Mildly surprised. Maybe it’s because the last couple years it seems that every other commit to Pitt started out as a running back. Yet, Andre Givens is only the second back to commit to Pitt for the class of 2010.
The 5-foot-10, 185-pound Givens, a two-year starter, rushed for 1,433 yards and 18 touchdowns as a junior, averaging 6.6 yards a carry, and is regarded as one of Ohio’s top running backs. Rivals.com ranks Givens as the nation’s No. 32 tailback prospect; Scout.com ranks him No. 54.
“I’m shifty. I can cut on a dime at top speed,” said Givens, who has been timed at 4.46 seconds in the 40-yard dash and at 10.89 seconds in the 100. “I’m getting bigger and stronger and trying to be an all-around back.”
Pitt has 16 verbal commitments for the Class of 2010. Givens is the second running back to pick Pitt, joining 6-foot-1, 200-pound T.J. Peeler of Ashburn (Va.) Broad Run. Givens, however, welcomes the challenge.
“Every school has a speed back and a big back,” Givens said. “It’s all about competition. You’re going to have it wherever you go. I’m ready to step up.”
Givens is a solid 3-star on both recruiting sites (though Scout.com seems to have him as a CB prospect despite not much of a likelihood of that). His suitors included Michigan, Michigan State, Louisville, Wisconsin and Maryland.
ESPN.com/Scouts, Inc. seems to like him (Insider subs.) and despite his size uses the term durable to describe him.
Givens is a well-rounded back who grows on you the more you view his film. He is not overly flashes but is consistent, durable and constantly seems to be gaining positive yards. Has a strong, compact frame with a wide lower base, which assists his power. Shows good urgency hitting the hole out of his stance and is a guy who looks to get north right away. Runs with good vision; he can see and decisively hit the inside cutback creases or bounce it outside to avoid penetration.
Givens was recruited by new OC Frank Cignetti, who is recruiting in Ohio. Something of a change from the previous OC, who didn’t recruit an area only looked for QBs.
A major goal for Cignetti is getting production from his quarterback, which has been an inconsistent position in recent seasons. Incumbent starter Bill Stull kept his job in spring drills, but Cignetti swears the competition will continue in camp with Pat Bostick and Tino Sunseri also in the mix.
Would Cignetti play two quarterbacks? He isn’t saying. But he expects big things.
“As I talked to Wannstedt and [athletic director Steve] Pederson, there was no doubt in my mind that things at Pitt are going in the right direction,” he says. “There is no doubt in my mind that Dave is going to get that 10th national championship [for Pitt]. Everything is in place for that to happen. Hey, the sky is the limit.”
It’s great that Cignetti is an active recruiter. So far, Pitt has 3 verbals from Ohio. The previous three years, Pitt had 2 from Ohio — and only one is still with the team.
As for the QB stuff, well that will be the thing everyone will be watching when training camp starts in a couple short weeks.
