West Virginia University is making significant strides to bolster its football roster through key transfer portal offers, particularly targeting former Alabama linebacker Sterling Dixon and former Texas defensive end/linebacker Justice Finkley.
Recently, West Virginia extended an offer to Sterling Dixon, who is among the most coveted recruits currently available. The 6-foot-2, 220-pound linebacker has garnered interest from several prominent programs, including Houston, North Carolina, and Oklahoma, since entering the transfer portal. Dixon participated in three games during his freshman year at Alabama and recorded one tackle during the Crimson Tide’s victory over Western Kentucky.
Dixon’s impressive high school career at Spanish Fort High School saw him total 128 tackles, including 32 tackles for loss, and 15 sacks—figures which likely made him stand out to West Virginia. With four years of eligibility remaining, he could make a substantial impact on the Mountaineers’ roster if he chooses to join the program.
Meanwhile, West Virginia is also eagerly anticipating the visit of Justice Finkley, who is scheduled to tour the campus on January 7th. Finkley emerged as one of the top recruits coming out of high school, opting for Texas over offers from numerous schools, including Alabama, Auburn, and Florida State. Although he averaged only 8.7 tackles per season during his tenure at Texas, he remains highly regarded among transfer prospects.
The consensus four-star recruit from Trussville, Alabama, has appeared in 32 games over three seasons, amassing 26 tackles and 2.5 sacks. Those numbers, though modest, do not capture the potential Finkley possesses. A fresh start at West Virginia could provide him with the opportunity to exploit his skills fully. With just one year of eligibility left, the pressure is on both players to capitalize on their chances to succeed.
West Virginia's coaching staff has been active and strategic to rebuild their football program. They recognize the importance of adding experienced players who can contribute immediately. The decision to target high-caliber players like Dixon and Finkley reflects their commitment to enhancing the competitiveness of the Mountaineers.
The transfer portal has revolutionized college football, providing underutilized players options to pursue their aspirations elsewhere. For West Virginia, acquiring players like Dixon and Finkley could be pivotal as they endeavor to improve their performance this coming season.
WVU’s efforts encapsulate the broader trends occurring across college athletics, where teams look to maximize talent through strategic recruiting methods. The Mountaineers' management is actively identifying and reaching out to potential candidates to secure the necessary talent to strengthen their lineup.
With the transfer portal opening new doors for both players and institutions, the dynamics of college football recruiting are shifting dramatically. For Dixon and Finkley, their next career moves could very well define their future trajectories, as both athletes seek to restore their competitive edge away from their previous teams.
West Virginia football fans will undoubtedly be watching closely as these developments continue to evolve. The decisions made by recruits like Dixon and Finkley will shape not only their careers but also the direction of the Mountaineers football program for years to come.