Chavas Rawlins, a 6-foot-4, 190 pound duel-threat signal caller chose the Mountaineers on Friday over Tennessee and Duke. He recently trimmed his list to those three schools after sorting through almost a 20 offers.

Earlier this week we reported that Rawlins was very high on WVU. Soon after that report he made the decision to select a final list of suitors, and make a decision before the start of his senior season.

In the end, Rawlins just felt comfortable with everything about the Mountaineers. And he's glad to have his decision over with and focus on football.

"I have so much stress off my shoulders, so much more time I can spend doing things other than think about where I'm going to go to college," Rawlins told wvillustrated.com on Friday. "I feel relaxed, relieved, I feel like everything's in front of me and I just have to go get it now."

Rawlins is widely known for his athleticism and elusiveness in the pocket. While he also possesses a strong arm, he also has the ability to use his feet as a weapon. During his high school career, he has excelled in both areas.

The fact the Rawlins will be the only quarterback recruit in class also played into his commitment. He's already visited Morgantown once during the spring and was able to view a practice session. He hopes to visit again during the summer.

Scout.com lists him as a 3-star recruit and the No. 58 quarterback in the country.

Many insiders questioned what it could be, and most whiffed. What was built in the end was the start of a new tradition. 

 The Big 12 and SEC released a statement today saying the two champions from each conference will meet annually on New Year's Day starting in 2014.

The five year agreement calls for both champions of their respective conference to meet unless one or both are selected to play in the new four-team model to determine the national championship.

SEC commissioner Mike Slive weighted in.

"A new January bowl tradition is born," SEC commissioner Mike Slive said in the statement. "This new game will provide a great matchup between the two most successful conferences in the BCS era and will complement the exciting postseason atmosphere created by the new four-team model."

"Most importantly, it will provide our student-athletes, coaches and fans with an outstanding bowl experience."

Chuck Neinas had this to add.

“Our goal is to provide the fans across the country with a New Year’s Day prime-time tradition,” said Neinas.

Neinas went on to say if one of the champions reach the championship game, the next best team will play in the New Year's game. 

Stay with EERinsider.com as more develops. 

You can follow us on twitter @EERinsider

Among those giving the 'Eers a look in the recruiting process in Tampa, FL native, Travis Johnson.

Johnson, a 6-foot-3, 230 pound receiver has plenty of options. With over 40offers to choose from, the Mountaineers have already made the cut. And that's thanks in large part to the high profile offense.

"West Virginia has a shot because for one, they know how to throw the football and put points up on the board" he recently told wvillustrated.com. "I feel that they know how to get the ball in the end zone and for me, my overall goal is to get to the league and that's basically all about putting points up and making plays."

According to Scout.com, Johnson is a 3-star prospect. The national recruiting service has him the 95th best wide-out in the country.

During his junior season he had 48 catches for 653 yards and seven touchdowns. His 40-yard dash time has been clocked at 4.5 seconds.

Johnson hopes to use his size and speed combination to his advantage. When defenders look at him, the perception is he may not have the speed he actually possesses.

"I'm a bigger guy, but I can get out there and run with the little skinny guys," says Johnson.

Johnson plans on making a trip to Morgantown sometime during the 2012 season. He's also expected to make a decision then, too.

Valentine is listed at 6-foot-4, 318 pounds. He hasn't received a rating by Rivals, but with the attention he is getting it shouldn't be long. 

Recruiting experts note his quickness off the ball, the ability to use his hands, and his overall strength. 

Valentine reports offers from Florida, Louisville, Marshall, Miami (FL), and USF.

Stay with EERinsider.com for WVU and recruiting news.

You can also follow us on twitter @EERinsider.

When it comes to the recruitment of Khaliel Rodgers, teams from all over the country are throwing their names in the hat. The talented offensive guard from Red Lion Christian Academy (Md.) is gaining interest from top programs all over the nation. 

The 6 foot 3, 330 pound four star recruit is rated the No. 2 guard and No. 102 overall player in the country according to Rivals.com.

He started off as a center, but made the move to guard having played the position more often, and is more familiar with the techniques that come with the position. 

