Flowers Joins WVU As Preferred Walk-On

John Marshall RB ran for 1,384 yards and 16 touchdowns

MOUNDSVILLE -- John Marshall running back Dalton Flowers has worked for everything he's gotten to this point in his outstanding high school football career.

That work ethic didn't go unnoticed as he signed his letter of intent to continue his academic and athletic careers as a preferred walk-on at his dream school, West Virginia University, on Wednesday.

"This means a lot," Flowers said. "Ever since I got the news that I had a chance to go there I've been speechless. I've always wanted to go there since I was young."

Flowers is coming off a remarkable senior campaign for coach Jason Willis and the Monarchs. He produced in all aspects of the game as he ran for 1,384 yards and 16 touchdowns on 149 carries, racked up 344 yards and six scores on 16 receptions, took a kickoff back for a TD and also contributed 16 tackles and a tackle for loss on defense to capture second team all-state honors.

"I'm very excited for him," Willis said. "He has worked his butt off and he has produced on and off the field. He's a good student and a heckuva football player. He deserves the opportunity to play at the next level."

During the last year, it has been a difficult task for athletes to stay in playing shape with gyms closing but Willis complimented Flowers' ability to continuously find a way to better himself off the field.

"He has a tremendous work ethic," Willis said. "He never misses a day in the weight room. With the COVID situation, he just found a way to get it done and you have to appreciate that. It's nice to have that kind of athlete on and off the field. He's a good leader on the team and I just have a lot of respect for him. He'll have success down there."

That kind of leadership on and off the field won't go unrecognized next fall when Flowers joins the Mountaineers.

"I'm definitely going to try to be as big of a leader as I can be," Flowers said. "I know it can be tough for a preferred walk-on. It's going to be a challenge but I'll work hard on and off the field."

John Marshall has always been known for its hard-nosed running game, which made Flowers' last four years with the Monarchs even more enjoyable.

"It was definitely a good experience playing here at John Marshall," Flowers said. "Especially at my position. John Marshall loves to run the ball and to have that kind of trust from my coaches and Coach Willis from Day 1 means everything. He loves his guys and he will do anything for us."

Also in Flowers' corner every step of the way were his mom and dad, cheering him on every Friday night.

"There support means a lot to me," Flowers said. "They've been there from the beginning, no matter what sport it was. I think they were more excited than I was."

In a time of uncertainty, one thing is certain. Coach Neal Brown and the Mountaineers made a great decision on bringing Flowers into their program.