See ya on September 2nd, 2017, Mountaineer Nation!

— Willy (@willgrier_) May 20, 2016

This was the final strike in a subtle but also significant development Friday. Will Grier, if all goes according to plan, will be allowed to play when West Virginia opens the 2017 season at FedEx Field against Virginia Tech.

The first indication something was up came earlier in the afternoon, when Dana Holgorsen, seemingly umprompted, released a statement saying something to the same effect though without ever coming out and saying it.

Will Grier enrolled for classes here at WVU on May 16. With the timing of his transfer, and the requirements that he has to finish from the NCAA, I cannot officially confirm his eligibility until the summer of 2017. However, I fully anticipate him being eligible for the opening game of the 2017 season.

That made my ears twitch in a faraway land, so I had to make some calls. Quite quickly the space between the lines was filled, and Grier and the Mountaineers have a clear picture of what’s next.

Charleston Gazette-Mail has learned QB Will Grier is eligible for 2017 opener provided he maintains eligibility requirements.

— Mike Casazza (@mikecasazza) May 20, 2016

WVU’s not talking about this, so I’m not exactly sure what’s happened and why, but I think we can tiptoe through this.

The big takeaway, as evidenced by Grier’s proclamation, is that this is done.

“…provided he maintains eligibility requirements” seems obvious to me, especially given his situation resulting from a prior offense, but he also has to be academically up to speed.

I also suspect this was not a waiver, because I don’t think you can pursue a waiver until the time comes when a player should be available. Grier’s not available during the 2016 season because of his transfer from Florida to WVU.

The question now is whether Grier is the starter and who among quarterbacks remains on the roster at that time.