With seven verbally-committed recruits for the class of 2010 hailing from the South, it is becoming more and more clear the Mountaineers are creating a strong presence in perhaps the most talent-filled region of the nation. Historically, WVU has tapped its recruiting pipelines in the state of Florida for future stars, but more recently, the coaching staff is making waves in other southern states.

Solidifying WVU’s recruiting presence in the South are 2010 commits Barry Brunetti, a top-rated dual-threat quarterback prospect from Memphis, Tenn., John Propst, a touted linebacker from Hoover, Ala. and Quantavious Leslie, a blue-chip wide receiver recruit from Georgia, who are expected to join four Floridian recruits -- receiver Fred Pickett, defensive back Robert Clark, receiver Darius Millines and safety Travis Bell.

But the Mountaineers coaches are not stopping there.

Receivers coach Lonnie Galloway is recruiting DeMarco McNeal, a multi-skilled athlete who plays both receiver and safety for Benjamin E. Banneker High School, in College Park, Ga. Galloway thinks highly of McNeal’s talent as a receiver.

“He said I get right to it,” McNeal said. “I block very well. I think I’m one of the great route runners in the nation. I don’t think any defensive back in the country can check me.”

The 6-foot-1, 158-pound player still has to register with the NCAA clearinghouse in order to take official visits, but is considering offers from WVU, South Carolina and Indiana.

WVU is in the running for McNeal’s services as much as South Carolina and Indiana are.

“They are all even,” he said. “WVU is kind of up there right now because of the scheme that they run and their offense.”

ESPN Scouts Inc graded McNeal with a 74 and reported he was considering Kentucky, Auburn and Georgia Tech, along with the three schools who have offered him scholarships.

After he completes his clearinghouse registration, McNeal plans on taking an official visit to WVU.

“I should be going there soon.”

Safety Demetruce McNeal, DeMarco’s brother and teammate at Banneker High School, is verbally committed to Auburn. Auburn also recruited DeMarco, but has not yet offered him a scholarship.

“They haven’t been in contact with me since the summer,” DeMarco said, adding that he does not plan on making a final decision until national signing day in February.

ESPN DeMarco McNeal Highlights:

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