I’ll say two makes a trend. At least for blog post headline puporses. Andrew Devlin sat out this year, and Hubie Graham will sit out next.

One of the most heavily recruited players in the country in 2007, Graham played the last two seasons at the University of Illinois, having recently been released upon his request from his scholarship.

“It was a tough decision to leave Illinois, but it’s something I felt I had to do for myself,” Graham said. “I had the opportunity when I was being recruited in high school to maintain the relationships with a lot of universities, which allowed me to have the chance to transfer.

“Down deep in my heart, I just know that the University of Pittsburgh is the place I want to be now.”

In two seasons with Illinois, Graham played in all 12 games as a freshman, seeing action on 109 offensive snaps and 44 on special teams.

This season, he played in eight games and started against Penn State. However, he missed three Big Ten games with a back injury and did not play in the season finale against Fresno State.

He had four receptions for 59 yards.

“I’m extremely happy to be headed to the University of Pittsburgh and having the opportunity to play closer to home,” Graham said. “I’m excited. The coaching staff is great and they have a great program. They run a pro-style offense where they use the tight end.

“I think that Pittsburgh offers me a chance to use my skills in a good system.”

I think, “One of the most heavily recruited players in the country in 2007” might be a touch of hometown hyperbole. Graham was a consensus 4-star recruit and not even top-10 at his position. The top choices for him were Illinois, GT, Pitt, UCLA and Michigan.

This is not meant to denigrate Graham, or piss on picking him up. He seems like a solid transfer pick-up. A player that will fit very well in Pitt’s offense and a very good player. Let’s just keep it in perspective.

Pitt also got a long expected local commit from 3-star safety/cornerback Brandon Ifill. Pitt beat out Maryland, Rutgers, Michigan (where his more hyped and starred teammate Cullen Christian committed) and WVU.

Here’s some of his evaluation from ESPN.com/Scouts, Inc. (Insider subs).

Ifill is a very versatile football player with a lot of athletic talent. He has good height but could afford to put on some bulk and lower body strength. A very heads up and instinctive football player from the safety position. Breaks quickly on run support and has the ability to change his angle of support and redirect if the ball bounces out or cuts back. Doesn’t mind mixing it up and delivering on bigger ball carriers but would be more effective with some more lead in his behind. Very reliable openfield tackler that does whatever is necessary to bring the guy down.

Maryland was the early favorite at the start of the season, but…

“Pitt really came on with me this fall,” Ifill said. “I started talking to their coaches a lot more and the more I talked to them, the more I got comfortable. They’re just so well-rounded in everything they have. Their academics and academic support are great, just as well as the coaching.”

Sure Dan Mason worked him hard as well, but I think we all know the real reason. Pitt had the built-in advantage since in a preseason Q&A he admitted his favorite place to eat is the “O.”