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The Lunch: In-state recruiting gains acclaim for 2017

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — When it comes to FBS recruits, West Virginia typically has been a fly-over, drive-around or ignore-entirely state. However, talent has spiked for the Class of 2017, with five players landing multiple offers from Power 5 schools.

During the previous seven years, Rivals has evaluated four in-state prospects at three stars or higher. The upcoming class? It includes five:

4-star safety Derrek Pitts of South Charleston
3-star linebacker Dorian Etheridge of Capital
3-star offensive lineman Billy Ross of Huntington
3-star offensive lineman Riley Locklear of Spring Valley
3-star linebacker Maverick Wolfley of Morgantown

“It’s one of the rare times West Virginia has inherent advantages,” said Rivals senior writer Keenan Cummings.