Gwaltney chooses with his heart

Long Island (N.Y.) North Babylon running back Jason Gwaltney contacted each of the three head coaches at the schools he was considering just before going on ESPNews and making his announcement. The reaction almost changed his mind moments before his appearance.

"I called coach Carroll and coach Tressel and they had different reactions," said the 6-foot-0, 234-pounder. "Coach Carroll was disappointed and said he thought I was making a mistake. Coach Tressel, you could tell he was for real, he was disappointed and wished me the best and told me I could always change my mind. I thought about it for a second, but I'm going to West Virginia."

Gwaltney, who rushed for more than 2,500 yards and 45 scores each of the last two years, chose the Mountaineers, a school he had committed to early in the process.

"It came full circle," he said. "I was reminded of all the things I liked about West Virginia late in the process and I'm happy with my decision. Football is crazy down there and I think I can go for 2,000 yards. I plan on playing right away."

The No. 15 player in the country, Gwaltney is the highest-ranked player to commit to West Virginia according to most sources.

"That's an honor," he said. "I'm happy the process is over and I am going to my new home. West Virginia is where my heart was."