Laurel Highlands’ Rodney Gallagher headlines West Virginia 2023 recruiting class

Neal Brown calls Rodney Gallagher a “local” player. The West Virginia football coach said when he drives home each day, he takes an exit that says Uniontown on the sign.

He was happy to welcome the four-star recruit into his program as part of the 2023 recruiting class, emphasizing his “local” status despite having a Pennsylvania address.

Gallagher signed a national letter of intent Wednesday to continue his football career in nearby Morgantown, headlining the Mountaineers’ 17-member recruiting class.

“Rodney was probably as integral as a recruit that we’ve had here in my tenure,” Brown said Wednesday. “We treated him like a local player the whole time. … It was integral that we went and got him. Probably as enjoyable a recruiting process as I’ve ever been involved with.

“He’s the pride of Uniontown, Laurel Highlands High School. He’s going to bring a big group. Every time I’ve been to a basketball game, it’s standing room only. Every time I go to a football game, and I’ve seen a number of them, it’s standing room only. I think we’ll have some Rodney Gallagher effect here too.”

Gallagher is one of the top recruits in Pennsylvania, rated ninth in the state, and is ranked the No. 58 wide receiver in the nation by Rivals.

The Laurel Highlands senior started the season at wide receiver and caught four touchdowns before moving back to quarterback, where he passed for 1,272 yards and 13 touchdowns and rushed for 690 yards and 11 more scores.

The Class 4A Big Seven Conference Offensive Player of the Year who led the Mustangs to an 8-3 record and trip to the WPIAL playoffs, he has been invited to play in the All-American Bowl in San Antonio.

He also is a three-time all-state selection in basketball who has led the Mustangs to WPIAL titles in two of the past three seasons.

He chose the Mountaineers over more than 20 Division I offers.

Gallagher is one of the prize recruits for the Mountaineers, but Brown also cited optimism for a strong group of pass rushers. He also likes the versatility among the running back and tight end recruits and depth with his inside linebackers.

West Virginia signed 17 high school players from nine states, including five from Pennsylvania.

The group stuck with the Mountaineers, who finished 3-6, and Brown, who faced constant scrutiny and questions about his job security this fall.

“I’m proud of this group of signees,” Brown said. “A group that stayed committed. Through all the turmoil, we only had two decommitments, and we’ve added some really good players, even during this. It’s been some challenging, some tough times. But they stayed committed because of the relationships we’ve built within this program, within this building. And also the belief in the vision.”

West Virginia recruits

Name, Previous school, Pos., Ht./Wt., Stars (Rivals)

Sean Boyle, Charlotte Catholic (N.C.), QB, 6-2/200, 3 stars

Noah Braham, University (W.Va.), TE, 6-2/225, 3 stars

Ben Cutter, East Lincoln (N.C.), LB, 6-1/215, 3 stars

Oryend Fisher, Great Crossing (Ky.), DE, 6-6/215, 3 stars

Rodney Gallagher, Laurel Highlands, WR, 5-11/175, 4 stars

James Heard Jr., Camden (N.J.), DE, 6-2/225, 4 stars

Jordan Jackson, Fairfield (Ohio), CB, 6-0/175, 3 stars

Josiah Jackson, Fairfield (Ohio), CB, 6-0/175, 3 stars

TJ Johnson, Oscar Smith (Va.), TE, 6-4/215, 3 stars

Zachariah Keith, Douglas County (Ga.), DL, 6-5/240, 3 stars

Nick Krahe, Harbor Creek, OL, 6-6/295, 3 stars

DJ Oliver, Port Saint Joe (Fla.), RB, 5-11/240, 3 stars

Traylon Ray, North Florida Christian (Fla.), WR, 6-3/185, 3 stars

Josiah Trotter, Saint Joseph’s Prep, LB, 6-2/230, 4 stars

Jahiem White, William Penn, RB, 5-9/190, 3 stars

Johnny Williams, Northeast (Ga.), OL, 6-6/315, 3 stars

Cooper Young, Downingtown West, OL, 6-5/305, 3 stars