Gallagher off to good start at WVU
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — West Virginia wide receiver Rodney Gallagher from nearby Laurel Highlands was considered one of the top freshmen recruits out of this year’s class and after a week of practices, he has not disappointed and is expected to get playing time this year.
When recruited, he was listed at 5-10 and 160 pounds but he has been diligent in offseason workouts, according to WVU coach Neal Brown.
“I’ve been pleasantly surprised,” the head coach said. “Rodney’s put on about 12 to 14 pounds since he’s been here, which has given him the opportunity to compete.”
And he’s taken advantage of the opportunity.
“He’s been more physical and made a couple of really contested catches over the middle,” Brown said, something he was looking for, as in high school he played quarterback.
One of the big problems last season was the receiving corps not making the physical catches in traffic on third-down plays.
And Gallagher comes to WVU having proved he can play under pressure.
Brown pointed out that Gallagher was also a star basketball player and he believes playing multiple sports gives an athlete the chance to face so many different situations.
“He had to step to the free-throw line to win the WPIAL championship not once, but twice,” Brown noted. “He had to do that in front of a full arena. What that tells me is going out there at Penn State won’t be too big for him.”