MORGANTOWN, W.Va. —WVU Football Announces Double Signing as Walter Young Bear Continues Roster Rebuild….

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. —WVU Football Announces Double Signing as Walter Young Bear Continues Roster Rebuild….

 

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — In a bold move signaling the next chapter of the Walter Young Bear era, West Virginia University (WVU) football has announced the signing of two promising talents, continuing the program’s aggressive push to rebuild and reenergize its roster ahead of the upcoming season.

 

The Mountaineers have officially welcomed defensive back Jamari Ellis and offensive lineman Darnell “Tank” Hughes, both standout athletes who bring grit, versatility, and much-needed depth to a team that has seen significant roster turnover in recent months. Coach Young Bear, who took over the program late last year following a string of disappointing campaigns, made it clear that strategic recruiting would be the cornerstone of WVU’s resurgence—and these new signings are a major step in that direction.

 

“We’re building a team that reflects Mountaineer toughness,” said Young Bear in a statement released by the athletic department. “Jamari and Darnell are not only talented, but they also carry the kind of character and discipline we want in this locker room.”

 

Jamari Ellis, a 6’1” safety from Miami, Florida, turned heads with his speed and instinctive play at the junior college level. Known for his ball-hawking skills and relentless pursuit of the football, Ellis racked up five interceptions and 47 tackles last season. His signing fills a crucial need in the secondary, an area that struggled last season with injuries and inconsistency. WVU is counting on Ellis to bring immediate impact, especially with several key defensive backs having departed via the transfer portal.

 

On the other side of the ball, Darnell Hughes, nicknamed “Tank” for his imposing 6’5”, 330-pound frame, is expected to bring physicality and leadership to a young offensive line unit. A product of a powerhouse high school program in Georgia, Hughes had originally committed to an SEC school before re-opening his recruitment. His decision to sign with WVU is a strong endorsement of Young Bear’s vision for the program.

 

“This is about more than just football,” said Hughes in an interview after the announcement. “Coach Young Bear is building something special, and I wanted to be a part of it.”

 

The double signing is the latest in a series of calculated moves by Young Bear, who has emphasized both recruiting and player development since taking the helm. With spring practice already underway and summer camp on the horizon, WVU fans can expect to see more roster updates as the Mountaineers seek to regain their competitive edge in the Big 12.

 

While the program still faces challenges, including a tough schedule and ongoing adaptation to a new coaching philosophy, the addition of Ellis and Hughes signals momentum—and belief.

 

As Young Bear put it: “We’re not rebuilding for the sake of change. We’re building to win.”

 

WVU’s next move on the recruiting front will be watched closely, but for now, Mountaineer Nation has reason to feel hopeful about what’s ahead.