Not many programs recruit a 330 pound lineman as an athlete, but that's what WVU is doing. The coaching staff is looking at Rodgers to play the nose guard or center position. He feels comfortable with both. 

When you ask Rodgers who he likes to compare his game to, he quickly mentions current Steeler Mike Pouncey. He appreciates his style of play and work ethic. 

Rodgers will also get the chance to compete at the Rivals 100 Five-Star Challenge. The inaugural invitation-only event will be held June 22-24 at Lakewood Stadium in Atlanta and will feature many of the best high school players from around the country. 

He is listed as a four star recruit by Rivals.com, and a three star by Scout.com.

Rodgers has offers from Ohio State, UCLA, Purdue, UCONN, and Auburn to name a few. He also has interest from USC, South Carolina, and Clemson. 

He said he will announce his college decision in January at the U.S. Army All-American Bowl. He currently has no favorite.

Stay with EERinsider.com for WVU and recruiting news.

You can follow us on twitter @EERinsider.

Khaliel Rodgers Highlights

The 6 foot 3, 330 pound four star recruit is rated the No. 2 guard and No. 102 overall player in the country according to Rivals.com. He started off as a center, but made the move to guard having played the position more often, and is more familiar with the techniques that come with the position. 

Not many programs recruit a 330 pound lineman as an athlete, but that's what WVU is doing. The coaching staff is looking at Rodgers to play the nose guard or center position. He feels comfortable with both. 

When you ask Rodgers who he likes to compare his game to, he quickly mentions current Steeler Mike Pouncey. He appreciates his style of play and work ethic. 

Rodgers will also get the chance to compete at the Rivals 100 Five-Star Challenge. The inaugural invitation-only event will be held June 22-24 at Lakewood Stadium in Atlanta and will feature many of the best high school players from around the country. 

He is listed as a four star recruit by Rivals.com, and a three star by Scout.com.

Rodgers has offers from Ohio State, UCLA, Purdue, UCONN, and Auburn to name a few. He also has interest from USC, South Carolina, and Clemson. 

He said he will announce his college decision in January at the U.S. Army All-American Bowl. He currently has no favorite.

Stay with EERinsider.com for WVU and recruiting news.

You can follow us on twitter @EERinsider.

Khaliel Rodgers Highlights

It's no secret that the WVU coaching staff has been spending a lot of time in the Sunshine State. So it was no surprise when the coaches arrived at Mandarin High School in Jacksonville and offered defensive linemen Kingsley Opara. 

Kingsley wasn't hearing much from WVU, so when Co-Defensive Coordinator Joe DeForest called his head coach with a offer, it suprised the talented linemen. The thought of playing for a BCS school, conference champion, and Big 12 contender is a huge plus.

Opara stands at 6 foot 4, and 275 pounds. He plays with a real mean streak, and has quick hands and feet to go with it. 

It doesn't hurt that he played with current WVU defensive end Korey Harris, and he knows Andrew Buie and KJ Myers.

Kingsley is rated a 3 star prospect by both Rivals and Scout.com.

He has said WVU is currently his leader, but in recruiting, anything can change. Kingsley has had WVU, Maryland, Georgia Tech, Louisville, and UCONN in his Top 5 for some time. 

Kingsley reports offers from WVU, Temple, Maryland, and UCONN to name a few. 

He also reports a weighted 3.7 GPA and plans to enroll in business.

Stay with EERinsider.com WVU and recruiting updates.

You can follow us on twitter @EERinsider.

Kingsley Opara Highlights

The game is scheduled to be played Saturday, Aug. 30, 2014.

The BCS-style season-opening Chick-fil-A Kickoff Game's tradition for matching top-ranked teams in the season's opening weekend is likely to continue. Both teams have a long history of producing nationally ranked programs with the Crimson Tide finishing last season as national champions and the Mountaineers finishing ranked No. 17 in the AP poll.

Both teams are projected to be ranked in the top 10 to start the 2012 season.

