Nothing major to report, just some things and names to keep in mind. Rivals.com sees Pitt trying to add some “diamond-in-the-rough” type players. Not the big 5-star studs, but some solid, older 3-stars who might be able to help right away (especially on the line).
Two big prospects are heading to Pittsburgh this weekend for official visits including three-star New York prep school tackle Jason Diehl and Pennsylvania junior college tackle Jeff Otah.
While the offensive line being a big need for the Panthers, prep prospects like Diehl could potentially make a big impact. However, there is stiff competition for the prospect. He holds offers from Michigan State, Ole Miss, and one from Miami (Fla.).
The competition is also big for JUCO prospect Otah. He holds offer from many including West Virginia, Michigan State, and Maryland along with Pittsburgh.
Another wide receiver appears to now in the crosshairs for the Panthers. Florida three-star receiver Darrell Davis recently set up a December trip to Pittsburgh.
After the Syracuse game, Pitt hits their bye week and likely the coaches hit the recruiting road.
Kevin Gorman at the Trib, has some notes about mostly high school juniors who have caught Pitt’s (and others) eye.
Thomas Jefferson juniors Dom DeCicco and Chris Drager opened eyes in the 2004 WPIAL Class AAA championship game, when DeCicco had two interceptions and Drager two sacks against West Mifflin.
After watching tape of their play against Gateway, Pitt coach Dave Wannstedt called TJ coach Bill Cherpak on Monday to show interest in the dynamic duo. DeCicco is a 6-3, 195-pound safety prospect. Drager is a 6-4, 235-pound tight end-defensive end.
Names to watch.
UPDATE: Posted and realized I forgot this additional item.
Pitt recruit, RB Kevin Collier has a younger brother Averin.
In fact, Pitt coach Dave Wannstedt has been so impressed with what he has seen and heard about Averin that Wannstedt offered the sophomore a scholarship Tuesday night.
“We were just talking about football and life and the next thing you know I hear, ‘You know, you have an offer here at Pitt, right?’ I was at a loss for words,” Averin said about his speakerphone conversation with Wannstedt and Pitt assistant David Walker, the former Irondequoit High star and longtime Syracuse University assistant who was key in Kevin’s recruitment.
Wannstedt was serious.
He had spoken on Monday with C-C football coach Paul Dick about Averin, a 5-foot-11, 195-pound middle linebacker and wide receiver who is also a dangerous kick returner.
The article also notes that Kevin Collier and his high school coach are still getting calls from other schools (naturally) including USC and South Carolina.
