Ready to roll: LH grad Gallagher excited for expanded role at WVU
Rob Burchianti | 蘑菇视频
Rodney Gallagher III left an indelible mark on Laurel Highlands football in his four years with the Mustangs.
He’s hoping to do the same at West Virginia University.
Gallagher, as a true freshman wide receiver, saw plenty of playing time for a Mountaineer team that was predicted to finish last in the Big 12 last year but instead went 9-4. WVU tied for third place in the conference with a 6-3 record and defeated North Carolina in the Duke’s Mayo Bowl, 30-10.
Gallagher will be employed on both offense and defense along with special teams for the Mountaineers this season.
The LH graduate visited his old stomping grounds Friday night, taking in the Mustangs’ 45-20 win over crosstown rival Uniontown at Mustang Field.
“It’s cool. I miss it all the time, being up here,” Gallagher said. “Just getting away from school a little bit, taking a little drive to come here and watch the high school play their rival. It’s always good to see.”
Gallagher, who was named to the Academic All-Big 12 Rookie Team last season, played in all 13 of WVU’s games and saw action in 284 plays, including 259 on offense. He had 10 receptions for 74 yards and ran the ball 15 times for 87 yards, averaging 5.8 yards per carry.
He’s prepared to play a bigger role for the Mountaineers this season.
“I feel I’ve improved a lot physically since the start of my freshman year,” Gallagher said. “The biggest changes from last year are I would say my body type, I’m more confident and I’m more comfortable in the offense.
“And now I’m getting a chance to play defense, too.”
Coach Neal Brown has worked Gallagher into the defensive secondary as well this season.
“I’m playing nickel. I’m excited,” Gallagher said. “That gives more opportunities to showcase my athleticism and help the team. I just want to get out there and show them what I can do.”
Gallagher played special teams last year and will again this year with returns added to his responsibilities.
“Right now I’m the two returning punts and I’m also doing a little KOR (kickoff returns),” said Gallagher, who commended Brown.
“He’s a great coach,” Gallagher said. “He was recruiting me ever since I started playing football up here. I stuck with him all throughout the process.
“He’s a great dude and I appreciate him every day for giving me the opportunity to play for him at the University.”
West Virginia opens its season at Mountaineer on Saturday with a noon kickoff against Penn State. Gallagher had a 12-yard reception in WVU’s 38-15 loss at Penn State last year. He feels the 2024 Mountaineers have plenty of potential.
“I think our team has a chance to be special if we just put a lot of pieces together,” Gallagher said. “Our team is very deep in every single room.
“We’ll have a good chance to show how good we are in week one.”