Antoine Sharp, a talented 6-foot-1, 220‑pound linebacker from Palm Beach Central High School (West Palm Beach, Florida), has made a significant impact on the recruiting trail in recent weeks. Originally a three‑star recruit with over 18 scholarship offers—including Florida State, Missouri, Pittsburgh, Maryland, Indiana, Appalachian State, and UCF—Sharp had initially committed to UCF back in April 2025 .
However, following an official visit to Morgantown, West Virginia, from June 6–8, Sharp decided to “flip” his commitment, choosing to become part of the 2026 class of the West Virginia Mountaineers . His announcement, which came via X (Twitter) on June 11, 2025, credited WVU’s coaching staff—head coach Rich Rodriguez and defensive coordinator Zac Alley—for creating an environment where he felt “at home.” He expressed confidence that Morgantown would provide the ideal platform for him to grow both as an athlete and as a student .
📊 2024 High School Performance
In his junior season, Sharp posted standout stats:
133 tackles
13.5 tackles for loss
4.5 sacks
One interception
One fumble recovery
His performance helped Palm Beach Central reach the regional finals of Florida’s 7A playoffs .
Why West Virginia?
West Virginia’s recruiting of Sharp began in late January 2025, when Zac Alley extended an offer. Despite his commitment to UCF in April, WVU’s persistence—highlighted by an enthusiastic reception during his official visit—played a pivotal role in convincing him . Rivals.com, which lists Sharp with a 5.7 rating and 82 position score, notes that WVU’s defensive requirements and coaching vision align well with his skill set .
Scouting Report & Fit
Recruiting analysts describe Sharp as an explosive athlete: a linebacker who can “get downhill quickly” and has the fluidity to drop into coverage. He combines playmaking intensity with the frame and speed needed to thrive in college defenses . With WVU set to lose several linebackers next year, Sharp’s addition is seen as a timely boost to depth and athleticism at the position .
Mountaineer Class Impact
Sharp becomes WVU’s 13th commitment in the 2026 cycle. His recruitment continues a pattern of West Virginia successfully flipping recruits from other programs, reinforcing the growing momentum under Rodriguez’s regime .
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In summary, Antoine Sharp’s switch from UCF to WVU highlights both his on-field potential and the growing allure of Morgantown’s football program. With robust high school production and athletic upside, he arrives as a versatile, high-motor linebacker who fits the Mountaineers’ defensive blueprint—and his recruitment marks another strategic victory for WVU in securing talent during the 2026 cycle.