both of these standout players to Morgantown. Now to see if West Virginia can hold onto their big-name recruits, unlike in past years.

The Big Beast Blog will feature conference-wide coverage of national signing day on February 2, 2011. Remember to check back often for the latest in recruiting news and updates.

Source: Whipple UConn Head Coach

 

Is Mark Whipple UConn's top dog?

Photo Courtesy Miami Herald

The Associated Press reports that the University of Connecticut has selected former Miami offensive coordinator Mark Whipple as the next UConn head football coach. Whipple, 53, will replace longtime coach and UConn program–builder Randy Edsall as the Huskies’ head coach according to the source.

Whipple has a reputable history of coaching in the New England area with collegiate head coaching experience at UMass, where he won a Division 1-AA National Championship in 1998, New Haven and Brown. Following those stints, Whipple was a successful assistant in the NFL with the Philadelphia Eagles and the Pittsburgh Steelers before Randy Shannon secured his services at Miami.

If the report holds true, UConn appears to have jumped on the offensive bandwagon as recent coaching hires at Big East brethren West Virginia and Pittsburgh were highlighted by blooming offensive minds. With former Michigan and West Virginia offensive coordinator Calvin Magee accepting the same position at Pittsburgh and offensive guru Dana Holgorsen directing West Virginia’s offense, UConn’s AD Jeff Hathaway clearly needed a break from Edsall’s conservative approach to scoring points.

While Miami didn’t always win under Shannon, Whipple’s offenses added flare and firepower that the Hurricanes had been lacking for nearly a decade. In his first season at Miami, Whipple oversaw an offense that produced nearly 5,200 yards of total offense and directed both the Hurricanes’ rushing and passing offenses to Top 50 finishes this past season.

News concerning an official announcement from the UConn athletic department could come in the next few days and TheBigBeast Blog will have instant analysis and coverage of this potential coaching move.