December 14, 2011

The Hilltoppers landed a big verbal commitment this week from Palmetto, Fla. (Palmetto HS) inside linebacker Da'Qual Randall. Rivals.com rates him 29th best prospect for inside linebackers for the 2012 class. Randall picks the Hilltoppers over Louisville, Indiana, Mississippi State, and Iowa State.

He is the sixth verbal commitment for WKU's 2012 recruiting class.

Randall's relationship with WKU defensive ends coach Raymond Woodie played a large role in him coming to the Hill. Woodie was his coach at Palmetto before joining Willie Taggart's staff at Western. Randall's family also has a close relationship with Taggart.

"My uncle and the assistant coach (Woodie) are best friends and it felt like a family atmosphere," said Randall. "I liked the players when I visited and it felt like a brotherly bond."

Randall had originally committed to Louisville but he never felt comfortable with his decision.

"I was never stable with it from the beginning," said Randall. "I always doubted it."

The Hilltoppers enjoyed the biggest one-season turnaround in Sun Belt Conference history, going from 2-6 in 2010 to 7-1 in 2011. But Randall tells WBKO the Toppers' newfound success this season did not influence his decision.

"I knew it was a matter of time before they started clicking so that was never a part of my decision making," said Randall.

Rivals.com lists Randall at six-foot and 225 pounds.