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Bill Stewart was in the Mid-0hio Valley earlier today, making his last allotted visit in the recruitment of All-American lineman Josh Jenkins. WTAP had a chance to talk with the Mountaineers new head coach. He discusses the program's focus on West Virginia's top players in the state.

We also had a chance to talk with Josh Jenkins, who says his mind is pretty much made up. He also reflects on the last steps of the recruiting process.

Stewart in town to court Jenkins | Parkersburg News and Sentinel

Stewart in town to court Jenkins
PHS star nearing decision on school

By DAVE POE, Sports Editor POSTED: January 15, 2008

PARKERSBURG ? Like every other community, Parkersburg loves a parade.

But never in the history of this community, incorporated in 1810, has there been a parade like the one taking place this week at the Parkersburg High School football office.

On Monday, new West Virginia University head football coach Bill Stewart and even newer recruiting coordinator John ?Doc? Holliday were at PHS to meet with all-America lineman

Josh Jenkins. After spending some time with Jenkins, members of the PHS coaching and the media, the WVU coaches met with Jenkins and his family at their home, trying to convince the 6-foot-5, 305-pound star to continue his football career in Morgantown next fall.

While Stewart and Holliday were the grand marshals of this parade, it?s going to continue for three more days as some of the other top football programs in America make their respective pitches for Jenkins? services.

Today, University of Michigan recruiting coordinator Tony Gibson ? who not long ago was recruiting Jenkins on behalf of WVU ?will visit the Big Red football complex.

On Wednesday, University of Pittsburgh coach Dave Wannstedt ?whose Panthers upset West Virginia in the regular season finale and knocked the Mountaineers out of the National Championship game, will be in Parkersburg seeking the services of Jenkins ?who is scheduled to make his official visit to the Pittsburgh campus this weekend.

Finally, on Thursday, Ohio State coach Jim Tressel will be back in Parkersburg, taking his final shot at Jenkins.

Other than saying he?s getting close to a decision ? he has little choice with national letter-of-intent day set for Feb. 7 ? Jenkins continues to explore his options, which he has been doing for more than a year.

Jenkins said he would go where he feels most comfortable and where he best fits in, regardless of the distance between that school and Parkersburg.