Springfield (Ohio) athlete Taj Powell has made his college decision official, committing to West Virginia University for the 2026 football recruiting class. The 6-foot-3, 210-pound defensive back chose the Mountaineers not only for their strong coaching staff but also for the belief that their defensive scheme is the perfect match for his unique skill set.
Powell, a three-star prospect per Rivals.com, had received a scholarship offer from West Virginia in late January and has since developed strong relationships with the coaching staff, particularly nickels/sams coach Henry Weinreich and defensive coordinator Zac Alley. Powell, who plays both safety and linebacker at the high school level, has grown comfortable with the Mountaineers’ plan for him on the defensive side of the ball.
Strong Relationships with Coaches
For Powell, the connection with the coaching staff was a major factor in his decision. He emphasized that his bond with the coaches, not just from the defensive side but even with offensive staff, made him feel like a top priority. During his visits to Morgantown, Powell was consistently impressed by the coaches’ communication and their approach to building a relationship with him. He felt welcomed and valued at each step of the process.
“The coaches made me feel like a top priority from the very beginning,” Powell said. “They always kept in touch, made sure I was comfortable, and when I went up there for spring practice, I could see the genuine excitement in their eyes. They made it clear how much they wanted me to be a part of the program.”
This strong sense of trust and respect ultimately led Powell to call Coach Weinreich with the good news. His excitement was evident, and Powell’s decision was met with a warm and enthusiastic reception from the entire staff.
“When I told Coach Weinreich, he was ecstatic, and right after that, the rest of the staff welcomed me with love and acceptance, which really meant a lot to me,” Powell shared.
A Perfect Defensive Fit
On the field, Powell believes that West Virginia’s defensive scheme aligns perfectly with his talents. His size, speed, and athleticism make him a natural fit for the Mountaineers’ system, which places emphasis on versatility and aggressive playmaking, especially from players in the nickel and outside linebacker positions.
“They utilize the safety and outside linebacker positions a lot in blitzes, and that’s a big part of my game,” Powell said. “They plan to use me coming off the edge, and they have different actions they use to set the quarterback up to fall right into my lap for a sack. I’m really looking forward to playing in that system.”
Powell’s ability to move between roles makes him an asset to the Mountaineers’ defense. Whether he’s rushing the passer or covering in the secondary, his dynamic playmaking ability will be a valuable tool for West Virginia moving forward.
Looking Ahead to College Football
With his commitment to West Virginia, Powell is now focused on finishing his high school career on a high note before officially starting his college journey. He plans to enroll in January 2026, giving him an early start on his career in Morgantown. He’s excited not only for the opportunity to play for the Mountaineers but also for the electric atmosphere that comes with playing at West Virginia.
“I can’t wait to get there,” Powell said. “I’m looking forward to experiencing the excitement and team spirit. West Virginia has one of the best fan bases in the country, and I can’t wait to be a part of it.”
Powell’s commitment is a key addition to West Virginia’s 2026 recruiting class, providing a versatile defensive talent who can make an immediate impact in the Mountaineers’ defense. With his size, athleticism, and mindset, Powell is primed to thrive in West Virginia’s defensive scheme and help the program continue to build momentum in the years to come.
