WVU first to offer Ohio lineman
Avon, Ohio offensive tackle Walter Rauterkus has seen a large number of coaches come through his school this spring, but it was not until Wednesday that the 6-foot-6, 285-pound lineman landed his first offer.
"I got an offer from West Virginia yesterday," Rauterkus said. "I was excited about that… that was my first one."
Advertisement
Rauterkus had some early communication with West Virginia, but only recently had that interest revived from the Mountaineer's end.
"I went to their junior day, then kind of lost touch with them after Coach [Bill] Bedenbaugh left," Rauterkus said. "Then Coach [Ron] Crook stopped in Tuesday, then they offered me Wednesday."
With the offer in hand, Rauterkus said West Virginia will "definitely" be a strong contender. He came away from the junior day visit this past winter with a positive impression of the campus.
"I was really impressed with Morgantown and their facilities," Rauterkus said. "I think it is a great first offer. It was a much bigger school than I expected to be my first offer, so I am very happy."
Schools like Michigan State, Ohio, Bowling Green, Ball State and Toledo have also been through Rauterkus' school and have shown legitimate interest. He also plans to attend Ohio State's summer camp.