DT Palmer reacts to Rich Rod leaving WVU

Philadelphia (Pa.) St. John Neumann defensive tackle Christopher Palmer committed to West Virginia over the summer. With news over the weekend that head coach Rich Rodriguez is heading to Michigan, what does the 6-foot-2, 285-pounder think now?

"I talked to my recruiting coach, Bill Kirelawich," he said. "He told me he's not going anywhere. He told me that he'll be coaching me.

"I can say I'm still with West Virginia even though a lot of the coaches have left. I know Coach Gibson and the offensive coordinator are heading to Michigan along with the strength coach. There are still other people I like and I'm sticking with them, but I'm going to wait it out and see who the next head coach is."

Palmer made it clear that he will at least look around as he awaits word of the new head coach.

"North Carolina just contacted me in the last day," he said. "They told me that they really liked me. I'm going to take an official there in January along with one to West Virginia. I'm also talking to Colorado and Illinois about possible visits. Those are the schools I'm looking at right now. I don't have dates on any of them yet.

"I'm still standing by West Virginia, but it depends who the head coach will be. I've got to keep my options open."

The three-star prospect still maintains his verbal to West Virginia. What does he like about the Mountaineers?

"I like Coach Kirelawich," he said. "I also like the fans. I've been there for four games and the whole atmosphere is great."

This season, Palmer posted 64 tackles, 20 for loss and two sacks as a senior.