It's no secret that West Virginia football draws heavily from the state of Florida's incredibly deep talent pool. The Mountaineers' staff scored a daily double at Miramar (Fla.) High last year, landing wide receiver Stedman Bailey and beating out the likes of Alabama, LSU, Michigan and many others for quarterback Eugene Smith. A year later, the 'Eers are trying to keep the pipeline going in the form of Ivan McCartney.
McCartney is a 6-foot-1, 175-pound senior wide receiver at Miramar ranked by ESPN.com/Scouts Inc. as the No. 18 wide receiver and No. 113 overall prospect nationally in the Class of 2010. So it goes without saying that there's no lack of competition for his services; Florida, Miami, Florida State, Oklahoma, Tennessee, Oklahoma State and Pitt are among the others who have offered McCartney scholarships.
But with their newfound emphasis on the passing game and connections at Miramar, the WVU coaches appear to be very much in the mix.
"I love West Virginia, I went up there and felt really comfortable. Our quarterback and one of our wide receivers from last year are at West Virginia, so they give me information about campus life, stuff like that [and] education," said McCartney.
Still, McCartney said, his former teammates aren't giving him the hard sale.
"Not really," he said. "They tell me all about it but they say I should go where I'm most comfortable."
Of where that proves to be, McCartney says he has no idea. He plans to take all five of his available official visits in the fall before making a decision on his colleagiate future. He doesn't list any favorites, or even favorites to receive his visits.
"As of right now I have no idea where I'll visit," he said. "I'm really focusing on all of them. I just want to see where I'm most comfortable."
McCartney is being recruited by WVU recruiting coordinator Doc Holliday as well as wide receivers coach Lonnie Galloway.
"I talked to coach Galloway and coach Doc about two weeks ago, just talking about the basics ... I like all of the coaches on the coaching staff."
Despite the fact that he holds offers from the Sunshine State's top programs, McCartney is no lock to stay in Florida. Location, he said, will play no role in his decision.
"Nah, that's not a factor for me," he said.
McCartney runs a 4.55-second 40-yard dash at 6-1 and is an intelligent player who would like to study business management. Last year he posted 21 catches for 648 yards and 12 touchdowns. College coaches tell him they like his all-around skillset and intangibles.
"Just the way I never stop working on the field, ow I put my all into everything," he said.
Here's how ESPN.com/Scouts Inc. evaluates McCartney:
McCartney is a very smooth, fluid player for a wide receiver of his size. He is traditionally used in the slot in this offense and has a great feel for zone defense and working the middle of the field. He has the upside to develop into a physical presence that can run with added bulk and time in the weight room. He has very good initial quickness. Shows some moves off the line and has good strength to beat the press. He gets to top speed quickly and does a terrific job of adjusting to the ball in the air. He has good hands and coordination skills. Catches the ball effortlessly and plucks on the move with ease. He is a very good deep threat and an aggressive player when going for the ball on deep routes. He makes good downfield adjustments and can make acrobatic catches down the field. He is effective at extending his hands out and catching the ball away from his frame. Will catch the ball over his shoulder and shows a second gear when tracking the ball down the field. Is tall enough to compete for jump balls, shows no fear over the middle and is fast enough to be a vertical threat at the next level. He has been well coached on the little things and takes pride in his route structure and ability to get open. McCartney is more of a fluid and gliding type of player than he is sudden and shifty in his change-of-direction. Builds speed, but is elusive after the catch. Overall, McCartney has the tools to blossom into a fine college wideout. Really good player."
Ivan McCartney ESPN Highlight Video:
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