I’ll be happy when the holidays are finished. A little chaos to keep me away from the site.
In the meantime, Pitt added another offensive lineman to the 2013 recruiting class. Alex Officer out of Rochester, New York verballed over the weekend.
Officer has the size Coach Paul Chryst wants for his O-line at 6-3 or 6-4 and 285-322 pounds depending on the recruiting site of your preference.
All four major recruiting sites can agree, however, that Officer is the top offensive guard in New York. He is a 3-star talent according to every recruiting site. He had offers from Louisville, Rutgers, WVU and Syracuse.
From the ESPN.com scouting report (Insider subs):
His frame appears capable of supporting additional bulk over time. Playing out of a three point stance we see good flexibility, balance and agility; can play on his feet in space, showing good recognition skills; adjusts his feet to pick up movement and change of direction moves. Comes off the ball hard with the explosion and playing strength needed to knock defenders off the ball; his strong hands, solid base and persistent leg drive allow him to sustain well down the field. … This lineman has the physical tools necessary to make all tOffhe run blocks at the next level. His long arms and nimble feet should be assets in pass protection; demonstrates the ability to set quickly with good balance and bend; can slide and handle change of direction movement; displays double read potential; all areas of hand use will need refinement. This guy is a tough customer who plays with the nasty finishing attitude we like to see when evaluating offensive linemen.
Officer is the fourth offensive lineman in the 2013 class. That part of the recruiting class is looking very solid, anchored by Dorian Johnson. Aaron Reese and Officer both appear to be promising players that can be developed. Carson Baker is the project.
but i think it is his weight that hold him back
only 275 pounds if you play OL for chryst you must be at least 310 pounds or biger.
Great memories from that trip to New Orleans.
I feel bad for him because there is a conflict because Alabama has been the hot team playing for championships. The major negative is that Saban may be heading to the big league because I am told, he wants to prove himself at that level once and for all. Tough choice. He sees the field here early and his family can see him play alot. Not so with Alabama.
For Boyd, it is similar. ESPN just said that WVU’s closest big12 school is 869 miles from Morgantown. It would be a fit for his family if they could go to all of his home games at Pitt and the majority of games on the road, within driving distance. He too gets to see the field early.
Location, location, location. Pitt is a solid choice, trending up and their head coach is also solid and trending up. Intangibles in Pitt’s favor.