BOWLING GREEN, K.Y. —Fresh off a day of receiving three commitments, the Western Kentucky football program gathered three more on Monday.

One in particular is on the defensive side of the ball.

DeAngelo Malone — who is a 6-foot-3, 210-pound outside linebacker and defensive end from Cedar Grove High School in Ellenwood, Ga. The WKU commit held scholarship offers from Army, Boston College, Buffalo, Middle Tennessee and Rutgers to go along with his offer from the Hilltoppers.

With Jeff Brohm moving on to Purdue, Malone was still interested in the Hilltoppers. Head coach Mike Sanford — along with Defensive Coordinator Clayton White and Defensive Line coach Jimmy Lindsay — stayed in touch with him throughout the month of December.

Despite the coaching changes, the Cedar Grove star felt comfortable with WKU as his choice.

"WKU has great coaches and great academics." Malone said. "It has a great football program and I can see myself making an impact on it."

The verbal commitment from Malone gives the WKU defensive group another versatile player. When asked about what the coaches liked most about him, Malone mentioned they were excited about his ability to rush the passer to go along with his ability to pursue runners in space to make tackles.

Malone was a three-year starter while at Cedar Grove. In 2016, the versatile defensive star gathered 51 tackles — 15 of which went for a loss — to go along with five sacks and two forced fumbles. Malone also shows ability to play special teams, blocking one punt this past season.

For his efforts, Malone was named all-region and all-state.

The goal for next season is simple for Malone: He wants to make an impact with his intensity.

"Play with high intensity," Malone said when asked about how he can contribute right away.

With Malone's commitment, the Hilltoppers now stand at 16 commitments for the upcoming season.

The Hilltoppers also received a commitment from Mary Persons (Ga.) offensive guard Caleb Etheridge, who was previously committed during Jeff Brohm's tenure. Mann (S.C.) long snapper Ben Reeder also committed.

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