It seems people remain shocked that Pitt has not yet had any commits bail or “reopen their recruiting” for the recruiting class of 2006.
For months many believed that Pittsburgh’s highly- ranked recruiting class would be losing some commitments considering the rough season, but things are still looking solid.
Early pledges like offensive lineman Joe Thomas and cornerback Ricky Gary say they’re not going anywhere. Gary is even helping out in the recruitment of Panther targets like Pahokee, Fla., teammate Tamarcus Porter
Gary’s solid commitment seems to be the theme with most committed Panthers.
“I’m not backing out on Pitt because I feel like I can come in and play,” Gary said. “I think I’ll get out there. The coaches, they tell me they want to use me on special teams and stuff, so I’m ready to play.”
Quarterback Dexter Davidson also sees something building at Pittsburgh and wants to be part of that process. Nate Nix, who’s having a huge season for his high school team, is also ready to come in and help the team get to the top echelon of college programs.
The Panthers are not just on damage control with commitments. They’re also still making noise with some very top prospects who could be deciding in the near future.
Syracuse (N.Y.) Christian Brothers defensive end McKenzie Mathews is expected to have his final list of schools done in a few months and the Panthers don’t look like they’re going anywhere. Defensive tackle Jared Martin says Pitt is still high on his list after the latest trip to Colorado.
Cornerback Bryan Williams, a 2005 signee who is at Valley Forge Military Academy this year, is expected to also give a boost for Pitt in the team recruiting rankings but he may not arrive at Pitt until 2007 because he’s in a two-year program at Valley Forge.
Last week, Pitt also added another commit from junior college safety Lowell Robinson.
Not only is Pitt hanging on to their top committed players, but they are also making headway to possibly move up a few spots before things are all said and done.
This week, Rivals.com has Pitt ranked #12 in the nation for their recruiting class.
I’m not totally sure why people are shocked. Coach Wannstedt, for all the shots he takes, is a hell of a charismatic guy with people. You don’t exactly hear anyone rip him for his personality or demeanor (just his game planning and Xs and Os). One thing he seems to have done very well in recruiting is not just try to get more kids, but keep up excellent contact with the ones who have already committed. He seems to have immediately understood the importance of hand-holding. Also, unlike the watershed 2003 mayhem, there is no longer utter chaos and questions regarding the Big East and the BCS for the immediated future. That was a big factor, and something other schools could easily exploit against Pitt.
Hmm, so that’s what happened to Bryan Williams. Williams was supposed to be a good get for the defense, with great upside from Akron’s Buchtel High, but on signing day he didn’t. Now we know why. Good to see that Pitt still looks to have him on board at some point.
Kevin Gorman has recruiting notes within the WPIAL. Pitt looks to be heavily involved in several other players who have rising stock.
