West Virginia QB Will Grier will return to school in 2018
Will Grier will return to West Virginia for the 2018 season.
There was some speculation the quarterback may decide to pursue an NFL career after just one season on the field for the Mountaineers, but that speculation ended Thursday when the program announced Grier plans to come back for his senior season.
“After much prayer and consultation with my family and coaches, I have decided to return to WVU for my senior season,” Grier said. “There is still a great deal that I want this team to accomplish and I look forward to helping lead us to success in 2018. I am completely focused and looking forward to building off the success we had this year and want to do even greater things next year. West Virginia is my home, and I couldn’t be more excited about the future here.”
Added head coach Dana Holgorsen: “Will’s decision to return next year certainly makes it a great day for West Virginia football. He is a great leader for our program, and I know our fans enjoy watching his talents on the football field. His teammates and the coaching staff are certainly looking forward to his return, and this is positive news for all involved.”
In 11 starts, Grier has thrown for 3,490 yards and 34 touchdowns this season, including nine 300-yard games. Grier suffered a serious finger injury against Texas late in the season and missed the season finale against Oklahoma as a result. WVU hasn’t said whether Grier will be ready for the Heart of Dallas Bowl against Utah next week.
Grier began his career at Florida and led the Gators to a 6-0 start in 2015 before he was hit with a one-year suspension for testing positive for a performance-enhancing drug (Grier said he took a supplement and did not check with the UF training staff before doing so). From there, he decided to transfer and landed at WVU. He sat out the 2016 season and was deemed eligible for the start of the 2017 season after being granted an NCAA waiver.
WVU was 7-3 before Grier’s injury.
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Sam Cooper is a writer for the Yahoo Sports blogs. Have a tip? Email him or follow him on Twitter!
