Long flips to WVU

Columbus (Oh.) Hamilton Township cornerback Jacob Long had been committed to Purdue since early June but after recently visiting West Virginia the Rivals.com three-star prospect has decided to flip his pledge to the Mountaineers.

Long, 6-foot, 186-pounds, originally committed to Purdue June 9 but after visiting Morgantown Saturday elected to flip to Dana Holgorsen's program becoming the first cornerback pledge in the 2016 class. He first announced his decommitment from Purdue before declaring his verbal commitment to the Mountaineers.

"This was a decision I have made based on the best interest of my future as a player and a person," he wrote.

"Blessed to announce that I will be joining the WVU football family. Excited about the future in Motown!" he subsequently tweeted.

The athletic cornerback prospect originally added an offer from the Mountaineers in May and at the time had strong feelings for the program before he pulled the trigger on the Boilermakers.

"I'd love to play at West Virginia because it's close to home and it would be cool to have my family up at games," Long said at the time.

But ultimately it was his comfort level on campus and the level of competition that made his decision.

"I love the level of competition in the Big 12. WVU has the best defensive scheme that fits my style of play. I am a man coverage type of player," he said. "I love the atmosphere and the community and university really invests in program."

A native of Ashland, Kentucky, Long elected to move to Columbus during the off-season and immediately attracted the attention of a host of other programs drawing offers from power-five schools such as West Virginia, Virginia and Purdue.

He was one of the standout performers at the Best of Midwest Combine in February clocking a 4.3 40-yard dash and earning defensive back MVP honors.

Defensive line coach Bruce Tall served as the lead recruiter for Long with the assistant initially showing interest in his speed and ability to fit at the cornerback spot in the West Virginia defense. That relationship proved key.

"The staff really showed me love. They treated me like family and they were very comfortable with me and my family," he said.

Overall, Long becomes the 18th pledge for West Virginia in the class of 2016 and the second this week following the commitment of Reisterstown (Md.) Franklin wide receiver Steven Smothers.