Doug Rigg, a touted athlete who plays outside linebacker and running back for Bergen Catholic High School, in Oradell, N.J., likes WVU’s style of play, family atmosphere and coaching staff enough that he named the Mountaineers his leader, on Monday night.
“West Virginia is probably at the top of my board,” he told EerSports.com. “I like the scheme they have. I think it fits my style of play nicely. It’s just a great fit.”
Back when WVU welcomed in East Carolina on Sept. 12, Rigg took an official visit to Morgantown, which has been his only official visit so far this fall. “There’s a family down at WVU. Everybody will look after me and it’s a great place to be,” said Rigg.
WVU defensive backs coach David Lockwood has been recruiting Rigg for the Mountaineers, as well as defensive coordinator/linebackers coach Jeff Casteel, Rigg said. “He just tells me I’m high on their board,” Rigg said of Lockwood. “I like that the linebacker coach is the defensive coordinator. I like coach Casteel.”
ESPN Scouts Inc rated the 6-foot, 210 pound Rigg a top 100 athlete for the 2010 recruiting class and gave him a 77 scouts grade. Specifically about WVU, Rigg said, “They like my speed. Overall, I get to the ball fast,” adding that he is versatile enough to play be an effective pass rusher or even a safety.
Bergen Catholic is off to a 5-2 start, with a recent 28-20 loss to one of the elite high school football teams in the nation -- Don Bosco Prep, in Ramsey, N.J. Through seven games, Rigg said he has recorded 28 tackles and three sacks, as well as 305 rush yards and a pair of touchdowns, coming from only 35 carries.
Rutgers, Iowa, Maryland and Wisconsin, as well as WVU, have all offered Rigg, who said Rutgers is “second” behind WVU, and Iowa is still in the mix. At this time, he has no other official visits scheduled. “No, I don’t have any others set up. I might try and set some up soon,” he said.
Ultimately, Rigg has set his sights for a school that has a family-like atmosphere and one that provides an opportunity to get a good education. WVU fits those requirements, he explained: “They have a family down there -- all the fans, players and coaches and a great environment for learning.”
Though he is not exactly sure when his commitment will come, Rigg said he hopes to wrap things up before football season ends. “I’m pretty sure I’ll commit before 2009 ends,” he said.