Just got an e-mail from the invaluable Pittsburgh Sports Report:

The University of Pittsburgh received a verbal commitment last night from Lowell Robinson, a 6’0″ 190 pound defensive back currently playing at Erie Community College in Erie County, NY. Robinson is the Panthers’ first commitment since the 2005 season started and their 18th in the 2006 class.

Robinson, originally from Mt. Vernon, NY, plays free safety in Erie’s 4-4 defensive scheme. He is also an electrifying return-man and has played outside linebacker for head coach Dennis Greene.

“He can play all over the field – he returns kicks and I’ve had him at outside linebacker at times,” Greene told Keystone Recruiting. “You can put him at wide receiver and send him out on a post route to clear things out underneath. We have him at free safety because we play a 4-4 and he really flies to the football. But he can play corner as well. He runs a legit 4.4.”

Pitt running backs coach David Walker, who is friendly with Greene and the ECC staff, recruited Robinson for Pitt. His recruitment has been picking up more and more lately, and several Big East schools have been in touch, but Pitt was the first major program to show interest. South Carolina has also shown a lot of interest lately, according to Greene. He’ll graduate from Erie Community College in May and should join the Panthers next summer.

I believe this is Pitt’s first JUCO commitment. Looks like the bye and time to go recruiting came at the right time. There isn’t a lot on Robinson. He appeared to also have interest from NC St. and Boise St.