An already impressive offseason haul of talent just got better for the West Covina High School football program.

Justin Hornsby, a 6-foot-2, 205-pound defensive end, was cleared to attend the school by the county and is expected to start opposite standout Justen Meaders.

Hornsby attended Rancho Verde last year. He moved into the Covina Unified School District and was in South Hills’ area. But the junior-to-be wanted to play at West Covina. He had to protest to the county because Covina Unified would not release him.

After a five-hour wait at the county office on Tuesday, Hornsby got clearance. Coaches consider him to be on par with Meaders, which immediately ranks him as one of the top defensive players in the area.

So far this offseason the Bulldogs have gotten transfers in the form of former San Dimas quarterback Emilio Zertuche and Diamond Ranch receiver Sidney Jones. West Covina also landed Compton Pop Warner phenom Antonio “Noodles” Hull, who is expected to start the season with the freshman team.

Aram’s take: The rich get richer. I always thought it would be scary if West Covina simply kept its talent home. But now the Bulldogs are doing that, plus getting transfers. I have heard coaches rave about Hornsby, who is supposed to be a Meaders clone. That’s a scary, scary, scary thought. Good luck scoring on the Bulldogs this season.