MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — Three-star outside linebacker Jared Bartlett did his research before camping at West Virginia in late July. His visit provided the icing.
A product of Collins Hill High in Suwanee, Ga., Bartlett committed to the Mountaineers on Thursday night, becoming their 13th pledge overall for 2019 and the fourth from Georgia. At 6-foot-2 and 210 pounds, Bartlett is coming off a 78-tackle junior season in which he made six sacks and forced two fumbles.
The younger brother of Pittsburgh Steelers defensive tackle Stephon Tuitt holds other Power Five offers from Alabama, North Carolina, Maryland, Purdue, Syracuse and Rutgers.
“I knew before I visited that West Virginia was where I wanted to go,” Bartlett told Rivals. “The more I researched the school, the more I fell in love with it. I want to major in aerospace engineering, and they have a great program. The school just seemed to have everything I was looking for, and when I went up there, my love for the school just multiplied.”
West Virginia has made linebackers a priority this cycle, paced by the commitment from four-star Lee Kpogba of Winston Salem, N.C. Other linebacking prospects are University High’s Amir Richardson and Martinsburg’s Dewayne Grantham.
“While raw, Bartlett is a dynamic athlete that has the ability to create havoc off the edge,” said Rivals writer Keenan Cummings. “Bartlett has enough speed to run sideline to sideline at the next level and is explosive on his first step. He holds his own in pass coverage while displaying the knack for delivering punishing hits.
“Considering how raw Bartlett is, there is a lot to like, given his athleticism and ability to attack the ball. He’s disruptive for sure.”