Kwantel Raines intends to take his talent to another college.
Pittsburgh Sports Now has learned that the former Aliquippa star has placed his name in the NCAA transfer portal with the intention of moving on to another football program.
The sophomore safety was recruited to West Virginia by former head coach Dana Holgorsen but hasn’t been able to mesh with new head coach Neal Brown and the two sides aren’t in agreement about his college position.
Raines (6’2″, 215) was recruited to West Virginia as a hybrid safety but Brown sees his future as a linebacker something Raines doesn’t agree with.
Playing time this season for Raines has been very limited as he’s collected six tackles and one forced fumble in six games played.
The former 4-star recruit from Aliquippa is currently a redshirt freshman and would have to sit out next season and have two seasons of eligibility remaining at his next school.
The question now is where will Raines look to resume his college career? Keep in mind that his main recruiter to West Virginia was former defensive coordinator Tony Gibson, who’s now with NC State. Also, Pat Narduzzi and Rob Harley both recruited Raines very hard and the Panthers were the runner-up to West Virginia.
Is he a sophomore or Redshirt Freshman?
He is a redshirt freshman
Pitt, if I’m not mistaken was also recruiting him as a linebacker. If he is interested in only playing safety, I wouldn’t think we’d be interested.
He’s not demanding to play only one position. Since Pitt recruited him less than two years ago, Raines is fully aware of what Pitt’s plans for him would be and how he’d fit into their defensive scheme.