A couple stories that are connected by ties with Pitt. The ties of family and history.
Bret Gunn, the stepbrother of linebacker Adam Gunn, wants to come to Pitt. He plays both Safety and Running Back. Given his speed — he’s a top track guy — I’m sure Coach Wannstedt would love to see him at safety. What the younger Gunn has to do if he wants to go to Pitt — or anywhere — is get to work on the grades.
According to Scout.com, several colleges are showing interest in Gunn, including Buffalo, Connecticut, Florida State, Ohio State, North Carolina, Pitt, Syracuse and Virginia. But the speedy, 5-foot-11, 165-pounder has no scholarship offers yet.
“At this rate, (the colleges) are going to stop looking at him,” Ed Gunn said. “If he doesn’t pass summer school, he could miss the early part of the season.”
Ed Gunn wanted to share his son’s situation, much like Tonie Clemons, the mother of former Valley receiver/defensive back Toney Clemons, did.
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“Bret and I had a long conversation about (grades),” Kiski Area first-year coach Harvey Smith said. “I tried to explain to him where he stands and the opportunity before him. He needs to do what he needs to do.”
Bret Gunn has made strides at improving much in his life. His family life is much more stable, but he still has to make his choices.
Recent Pitt verbal, Juantez Hollins had another story last week. I realize Aliquippa has produced some of the best Pitt players. Still, the whole meme gets a bit tiresome and perhaps a bit of a burden for players.
While Hollins concedes he needs to become much stronger, his play, as well as the interest he received from colleges, has been fueled by his quickness.
“They like the way I move, and they love my footwork,” Hollins said.
Agility has been just as important to Hollins as size, some of which has likely been sharpened by his experience playing for Marvin Emerson and the Quips basketball team.
“That’s probably his best attribute, his ability to run,” Zmijanic said. “There are a lot of big guys out there, but that’s what separates him from the others.”
What didn’t separate Hollins from many of the Aliquippa standouts who preceded him was his commitment to Pitt. Aliquippa has sent several high-profile players to the school — particularly in recent years — and Hollins said he liked the fact he will be reuniting with former Aliquippa players Brandon Lindsey and Jonathan Baldwin.
Said Zmijanic: “I just think most of our kids are homebodies and don’t want to travel too far. They feel real comfortable with the people [at Pitt]. Plus, with all the guys that have been there before, they feel comfortable.”
The familiarity and ties to present and past players helps. It just seems that sometimes the Aliquippa lineage is a little overplayed. Not to mention undue pressur on the kids.
That Hollins already has good footwork and agility is most promising. The strength will come. Especially when Buddy Morris gets a hold of him.
