The official press release from Pitt on the recruiting class.

Today, Wannstedt was able to officially welcome the Panthers’ 2006 recruiting class by receiving National Letters of Intent from 25 players. The group is already earning praise as one of the nation’s top recruiting classes and Pitt’s best class since the late 1980s.

“It is our goal to build a top 10 football program at the University of Pittsburgh,” Wannstedt said. “For us to reach that level it is important that our first full recruiting class provide a strong foundation for future success, both on and off the field. Building a championship program is a process and the first step in that process is bringing in the right type of people who are committed students and athletes. I believe this group fits that mold.”

Pitt’s recruiting arm stretched to six different states and lured some highly decorated talent.
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2006 Pitt Recruiting Class Breakdown

By Position:

Defensive Linemen — 7 (Justin Hargrove, John Malecki, Jared Martin, McKenzie Mathews, Jason Pinkston, Greg Romeus, Tyler Tkach)

Running Backs –1 (Kevin Collier)

Offensive Linemen — 4 (Scott Corson, Kevin Hughes, Jeff Otah, Joe Thomas)

Linebackers — 3 (Dan Loheyde, Nate Nix, Greg Webster)

Wide Receivers — 3 (Dorin Dickerson, Elijah Fields, Aaron Smith)

Defensive Backs — 4 (Aaron Berry, Jovani Chappel, Ricky Gary, Lowell Robinson)

Quarterbacks — 2 (Dexter Davidson, Kevan Smith)

There are short bios on each of the commits.

Maybe they were waiting to hear from Porter, but still nothing on that front. It can always be updated.

And here’s a bit from today’s ESPNNation NLI signing chats (Insider subs.)with Jason Pinkston and Justin Hargrove (big hat tip to Jamie H.).

Buzzmaster: (1:11 PM ET ) Next up, we have Jason Pinkston and Justin Hargrove, both of whom will be attending Pitt.

Buzzmaster: (1:11 PM ET ) They both come from Baldwin HS in Pennsylvania, which is coach Dave Wannstedts alma mater.

BK (Loras): What was it like being recruited by a guy that went to your same high school?

Jason Pinkston: (1:17 PM ET ) It was pretty cool I knew a lot about him. We had a good relationship. He could come in whenver and I got to sit down with him and talk.

Justin Hargrove: (1:18 PM ET ) It was real nice. He reminisced about Baldwin and the drills he did.

Nick (Columbus, OH): Justin, at 245 lbs. do u plan to play DE or LB?

Justin Hargrove: (1:18 PM ET ) DE. That’s what they told me.

Tom (Harrisburg): Welcome aboard! Do you think you are keys to turning the program around?

Jason Pinkston: (1:19 PM ET ) Yeah, I think with the recruiting class we have and all the players we have coming in we’ll get back to the top.

Brock (IA): Jason/Justin how do you see the Pitt. program in the next 3 or 4 years?

Justin Hargrove: (1:19 PM ET ) I see Pitt pretty much at the top. The recruit class that we’re getting is going to take us there.

Juan (san jose.ca): What is the biggest factor in deciding which school to attend?

Justin Hargrove: (1:20 PM ET ) I would say academics. I want to do something medical. They have good facilities. The comfort level with the coaches also.

Jason Pinkston: (1:20 PM ET ) A good coaching staff. The relationships with the players. The academics.
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Carlos (Seattle,WA): Why go to Pitt and not Penn State?

Jason Pinkston: (1:23 PM ET ) I was recruited by PSU. I thought Pitt was a better place for me. I wasn’t sure about the coaching staff at PSU would stay the same. Coach Wannstedt at Pitt helped.

Ben (The LC): Do you think the defense can step up and the Pitt offense can retool and come back better than before?

Justin Hargrove: (1:24 PM ET ) I believe they can, with the freshman class we have can help with the defense and offense.

Stan(oklahoma city): The wait is over, how does it feel guys?

Jason Pinkston: (1:24 PM ET ) It’s pretty good. You have a bunch of coaches calling, now you pick a college and you’re set with it

Justin Hargrove: (1:25 PM ET ) It feels great. I’ve always wanted to be a Pitt Panther. It feels great to be a Panther.

Gianny (Louisville): How much of a role was Pitt’s history in your decision? Do you think you can bring the Panthers a 10th national title?

Justin Hargrove: (1:25 PM ET ) The history was a big role, coming from Pittsburgh. I think we can bring them a title.

Jason Pinkston: (1:26 PM ET ) It was pretty big. We got to watch some of the games from a while ago. I think we can bring a national title home.

Buzzmaster: (1:27 PM ET ) Thanks to the future of Pitt for joining us.

Congratulations to all and welcome to Pitt.