A bunch of Nic DiLillo committing to Pitt stories yesterday. From his local paper,

While it might seem like a major switch to go from a high-profile ACC school in the south to a blue-collar Big East school a few hours away from home, DiLillo said his choice to play college football after a lengthy recruiting process ultimately came down to just two schools – Pitt and Clemson.

The Panthers have always been among his favorites as far as college choices. Now, Pitt will be DiLillo’s college home.

“One of the hardest things I had to do was call the coach at Clemson and tell them I wasn’t coming, but it wasn’t as hard as when I told Pitt (I was initially going to Clemson),” DiLillo said. “I just always had a great connection and relationship with Pitt and the coaches, and I guess in a way, I always knew that is where I belonged. This is a big relief for me and it feels great.”

The backhanded smack is not surprising. It is the Cleveland area. Maybe I’m throwing stones, but “high-profile ACC school?” Clemson? Really? 2-3 in the last 5 bowl games which were the Humanitarian, Tangerine, Peach, Champs Sports and Music City.
One of the big issues that led to DiLillo changing his mind and committing to Pitt was the travel for those who would want to see him.

“Distance was a very big factor for me, that last trip down there just seemed so long,” DiLillo said. “My family, friends and coaches have always been there for me and if it wasn’t for them I wouldn’t be where I am at today. I owe it to them and myself to stay close to home so they can all be there to see me play.”

I know that proximity to friends and family that will support and want to see you play is a big reason why so many kids commit to local schools. I have to say, it comes off as unintentionally arrogant and funny if you read that last sentence again without the context.

Kevin Gorman’s blog fills in the regular story with much more detail on just how hard Pitt continued to recruit DiLillo.

“Every other week, I’d have a hand-written letter from every coach,” DiLillo said. “They treated me like family. No other colleges did that.”

Even after DiLillo made a verbal commitment to Clemson in May, the Pitt football staff never backed off its pursuit of the 6-foot-5, 230-pounder who is ranked a top-20 prospect at his position by recruiting services.

The Panthers first won over DiLillo’s parents, sending a Mother’s Day card signed by every member of the staff to Christine DiLillo and a Father’s Day card to Tony DiLillo.

The cards, Nic said, are hanging on his refrigerator.

“They were struck by that; I wasn’t going there and they were still recruiting me,” DiLillo said. “My mom got teary-eyed. She was wishing that I was going there. From day one, they’ve loved Pittsburgh.”

Both Wannstedt and Rhoads stopped by his school during the May barnstorming recruiting period as well.