MORGANTOWN, WV – The West Virginia Mountaineers football program has landed a significant piece for its future, as highly-touted athlete Anthony Lopez officially committed to the university today. Lopez, a versatile talent from Paramus Catholic High School in Paramus, New Jersey, chose the Mountaineers over a host of Power Four offers, including Michigan State, Pittsburgh, and Penn State.
Lopez, a 6-foot-1, 170-pound prospect in the Class of 2028, announced his decision via social media, putting an end to a recruitment process that saw him gain significant attention from across the country. While he’s listed as an athlete, West Virginia’s coaching staff has primarily targeted him as a defensive back, valuing his length, athleticism, and exceptional closing speed.
“It felt right, it truly felt like home,” Lopez said in an exclusive interview following his announcement. “The coaching staff at West Virginia, especially Coach [Zac] Alley, made me feel like a priority from the very beginning. They showed me how I fit into their defensive scheme and how I could make an immediate impact. The vision they have for the program, combined with the passion of the fanbase and the academics, sealed the deal for me.”
Lopez’s commitment is a major win for the Mountaineers, particularly in the competitive Northeast recruiting landscape. His addition reinforces the program’s strategy of building from the defensive side of the ball, focusing on long, athletic playmakers who can excel in the Big 12’s high-octane offensive environment. His junior high film showcased his ability to play both cornerback and safety, demonstrating excellent ball skills and a willingness to come up and make tackles.
Defensive Coordinator Zac Alley, who has been instrumental in Lopez’s recruitment, expressed his excitement, stating, “Anthony is exactly the kind of player we want in our program. He’s got the physical tools, but more importantly, he has the drive and character that we look for in our athletes. He’s going to be a fantastic addition to our secondary and we can’t wait to get him to Morgantown.”
While Lopez is still several years away from stepping onto the collegiate field, his early commitment signals a promising future for West Virginia football. It also sends a strong message on the recruiting trail, indicating that the Mountaineers are a serious contender for top-tier talent, even in the very early stages of a prospect’s career. Mountaineer Nation will undoubtedly be eager to follow Anthony Lopez’s progress as he prepares to don the Old Gold and Blue.
