West Virginia University is getting a former HBCU star

West Virginia has landed former prominent Virginia Confederate Security William Davis.

Davis, a 5-foot-10, 195-pound juniorjoins an extremely talented list of HBCU athletes who switched to FBS Power-4. Davis brings everything from ball production to coverage versatility to the Mountaineers’ secondary.

In two years as a starter for Virginia Union For the Panthers, Davis recorded 115 tackles (25 for loss), nine interceptions, four sacks and two forced fumbles. Davis’ numbers earned him 2024 All-CIAA honors and further cemented him as one of the best defenders in the conference.

Coming off a breakout season, Davis drew tons of FBS interest after hitting the transfer portal in late December.

Despite that interest, West Virginia seemed to fit Davis all along. He visited West Virginia on Jan. 10 and committed shortly thereafter.

The The Mountaineers’ efforts to secure Davis further demonstrate their emphasis on an improved secondary next season. He joins three additional safety recruits in the Mountaineer Class of 2025. Combined with the safety systems already enlisted, the Mountaineers now have 14 enlisted safes.

Despite the Mountaineers’ wide range of depth, their safe room lacks experience, putting Davis in a position to contribute immediately.

Furthermore, Mountaineers head coach Rich Rodriguez recently announced the hiring of new defensive coordinator Zach Ali. Alley’s addition to the team could work in Davis’ favor for a number of reasons.

For starters, Davis’ proven ability to play in one high safety shell, two high safety shells and in the box could make him a prime candidate to become Coach Alley’s Swiss Army Knife.

Second, the Mountaineers also announced the hiring of new safeties coach Gabe Franklin. Rich Rodriguez’s overhaul of the defensive staff further emphasizes that every defender from the last coaching regime will have to work twice as hard to maintain their spot on the depth chart.

And here comes the third reason – William Davis is just that good. With the Mountaineer defense having to ‘rebuild’ their defense from the ground up, every player has a fair chance to play.

Davis’ senior season will be played on college football’s biggest stage. After proving himself at the HBCU level, Davis brought his playmaking ability to a Power-4 program looking to bolster its defense.