MAILBAG: Portal Insight, Health for Mayo Bowl + More

From @matthew_andis:

Q: Is CJ staying? Who the number 1 WR they're targeting in the portal? Any chance of getting a pass rusher in the portal? How healthy is the team for the bowl? What's the LB room going to look like next year? Winston Wright? Plans for the secrondary?

A: Nothing to update on CJ. There's not a clear-cut WR they are pursuing right now, but there's a few they really like. I'd be shocked if they didn't add a pass rusher (at some point). A couple key injuries, but mostly healthy. Linebacker room looks strong with Cutter, Lathan, and Trotter but need to add a veteran. Don't see Wright coming back. They'll add 3-4 pieces in the secondary from the portal with a heavy focus at corner.

From @mpscxh752g:

Q: Why do you think we are recruiting non P5 transfers more than P5

A: I went into great detail about this last week on Between The Eers. There's only so much money to go around and you're not going to compete with others who have deeper pockets. I don't think it's something to worry much about. Having a GM who has spent many years in the NFL should help them have more "hits" in the portal, regardless of where they're coming from.

From @Michiganeer:

Q: Any injury news in addition to the 2 we already have known about?

A: Not exactly sure who the second of the two you're talking about is. Frazier is out and I assume you're talking about Donaldson..he is dealing with an injury but they're still evaluating. Preston Fox is questionable.

From @wvufan2023:

Q: What’s our chances of getting Nae’Qwan Tomlin?

A: There's a chance for sure. They have to get an understanding of what exactly happened in his off the court situation and get assurance from him that it won't be something they'll have to be concerned about moving forward. Others are in play too and those who are more likely to get to March Madness will be in better position.

From @ScottEl13805771:

Q: When will we get more transfer portal recruits?

A: They are coming. The next two weeks should bring a couple of commitments.

From @goJohnnyA:

Q: Why the eyeball emoji earlier?

A: I do this when I've been told something good has happened on the recruiting trail.

From @2chaw_:

Q: What’s the biggest name in the transfer portal you think we have a chance to land (football), and do you think we’re going to lose any big names? If so who?

A: There could be one more "big" name but for the most part, they're safe. In terms of big names they could add, it depends on what you consider big. There aren't any Power Five guys that they are close on at the moment, but that could change.

From @JordanWVU07:

Q: Why did you post the big eyes in your last tweet?

A: Let's just say a particular transfer really likes what WVU has to offer. I'll leave it at that.

From @FauxCaridiNTC:

Q: If Battle is made eligible, what are the chances WVU plays its way into the NCAA tournament? Will the selection committee consider the difference between our November/December and January/February rosters?

A: I'd say it's still a major uphill battle - no pun intended. And considering the CFP committee called Florida State a different team and left them out, you'd the CBB selection committee would follow suit, right? You know..the NCAA is all about consistency (lol). If they play into the bubble conversation, it's still going to be hard for them to get in, in my opinion. The committee has some sense of recency bias and forgets about everything that happened in November/early December. They'll see bad losses and an average overall record. They're going to have to steal some top 25 wins to cancel those bad losses out. I still think they miss out on the tournament.

From @thelamman11:

Q: Is WVU looking to add any receivers? What are the chances the DB from Duquesne commits?

A: Yes, they are looking at several. They want one proven guy to help lead that young group of Gallagher, Ray, Clement, etc. It might not happen soon, but it will happen. As far as Ayden Garnes...I'll say pretty damn good. You'll know in ten days.

From @RonaldNatale:

Q: Will WVU get more than one draft pick?

A: Yes. Zach Frazier and Beanie Bishop are locks to get drafted. I think Lee Kpogba and Doug Nester have a chance to go on day three but are more likely to be UDFAs.

Lesley Mentioned as Possible Candidate for Head Coaching Vacancy

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