The highly recruited defensive end ultimately chose the Mountaineers over the likes of Memphis and Miami University.
SHELBY — The work has paid off for Shelby senior Carter Kessler.
Monday morning, the talented defensive end announced his commitment to West Virginia University over the likes of Memphis and Miami university.
It has been an eventful year of recruiting for Kessler who went on official visits to Memphis and West Virginia, along with several unofficial visits including Ohio State.
“The recruiting process has been God's plan and God's timing, I’m blessed to be in this position,” Kessler said.
Why did he choose the Mountaineers?
“The fans and how connected the coaches are," Kessler said. "I’ll also have the opportunity to play as a freshman.”
Kessler will play under coach Rich Rodriguez, who is in the first season of his second stint in charge of the Mountaineers. Rodriguez is a WVU alumnus who previous had head coaching stops at Michigan, Arizona and Jacksonville State, among others.
Kessler is originally from Shelby, but has moved around the state stops at Napoleon High School and most recently Mansfield Senior before returning back to his roots.
He's having a stellar season for the Whippets, who are currently undefeated and ranked No. 1 in the state in Division IV per MaxPreps and the latest OHSAA computer rankings.
“We want to to get better as a team every day and become better men outside of football and then obviously go all the way in the playoffs,” Kessler said.
With his commitment out of the way, he can now focus on winning a state championship with his lifelong friends.
The senior has put up nine receptions for 151 yards, with two touchdowns. On defense, he’s been a danger off the edge for opposing quarterbacks with 17 tackles, three for loss, and three sacks.
“I want to thank the Lord, my mom, mawmaw, girlfriend Ryleigh and her family, and all of my family, as well as my coaches and teammates who helped me through this process," Kessler said.
This article originally appeared on Mansfield News Journal: OHSAA Football: Shelby's Kessler commits to West Virginia University
Category: General Sports
