West Virginia makes Top 5 for Class of 2026 prospect with family ties to the program

Laron Dues runs sprints with teammates Monday Monday morning. Cardinal Mooney High football players participate in the school's summer strength and conditioning camp Monday, July 22, 2024. The Cougars won the FHSAA Class 1S state championship last year, defeating Trinity Catholic.
Laron Dues runs sprints with teammates Monday Monday morning. Cardinal Mooney High football players participate in the school's summer strength and conditioning camp Monday, July 22, 2024. The Cougars won the FHSAA Class 1S state championship last year, defeating Trinity Catholic. | Mike Lang / Sarasota Herald-Tribune / USA TODAY NETWORK

It appears West Virginia football could be on the way to securing a highly-touted in-state sibling duo by the time the 2026 season rolls around.

The Mountaineers recently made an appearance on Class of 2026 athlete LaRon Dues' Top 5 schools -- the Mountaineers competing with South Florida, Indiana, Georgia Tech, and Oregon for the rising star's commitment.

Dues currently plays for Cardinal Mooney in Sarasota, Florida, but is a West Virginia native who began his prep career at Hurricane High School before transferring out-of-state in an attempt to capitalize on an opportunity to further his collegiate prospects.

Dues is the younger brother of current West Virginia signee Tyshawn Dues, who will join the Mountaineers this fall as a true freshman at wide receiver after being ranked the No. 1 Class of 2025 prospect in the state of West Virginia by both ESPN and On3.

"They're the hometown team, and they show me so much love. My brother loves it, said it feels like home. It would mean everything to play with my brother again," Dues told West Virginia on SI.

LaRon Dues is listed as an athlete but seems to be on WVU's radar primarily as a defensive back -- during his junior season at Cardinal Mooney, he tallied 81 tackles, 25 pass breakups, seven tackles for loss, and five interceptions. As a sophomore, he was an All-Mountain State Athletic Conference (MSAC) selection at defensive back while playing for Hurricane. Dues is set for an official visit to Morgantown on June 6th.