JACKSON TWP — The offers kept coming in, but since Don Barclay knew where the best fit would be, why delay the inevitable?

Barclay, a 6-foot-5, 265-pound junior lineman at Seneca Valley, made a verbal commitment to West Virginia University Monday to continue his academic and football careers.

West Virginia was one of six Division I programs to offer the Cranberry Township resident a scholarship.

North Carolina State was first, followed by the University of Pittsburgh and then the Mountaineers. Akron and Temple also offered and the University of Cincinnati offered Monday, but the decision was made.

"I actually made (the decision) Saturday at 7 p.m.," said Barclay. He then called WVU head coach Rich Rodriguez and offensive line and assistant head coach Rick Trickett Monday with the news.

"Every time I went there, I just enjoyed it. My uncle (defensive tackle Allen Pisula) played there from 1976-79. My parents especially felt comfortable there," Barclay added.

The Mountaineers have expressed interest in looking at Barclay on either side of the ball at tackle.

"They seemed to like me at left tackle," said Barclay.

"Other teams I was thinking about that were in the running, like North Carolina State and Pitt and Akron, some of the bigger schools told me I had a chance to play early, but WVU was the best fit. That's why I made the decision early," he added.

"I think they're looking at him as an offensive lineman," said Seneca Valley coach Ron Butschle. "I think he'd be good at either side of the ball. Purdue's coach saw him as a defensive lineman, so you never really know."

Barclay joins a long line of Seneca Valley teammates from last season that, despite a 1-9 record, have committed to playing college football, the other seven being seniors.

Kevan Smith (Pitt), Zach Duggan and Brandon Fusco (Slippery Rock University), Andrew Rieder (Seton Hill University), Ben Edwards (Westminster College) and Pat Jones and Phil Mignanelli (Waynesburg College) already announced their choices.

Barclay now will enter the summer knowing his choice is made and he can concentrate on enjoying his senior season without distractions.

He'll be hoping to improve his play as well as helping to turn the Raiders' fortunes around.

"I think I have a great first step off the ball and my run and pass blocking have improved, but this year I want to improve my pull blocking and keeping my blocks down the field," said Barclay.

"Donny's still not come close to tapping all his potential," said Butschle. "He's a very athletic man for as big as he is. He has great feet and is extremely strong.

"I think he really fits the system at West Virginia well. They do a lot of zone blocking and he runs well, and that's something they saw in him. He has the agility," Butschle added.

Barclay is also impressed with the play of the Mountaineers on the field, particularly the past few seasons. The team is coming off an 11-1 season, including a Big East Championship and Sugar Bowl victory.

Rodriguez has guided the Mountaineers to a 37-14 record the past four seasons and 40-22 in his five seasons in Morgantown.

"I think that played a part in my decision too," said Barclay. "I look at WVU and see all they've done the past couple of years. The program is going in the right direction."

And so too is Barclay's progress.

"He's maturing and in another year will be that much better," said Butschle. "He's impressed me with how he handled the recruiting.

"I have a lot of respect for him. He's down to earth and an up-front kid."