RECRUITING: Gorman’s Fertitta Jr. commits to Villanova

A strong senior season could have netted Lorenzo Fertitta Jr. additional scholarship offers.

But after receiving a recent offer from Villanova’s football program, the rising senior running back, cornerback and kick returner from Bishop Gorman didn’t see need to stall.

“I didn’t really have anything else to wait for,” Fertitta said.

So Fertitta made an oral commitment to Villanova on Monday morning. He also considered the University of San Diego, Cornell, Dartmouth and Holy Cross.

Fertitta shined at a Villanova camp earlier this summer, and the offer came later. He said the Wildcats recruited him as an “athlete,” meaning he could end up playing multiple positions in college.

Gorman coach Tony Sanchez said Fertitta is slated to be a starting cornerback for the Gaels as a senior.

“My skill set is having speed and quickness,” Fertitta said. “My goal is to be a lockdown corner this year and do my part at running back, slot receiver or wherever they put me at.”

Playing behind Duke-bound running back Shaquille Powell, the versatile Fertitta made his presence felt in spots last season. He caught three passes for 34 yards in Gorman’s 72-28 victory over Reed in the Class 4A state title game for the Gaels’ third straight state championship.

“The kid’s got a lot of grit,” Sanchez said of Fertitta. “I’m really proud of him. He’s developing his speed. The coaches at Villanova had nothing but great things to say about him.”

Fertitta said Powell served as a role model for the Gaels.

“We all look up to guys like that,” he said. “We model ourselves after Shaq. He’s definitely a big role model.”

Villanova plays in the Colonial Athletic Association at the Football Championship Subdivision level, but there is speculation that the Wildcats could be headed to the Big East Conference next year.

“I’m extremely excited to go there,” Fertitta said.

Sanchez added: “I’m extremely happy for him. He was looking to go to a prestigious school, and Villanova fits that bill. It’s a great opportunity.”