There are five WPIAL signings tomorrow that will be watched closely by Pitt fans:

McKeesport’s Delvon Simmons and Branden Jackson, Clairton’s Desimon Green, and Woodland Hills’ Lafayette Pitts and Ejuan Price.

It seems there is a sense Pitt is close with at least three of them.

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For whatever it is worth, ESPN.com recently updated their basketball recruiting rankings and Pitt is now ranked 14th.

Jamie Dixon is one of the best coaches in the country at recruiting to his personality and style of play. Originally, we didn’t think Malcolm Gilbert (Philadelphia/Academy of New Church) had the right makeup to play for Dixon, but as his game and personality evolved we’ve come full circle. Gilbert is now an ESPNU 100 prospect and a big reason for the Panthers ascent in the rankings. This class is highlighted by five-star PF Khem Birch (Montreal/Notre Dame Prep), who reclassified to the 2011 class and signed with Dixon a year early. Birch is an off-the-charts athlete who can change the game on the defensive end of the floor with his ability to block shots and rebound. He is a big-time, clear-path finisher, and when his offense catches up to his defense his game will go to the next level. Gilbert is a rare player who can change a game without having to score a point, and he has all the physical tools needed to play the game at the highest levels. Jaylen Bond (Plymouth Meeting, Pa./Plymouth-Whitemarsh Sr.) is a blossoming frontcourt player with good athleticism, while SGs John Johnson (Philadelphia/Life Center Academy) and Durand Johnson (Baltimore/Brewster Academy) round out this class.

What should speak volumes about how tough it is in the Big East. Pitt’s recruiting class is only 4th best in the Big East. St. John’s (#2), Syracuse (#8) and Louisville (#9) are ahead of Pitt.

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Well it’s time to put a couple more in the verbal category.

Nicholas Grigsby out of Ohio gave a verbal to Pitt. A four- to three-star outside linebacker. He had offers from Michigan St., Mizzou, and Louisville. Plenty of potential (Insider subs.).

We like his acceleration when tackling, can knock’em back where they came from. Demonstrates good blitz production with sacks and turnovers; displays good timing with a closing burst off the edge. We see promise as a zone and man coverage player; flashes good underneath route recognition; breaks up on the ball well while demonstrating good ball skills. Shows the ability to man up and run with inside receivers; is especially competent at getting his head around and locating the ball in flight. This guy’s motor and intensity create turnovers while causing havoc in the backfield. His range and ability to play in space is what we look for when evaluating the OLB position. Grigsby may not be an immediate starter however it won’t take long before he makes his presence known on the field.

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