MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — Matthew Graveline wasted no time justifying West Virginia’s offseason investment in the transfer portal. The senior slugger belted the team’s only two home runs through three games, powering the Mountaineers to a clean sweep against Georgia Southern.

Graveline spoke to reporters on Feb. 16 about his rapid adjustment to WVU. He credited added muscle and elite bat speed for unlocking his power. Arriving at Ohio State as a 180-pound freshman, he bulked up to 195 pounds last season and now tips the scales at 205. ‘Putting on strength and weight, like good muscle, translates to more power in the game,’ Graveline said. ‘A strong part of my game is bat speed. Those two combined equals a lot of power.’

His college power numbers back it up. Graveline hit nine home runs in two seasons with the Buckeyes — four as a freshman, five as a sophomore — then launched 10 more last year. At WVU, he’s listed at 195 pounds but already feels stronger.

Beyond the long ball, Graveline brings plate discipline honed as a catcher. He posted a .445 slugging percentage and .371 on-base mark at Ohio State, drawing 98 walks over 156 games. He ties that skill to reading umpires. ‘Getting to know the umpire well and knowing his zone — every umpire is a little different,’ Graveline said. ‘That definitely helps as a catcher.’

Defensively, he started twice at catcher and once in right field during the Georgia Southern series. In the third game, his throw from right field nailed a runner at the plate, preserving a 2-2 tie in the sixth inning. Across his career, Graveline has logged 88 appearances behind the plate, the most of his 156 games, plus time at first base and corner outfield. He prefers catching. ‘My athletic ability plays it both pretty well, but I’d rather catch,’ he said. ‘Obviously, I’m willing to do anything to help the team win games.’

As half of WVU’s battery, Graveline has hit the ground running with the pitching staff. Coaches have him catching bullpens on Mondays and Tuesdays to learn their arsenals. He’s also building personal bonds. ‘Every guy is different out there,’ Graveline said. ‘Some guys you need to be stern with and tell them, “let’s go.” But some guys need the opposite approach, maybe crack a joke or something, get them to loosen up.’

Graveline arrived amid a roster overhaul. WVU added 25 newcomers — 12 freshmen and 13 transfers. He praised the group’s quick chemistry. ‘I’ve gelled well; this is probably the closest team I’ve been with in my four years in college,’ Graveline said. ‘We gelled pretty fast in the fall, which I think is going to help with success on the field.’

With fall camp underway, Graveline’s versatility and leadership position him as a cornerstone for West Virginia’s lineup.