MORGANTOWN — West Virginia wanted to fill a need up front through the transfer market and the Mountaineers have done that with a commitment from Georgia Tech product Mike Lockhart.
Lockhart, at 6-foot-4 and 302 pounds, received a scholarship offer from the Mountaineers on April 20 and things moved quickly from that point leading to an official visit to campus over the weekend.
“The trip was great really enjoyed myself and the coaches and the players,” he said.
Current defensive lineman Dante Stills served as the host for Lockhart and by the end of the trip, he realized he wanted to spend the rest of his college career in Morgantown. So, the high upside transfer announced his choice giving the Mountaineers a versatile option up front.
Lockhart, who has appeared in 25 games over his three years in Atlanta, is set to start his career as a three-technique in the WVU defensive scheme, but there are opportunities to end up at several spots. That fact alone was an attraction for the Alabama native.
“They said I could really be versatile I can play the whole line,” he said.
Defensive coordinator Jordan Lesley, along with defensive line coach AJ Jackson, served as the lead recruiters for Lockhart and developed a quick bond with him over the past several weeks.
Lockhart recorded 48 tackles, 3 1/2 tackles for loss and half a sack during his time on the field and earned offers from West Virginia, Auburn, Virginia Tech, SMU, UNLV, Charlotte and UAB, among others.
He didn’t start playing football until his senior year of high school so there is plenty of upside with his addition.
He becomes the second transfer defensive lineman to commit to the Mountaineers behind Zeiqui Lawton who came over from Cincinnati and participated in spring ball.
Overall, Lockhart is the eighth player from the transfer portal to commit to the Mountaineers.
WVU still holds three open scholarships to fill from the 2022 class and the focuses now appear to be at inside linebacker, at cornerback and then possibly between wide receiver, safety or offensive line.
By KEENAN CUMMINGS
TWEET @dompostsports
