Football: Lake Taylor linebacker Privott commits to Louisville

Lake Taylor junior Mike Privott has committed to play football at Louisville.

Privott, a 6-foot, 235-pounder was first-team All-Tidewater and second-team all-state last season. He is regarded as one of the top linebackers in the state.

He chose the Cardinals over Maryland, Penn State, West Virginia, Boston College, N.C. State and North Carolina.

“I got real serious about them when I found out Ron English came over from Michigan,” said Privott about the Cardinals' new defensive coordinator. “That was my dream school and after I found he was going there, I thought it would be a perfect fit for me.”

English spent five seasons at Michigan and oversaw an aggressive defense that was ranked among the nation’s best.

Besides playing for English, Privott also said he’s looking forward to competing in the Big East.

“I know it’s going to be a big challenge for me,” he said. “So you can’t beat that.”

Privott hasn’t visited the campus yet but plans to see the facilities when he goes there in July for a football camp.

Last season, Privott was the driving defensive force for a team that finished 10-0 during the regular season and had one of the best defenses in South Hampton Roads. He led the Titans with 126 tackles and five sacks to earn Eastern District Defensive Player of the Year.

With his college choice complete, Privott said he can now focus his attention on helping the Titans defend their Eastern District title.

“I feel comfortable and confident with my decision,” he said. “Now it’s time for me to go out there and help lead my team.”