MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — Nose guard Lamonte McDougle informed West Virginia coaches he plans to transfer in search of a defensive system that will facilitate him making more tackles and sacks.
The move is curious considering the undersized McDougle emerged as a nine-game starter and ESPN freshman All-American for the Mountaineers last season.
His decision, revealed internally upon returning from spring break on March 19, blind-sided position coach Bruce Tall, defensive coordinator Tony Gibson and head coach Dana Holgorsen, all of whom spoke with McDougle in an attempt to understand his rationale.
The rising sophomore had been held out of spring practice following shoulder surgery.