"Alabama and West Virginia are consistently among the premier teams in the country and we're thrilled to be able to host such a high profile game with representatives from the SEC and the Big 12," said Gary Stokan, Chick-fil-A Bowl president and CEO. "This will be an epic blockbuster-type game the nation will anticipate for a long, long time and will continue our tradition of showcasing two top-ranked teams to open the season on Saturday night."

Tickets to the game will be evenly split between the two teams, creating a true neutral-site game. All tickets to the game will be sold through the university ticket offices. No tickets will be sold through the Chick-fil-A Bowl office.

"The Chick-fil-A Kickoff Game is an outstanding event and we look forward to opening the 2014 season in Atlanta," said Nick Saban, Alabama head coach. "Gary Stokan and his staff do a great job in hosting this game and the atmosphere in the Georgia Dome has been like a BCS bowl game in our previous experiences there. The exposure for our football players and our program is tremendous and it is a great experience for our fans. This will be the sixth time we have played a non-conference game at a neutral site, and the fourth time at Atlanta."

"I believe that playing an opponent that has the national reputation that West Virginia does, one of the top programs in the country, provides a great challenge for our players and gives us something to look forward to in the offseason," Saban said. "We are privileged at the University of Alabama to be a part of what has become a great tradition in college football with first-class organizations like the Chick-fil-A Bowl and the City of Atlanta."

"We are always happy to have an opportunity to play in Atlanta for the Chick-fil-A Kickoff Game," UA Director of Athletics Mal Moore said. "Playing against West Virginia, such a quality opponent, will be a great way to start the 2014 season. Our team and our fans always enjoy the chance to play in the Georgia Dome."

Alabama is 10-8-1 all time against teams from the Big 12 with their most recent match-up ending in a victory over Texas in the 2009 BCS National Championship Game.

West Virginia is 24-22-2 all time against teams from the SEC and defeated Georgia to win the 2006 Sugar Bowl the year it was played in Atlanta's Georgia Dome, site of the game with Alabama.

"Playing in the Chick-fil-A Kickoff Game is a great opportunity for our football program and will be an exciting event for our fans," said Dana Holgorsen, West Virginia head coach. "Alabama is one of the top teams in college football history, and it will be a tough challenge for us."

"Playing in the Chick-fil-A Kickoff Game is yet another great way to showcase our football program on a national stage," Director of Athletics Oliver Luck said. "Playing Alabama will match-up two programs with great college football traditions. I have known Nick Saban since my playing days at West Virginia, and I have the utmost respect for him and his program."

In the first four Chick-fil-A Kickoff Games, Alabama has donned the game's Old Leather Helmet Trophy after two of those games. Alabama is also set to re-match Virginia Tech in the 2013 Chick-fil-A Kickoff Game.

Past games and winners include:

2011: No. 5 Boise State 35, No. 19 Georgia 21

2010: No. 16 LSU 30, No. 18 North Carolina 24

2009: No. 5 Alabama 34, No. 7 Virginia Tech 24

2008: No. 24 Alabama 34, No. 9 Clemson 10

Last year's Chick-fil-A Kickoff Game featured Boise State and Georgia who opened the 2011 college football season Sept. 3 in Atlanta.

The Chick-fil-A Kickoff Game will feature two games to open the 2012 season and has other games set through the 2014 season. Future games that will continue the Chick-fil-A Kickoff Game's legacy as the preeminent opening game to the college football season include:

2012: Tennessee vs. NC State

Auburn vs. Clemson

2013: Alabama vs. Virginia Tech

2014: Ole Miss vs. Boise State

Alabama vs. West Virginia

Billed as the "Daytona 500 of College Football," the annual Chick-fil-A Kickoff Game matches two top teams in a BCS-style, neutral site game to open the college football season. The game will be hosted in Atlanta's Georgia Dome by the Chick-fil-A Bowl and was created in partnership with ESPN.

For more information, visit Chick-fil-AKickoffGame.com and follow us on Twitter, @chickfilabowl.

The story of Monessen quarterback Chavas Rawlins is a different story. The rising senior has seen his recruitment skyrocket. 

 West Virginia is known for going out and finding the diamond in the rough, the recruit that might not be recruited by every major college in the nation, but comes in and earns playing time. Many think that is what WVU has found in Rawlins. 

