Brendan Ferns to West Virginia: Mountaineers Land 4-Star LB Prospect

Brendan Ferns is a difference-making linebacker in the 2016 recruiting class who will be heading to West Virginia.

Ferns announced his decision via Twitter:

It's not surprising that schools in that region would be all over Ferns, who attends St. Clairsville High School in Ohio. He's considered to be the nation's No. 7 inside linebacker and No. 136 overall prospect by 247Sports, which explains why schools like Ohio State, Michigan and Oklahoma had their hooks in him. 

Per 247Sports, Ohio State was a strong favorite in the crystal ball projections with 70 percent of support. Urban Meyer is a star recruiter, as has been proven numerous times throughout his career, and a 4-star stud linebacker is like catnip for the Buckeyes head coach. 

According to ESPN's scouting report, the 6'3" Ferns is lacking in muscle right now at 223 pounds, but he possesses the kind of speed and tackling ability to line up at linebacker or defensive end. The report also notes there is some stiffness in his actions and movements that will need to be cleaned up, but the raw ingredients make him a potential star. 

There was a developing sibling rivalry, with Ferns' brother opting to attend Michigan as part of the 2014 recruiting class before opting to transfer to West Virginia in January of 2015. But the younger Ferns told Ari Wasserman of the Northeast Ohio Media Group that a college decision would be his alone: "We don't really talk about football much. He understands that it's my decision and that's really all we talk about it. ... It's my choice. I have to do what I want." 

Whatever Ferns' future as a football player holds, it's obvious he exhausted his decision-making ability before this momentous decision. Now, the linebacker can put all of his focus and energy toward making an impact either right away or as a redshirt freshman in two years.  

West Virginia head coach Dana Holgorsen got a much-needed boost to his 2016 recruiting class with the addition of Ferns. The Mountaineers, whose 2016 class is ranked 36th by 247Sports, have not been recruiting giants so far, so an impact linebacker will provide plenty of help. 

Defense is also an area of need for West Virginia. The team finished 44th in points allowed per game, so finding a player on the second level who can use his speed to create problems for opposing offenses anywhere on the field is a massive upgrade. 

The Mountaineers have fallen behind teams like Oklahoma, Baylor and TCU in the Big 12. They need a cornerstone player to build their recruiting class around, a role which Ferns will play very well. 

Regardless of the path Ferns takes to getting on the field, there's little doubt that his passion, ability and instincts for finding the football will make him a star as soon as it happens. 

Recruit star ratings and information via 247Sports, unless otherwise noted.