West Virginia’s linebacker room got a late-summer boost on Thursday, when the Mountaineers landed a commitment from junior college transfer Destin Achi of Southwest Raiders C.C.
Achi checks in at 6-foot-2 and 220 pounds, and he said the first visit to Morgantown made a strong impression.
"From the first time I visited, I felt welcomed by the coaching staff and the players, and I could tell they genuinely believed in my potential," he told West Virginia On SI. "WVU has always been on my radar, and as I got to know the coaches and learned more about the program, it just felt like the right fit. I really liked the culture, the opportunity to develop, and felt like it was the best place for me."
He also pointed to defensive coordinator Zac Alley as a big reason the decision came together, saying Alley’s honesty and commitment to the program stood out to him.
"They haven’t told me exactly where I’ll be playing yet," Achi said. "They mainly emphasized coming in, competing, and earning a role while developing in their system.
My role/positions (last year) were a field general, leader of the defense, and captain of the team. That year has helped me develop physically and mentally to get ready for the next level."
Because of his late arrival, Achi is expected to begin his WVU career as a depth option and special teams contributor, with a chance to push for a bigger role later on. He’ll have an opportunity to compete for more snaps in 2027 and beyond.
The addition also comes with some roster movement. Earlier in the week, WVU removed freshman linebacker Trey McGlothlin from the roster after he had enrolled a couple of months ago. The reasons for McGlothlin’s departure are unknown, but Achi can be viewed as his replacement.
With Achi now in the mix, West Virginia’s linebacker count is up to 11. Alley has plenty of bodies to choose from, though a four- or five-man rotation appears likely at the position.
The group now includes R-SR Malachi Hood (6’2”, 228 lbs), R-SR Tyler Stolsky (6’2”, 232 lbs), R-SR Troy Fischer (5’11”, 222 lbs), SR Ben Cutter (6’0”, 228 lbs), R-JR Jason Hall Jr. (6’1”, 234 lbs), JR Ashton Woods (6’3”, 228 lbs), R-SO Isaiah Patterson (6’2”, 235 lbs), SO Destin Achi (6’2”, 220 lbs), R-FR Cam Torbor (6’3”, 239 lbs), FR Cameron Dwyer (6’1”, 216 lbs), and FR Antoine Sharpe Jr. (6’0”, 225 lbs).
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