Newcomers profile: Mountaineers add 18 freshman, three grad-transfers for 2019

Dan Davidson, Former Sports Editor
September 5, 2019

Heading into the 2019 football season, App State ranks 22nd in the country in returning production, returning 74% of last year’s total production. With such a low percentage of loss, the Mountaineers have only added to last year’s accomplished squad, with a number of graduate transfers and freshmen.

The team added three graduate transfers, who are able to play at the start of the season.

Wide receiver Keishawn Watson from Wheaton, Illinois played his first three years of college football at Western Michigan University. Watson recorded 728 receiving yards and nine touchdowns during his tenure with the Broncos, and all but 24 of those yards came during the past two seasons.

Graduate student Joey Cave is a 6-foot-4, 300-pound offensive tackle from the University of Tennessee. Cave initially was a defensive lineman for the Vols but made the switch to the offensive line in 2017.

Cornerback Willie Edwards transferred from Illinois State University after starting for the past two years. Last season, Edwards registered 40 total tackles and one interception.

Not only has the team gained talent through graduate transfers, but also through a strong 2019 recruiting class.

David Baldwin-Griffin is a dual-threat quarterback out of IMG Academy in Bradenton, FL, who threw for 532 yards and rushed for 244 during his senior season. While the Compton, California native might not see the field much this year, current starter Zac Thomas is a strong mentor.

Three-star running back Raykwon Anderson chose the Mountaineers over Florida, UNC, and UCF. Initially, Anderson verbally committed to UNC, but withdrew his commitment after the firing of head coach Larry Fedora. The shifty back made an impact at Charlton Country High School on both the offensive and defensive ends of the ball. Anderson totaled seven passing touchdowns, 12 rushing touchdowns, 21 receiving touchdowns and four interceptions in high school.

In total, App State brought in 18 commits this year, with a recruiting class ranked 101st in the nation and fifth in the Sun Belt, according to 247sports.com, and three immediately eligible graduate transfers. Many of these newcomers will get opportunities on the field this year, even with App State’s massive talent returning.

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