MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — Capital outside linebacker Dorian Etheridge, a top defensive target for West Virginia coaches, announced his commitment to Louisville on Saturday.
The Rivals three-star prospect also has offers from Virginia Tech, Pitt, Maryland, Purdue, Marshall and Toledo.
Etheridge attended the Cardinals’ invitation-only camp Friday night at Papa John’s Cardinal Stadium and then took to Twitter to make his pledge to Louisville, where former WVU assistant Lonnie Galloway is among the recruiters.
#BLESSED #COMMITMENT pic.twitter.com/D3mnVv1jm2
— Llenahs (@D_Shmoney_17) July 16, 2016
Rivals senior writer Keenan Cummings said Etheridge (6-3, 210) has been a focus for West Virginia recruiters since January 2015 when they extended his first FBS offer. A majority of 247Sports recruiting analysts also predicted Etheridge would choose the Mountaineers, who have struggled to secure commitments from an atypically strong in-state class.
Spring Valley offensive lineman Riley Locklear committed to Tennessee last week, and Point Pleasant lineman Seth Stewart chose Marshall over offers from WVU, Pitt and Arkansas.
Huntington three-star offensive lineman Billy Ross has been a priority for West Virginia coaches but reportedly is deciding between North Carolina, Tennessee or Florida State.
West Virginia is thought to be the frontrunner for four-star South Charleston safety Derrek Pitts, whose top four includes Florida, Tennessee and Penn State.
The Mountaineers hold a commitment from three-star Morgantown linebacker Maverick Wolfley, whose family lineage stretches deep at WVU.