One of the breakout wide receiver recruits in the state of Florida, it was hard to miss Kha'leal Sterling making plays down the field as a junior last fall.
The 5-foot-10 prospect, who worked both sides of the football for most of his varsity career, saw his offensive numbers take off in 2023 at nationally-tracked Miami (Fla.) Central. Sterling averaged better than 22 yards per catch and hauled in eight touchdowns for the Rockets and the offers have been coming in ever since.
More than a dozen programs have jumped into the race for the speedster, but he tells Rivals his recruitment will be focused on the trio of Arizona State, Pitt and West Virginia at this time.
"I wanted to take a little more time with it," Sterling said. "These three have been on me since my recruiting process first cranked up."
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Each finalist has been involved with the Miami-area native since late last year, something that matters to him within his recruiting rise.
"West Virginia was the first Power Five program to believe in me," Sterling said. "At Arizona State, me and coach (Rashaad) Samples have a tight bond. I speak to almost every coach on their staff, and always consistent since they offered.
"Pitt is also one of the schools who keeps in touch with me and updates me about things and how we can change their program."
Sterling will visit each finalist at least once more before making a potential verbal commitment, he says. Dates to Pitt (April 20) and ASU (April 26) are already set, and each will become a multi-day stay ahead of the decision.