Rawlins is a dual-threat quarterback and one of the best athletes in Pennsylvania.

Having thrown for almost 1,000 yards, rushing for almost 600 yards, and scoring a combined 15 touchdowns during his junior season, Rawlins is quickly popping onto the radars of top programs around the nation. Not only does he possess great athleticism, but also shows that he isn’t afraid of contact.

One important aspect of Rawlins recruitment is his brother. He wants to find the perfect fit and situation so they can play together in college. Rawlins admits his brother is the key right now. Luckily for WVU, both are very high on the University City. 

Each of the schools after Rawlins are recruiting him to play quartberback. South Florida, Ohio State, and Penn State are recruiting him as an athlete. 

The game between West Virginia and Pittsburgh has long been nicknamed The Backyard Brawl, and it appears the brawl has continued on the recruiting ground for Rawlins. It sounds like WVU is ahead of Pitt.

"Honestly, I would say West Virginia was a little better than Pitt, just as a practice. I would say I liked the intensity and the fast pace and more organized stations. That caught my eye a little more at West Virginia."

Rawlins currently holds 15 offers, and is rated a three star by Rivals.com.

Pittsburgh, Tennessee, South Florida, North Carolina, and Virginia have offered to name a few. Ohio State and Penn State could offer at any time. 

He is expected to make his decision next month.

Stay with EERinsider.com for all WVU and recruiting news.

You can follow us on twitter @EERinsider. 

Chavas Rawlins Highlights (Jr. Season)

EERinsider.com continues it's series on meeting our new friends in the Big 12 Conference. Our next stop takes is to Manhattan, the home of the Kansas State Wildcats.

We recently had the opportunity to talk with Curtis Kitchens about the Cats. Curtis covers KSU and the Big 12 for 610 Sports (KCSP) in Kansas City. Here is our Q&A with Curtis Kitchens.

EER: First off, what kind of man is Bill Snyder, and what did his return do to the KSU program?

CK: One of a kind. A throwback coach and coaching visionary all in one. The way he approaches his role with regard to mentoring "young people" (as he calls his players) manages to become even more refreshing each year he tacks onto his career - especially when guys like Bobby Petrino and Nick Saban seem to demand most headlines. The evidence is pretty revealing in terms of what it looks like when guys listen and follow what Bill Snyder teaches and preaches. Those who do buy in generally find themselves in pretty darn good shape by the time they leave K-State, whether for the NFL or the rest of their lives.
Snyder's return breathed life back into what had become a joke of a program. K-State was barely hanging on to .500 or sub-.500 seasons, Ron Prince had proven ill-suited to run a football program that was set up for future national embarrassment through insane OOC games. He pulled a couple of nice recruits in, including Josh Freeman, but really had zero idea how to develop players once they arrived to Manhattan. Snyder, of course, is the exact opposite. That's not saying his staff can't recruit, but give that man 20 2 and 3 star-level players, and he might just give you a conference champion (see 2003). As far as names? How about Terence Newman, Ryan Lilja, Jeromey Clary, Yamon Figurs, Tre Walker (current starter), and Tyler Lockett (All-American kick returner as a true FR last year) just to name a few.

EER: KSU was picked to finish 8th last season in conference, ended up tied for 2nd, and went to the Cotton Bowl. What are some realisitc expectations for this years squad?

CK: The good news is I think most of K-State nation realizes that last year was amazing, but that it took some really, REALLY good fortune to make it happen. That level-headed approach has helped temper fanatical expectation for 2012, and nobody is talking winning the Big 12 outright or making a national title run. (Well, I say nobody. You know there are a few who always will.) That said, realistically, I think the goal is eight wins given a schedule that includes just one home game in a month in the middle of the season, and road games at Oklahoma, West Virginia, Iowa State and TCU.
The offense returns intact at the skill positions, though there is a little question along the offensive line. It has talent, but you never know if it will work out until you get on the field against other teams. Defensively, the linebacking unit has a chance to be special. Arthur Brown and Tre Walker will lead there, and if someone can step up to fill Emmanuel Lamur's underrated shoes, it could be really good. (Lamur, by the way, just earned a free-agent contract with the Cincinnati Bengals after a recent tryout.)

