Las Vegas Sun

March 28, 2024

high school recruiting:

Gorman’s Lorenzo Fertitta Jr. picks Villanova football

The 5-foot-9, 165-pound defensive back also considered San Diego and a few Ivy League schools

Gorman vs Liberty State Semi-Final

Christopher DeVargas

Bishop Gorman High’s Lorenzo Fertitta Jr. looks for running room against Liberty’s Taylor D’Aquisto and Lasean Brown (No. 23) during the state semifinals on Nov. 26, 2011, at Rancho High School. Gorman won 56-34 to advance to the state championship game.

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Bishop Gorman High senior-to-be Lorenzo Fertitta Jr. committed to the Villanova football program over the weekend.

The 5-foot-9, 165-pound Fertitta plays all over the field for the Gaels — at running back, in the secondary and at kick returner. He was recruited to do the same at Villanova, which he selected over recruiting interest from Cornell, Dartmouth, Holy Cross and San Diego.

Fertitta excelled at Villanova’s camp in June and was offered a scholarship. He initially thought he’d wind up at San Diego, but following the camp, he realized Villanova was a perfect fit.

“I had a chance to talk with my family and we knew Villanova would be the better choice,” he said. “Going to the East Coast sounded very interesting. I really liked the campus. It had that old look and everything.”

Fertitta rushed for 293 yards and two touchdowns on 52 attempts in 2011. He also caught nine passes for 126 yards — including five catches in a state championship victory over Reed High. This year, he’s expected to be a regular in the defensive secondary.

“I’m not that big, but I’m really fast and shifty,” Fertitta said.

Fertitta is one of seven locals already committed to colleges — Centennial's Trajan Pili and brothers Kai and Isaiah Nacua (BYU), Durango running back Marcus Williams (Utah), Foothill wide receiver Tyler Morris (San Diego State), Gorman quarterback Anu Solomon (Arizona) and Liberty running back Niko Kapeli (UNLV).

Ray Brewer can be reached at 990-2662 or [email protected]. Follow Ray on Twitter at twitter.com/raybrewer21.