A nod to Snodgrass
Nitro star getting ready for freshman year at WVU

June 19, 2007
By Tommy R. Atkinson
Staff writer
http://wvgazette.com/section/Prep+Sports/2007061830


Nitro’s Chad Snodgrass will anchor the South line in the North-South Classic Saturday night.

It’s been awhile since Chad Snodgrass committed to West Virginia University and signed on the dotted line, but the Nitro lineman has had plenty to keep him busy.

First there was the high school football season, during which Snodgrass helped the Wildcats to the third seed in the Class AAA playoffs and a quarterfinal appearance. Snodgrass earned a Class AAA first-team all-state selection and was the runner-up for the Hunt Award, which is given to the state’s top lineman.

The pace didn’t get any slower after the football season ended. There were workouts to begin preparation for becoming a Mountaineer, a spot on Nitro’s boys basketball team and schoolwork.

Snodgrass has one more duty left before he says good-bye to a fine high school career, and it’s one he’s been dreaming about for a while. Snodgrass will suit up for the South Cardinals for this weekend’s 54th North-South All-Star Football Classic. The annual showcase of high school seniors kicks off at 7 p.m. at University of Charleston Stadium’s Laidley Field. All tickets are $8.

Despite dripping with sweat after practicing in stifling 90-plus-degree heat Monday afternoon on the grounds of the West Virginia Rehabilitation Center in Institute, one could sense that Snodgrass wouldn’t want to be anywhere else.

“It’s definitely an honor to play in this game and I’m just glad I was picked,’’ said the 6-foot-3, 302-pound Snodgrass during a water break. “I’ve been going and watching the game with my parents probably since I was 8 years old.

“It’s a great game to play in. I always wanted to play in it and dreamed of it and now I finally have an opportunity to play. It lets you know that you are one of the best in the state. It gives you a lot of confidence to be here. It’s awesome.’’

Validation of his abilities came when WVU coach Rich Rodriguez extended a scholarship offer last June and he signed in February. Since the prep football season ended, Snodgrass has been readying his body and mind for the rigors of fall camp with the Mountaineers.

“There’s not enough time to get bored,’’ said Snodgrass, who will major in exercise physiology at WVU. “As soon as I was done with football [the WVU coaches] sent me an offseason workout and conditioning program. [Nitro and South teammate] Tyler Rader and I’ve followed that pretty heavily.

“All the nutrition programs, we’ve been following that to a T. It’s Monday, Wednesday, Friday with just weights, but every day it’s conditioning with different types of explosive exercises and plyometrics. I played basketball also and that helped a lot with my speed and agility. I didn’t do track this year so I had a lot of time to concentrate on my grades. I didn’t get bored.’’

Snodgrass said he’s excited about beginning his Mountaineer journey next month.

“I can’t wait to get up there,’’ he said. “They told me if I worked real hard at center I might see some playing time. Just being a freshman and playing against 22-year-olds, it’s just really hard to get a starting position. Hopefully I’ll see some playing time this year. Right now [center is] where they need me and wherever they need me that’s where I’ll play.’’

In addition to Snodgrass, this year’s North-South Classic features a talented lineup. Morgantown defensive lineman Junius Lewis and quarterback Charlie Russell also signed with WVU while Hurricane lineman C.J. Huffman is an invited walk-on.

Woodrow Wilson offensive lineman Micah Carter signed with Marshall while Tolsia’s B.J. Evans, the Kennedy Award runner-up, and St. Albans’ Jeremy James are invited walk-ons. Hurricane’s Matt Hartsog will walk on at the Naval Academy.

Four of the top five vote getters in the Kennedy Award balloting will be on hand, including Kennedy winner Kyle Allard of Fairmont Senior. Wheeling Central’s Brandon Tucker finished fourth in the Kennedy vote while Cabell Midland’s Christian Edwards was fifth.

“I think it’s probably the best [talent] we’ve had, and each year I say that, but you can look at the people we have,’’ said North-South game director Ralph Hensley. “We have the Kennedy Award winner [and] we have guys that played for championship teams.

“I think the talent level this year is one of the best we’ve had in a long time. We keep plugging this game [and] we keep pushing it so when people are selected to play in it it’s a great honor. The kids get to display their talent one more time in the high school ranks.’’

The North-South Classic media day is set for noon today at the Wilson Student Union cafeteria on the West Virginia State campus in Institute.

To contact staff writer Tommy R. Atkinson, use e-mail or call (304) 348-4811.