EER: We understand quarterback Colin Klein worked on his mechanics during the off season. Tell us about the quarterback?

On the field, Klein's mechanics work is a copy/paste conversation from the past couple of seasons. He has improved each year, and I think many people expect him to put up some big numbers after what he accomplished in 2011-12. The big question there is: Where will the numbers be? His rushing totals were off the charts last year (317 car, 1141 yds, 27 rush TD) because of a few things - 1) he was injured and wasn't able to throw as effectively as KSU would have liked; 2) he was a great runner, sure-handed and able to fight for extra yardage on a consistent basis; 3) On the intangibles front, the kid just got the job done, so the coaching staff grew comfortable with that and kept giving him the ball despite his sagging overall health.
All of that points to his make-up. The guy might go down as one of the toughest football players in the history of K-State. He was absolutely destroyed last year and never let up. His teammates fed off that, multiple times, and they would have been nowhere near 10 wins had Klein missed time. So, it goes without saying, yes, he's one of the captains again this year. One-of-a-kind, that kid.

EER: Tell us about tight end Travis Tannahill. He provides a nice target at 6 foot 3.

Speaking of a two-star recruit...you're right. He does. It's just a matter of whether KSU uses him or not. In recent years, the TE has seen a little more in the way of pass-catching opportunities within Snyder's offense. That hasn't always been the case, but that could be more an indictment on the players involved as opposed to a rigid scheme. If you have the talent to help out, Snyder usually finds a way to get the ball in your hands. It will be interesting to see how much Travis (and the TE position overall) is used considering KSU appears loaded at the WR position with Chris Harper, Tyler Lockett, Tramaine Thompson, Curry Sexton and incoming JUCO Marquez Clark, who put up Super Tecmo Bowl numbers last year.

EER: KSU needs to fill 3 holes on the offensive line. Is this a concern, or is the depth there to move forward?

Up front, remember the return of senior tackle Manase Foketi, who received a medical redshirt following a blown Achilles early last year. Also, if there was a lot of trepidation here, a sizable piece went away during the KSU spring game. A couple of redshirt freshmen really stood out. Both Boston Stiverson and Cody Whitehair appeared to have the "it" to their game where they should at the very least battle for starting spots come August and probably win them. The overall view is extremely bright on the line considering those two can go along with sophomore center BJ Finney, who stepped in last season and flat dominated. He was a true freshman last season, but I like to refer to him as an "old soul." In talking with him, it seemed like he had been a starting lineman at KSU for years.
So, it may take just a little time to settle in next season, but overall, the future is pretty darn bright for the O-Line.

EER: What kind of atmosphere is Manhattan, Kansas on a Saturday?

I'm sure you all would be willing to put Morgantown up against anybody, and I would do the same with Manhattan. The town is simply gorgeous on Saturdays when every light post has a flag, every business marquee has a message well-wishing the team, and the streets are packed with purple-wearing fans. The mood is always festive and energetic, and on great weather days, it's off the charts. Great games always help ratchet up that factor, of course. Last year, for example, when 6-1 Oklahoma came to town to face 7-0 K-State, the parking lots and streets to the stadium were jammed a good five hours before a 2:30 p.m. kick. Too bad the game was so one-sided...and not for the home team.
Wait until WVU makes a trip here. You'll see what I mean. The place is magical.

EER: Is there anything else you want Mountaineer Nation to know?

I'll just say thanks for the opportunity to share with you and your readers. And, if you/they like straight sports coverage and/or blogs, always feel free to drop by the blog and leave comments. We're all Big 12 fans (now...ha.), and I welcome the conversation! Thanks again, guys!

We appreciate Curtis taking the time to talk some football. Be sure to check Curtis out on the radio in Kansas City. You can follow him on twitter @curtiskitchen and you can check him out at www.curtiskichen.com.

Stay with EERinsider.com for all your WVU news. 

@EERinsider on twitter