Now, if only there is a line to block for them.
In what borders on Wannstedtian for sheer volume at one spot, Pitt added another running back recruit to its recruiting class. This class stands at ten at the moment, and includes four, count ’em, four running backs. Since the weekend, Pitt has added three RBs.
Let’s meet the latest, Mr. Malcolm Crockett:
This 5-10 (or -11), 180 (or 185) pound tailback is a consensus 3-star recruit out of Washington, D.C. He’s the highest ranked tailback in Pitt’s list of verbals. He had interest from Michigan, so he has some passing acquaintance with a chunk of Pitt’s staff. He also had lots of offers from ACC schools. He is also versatile (Insider subs).
Overall, Crocket is a college ready back with a lot of quality attributes to develop. Looks to be able to fit into a few different offensive schemes. Could grow into a productive every-down back with improved blocking and receiving skills.
As PittScript points out (and has video of Crockett in HS), the former Cinci commit decommitted from the Bearcats after they snagged Pitt decommit Jameel Poteat. He probably felt that his chances of seeing early playing time were lessoned with Poteat coming in at the same time.
Yes, I know that Pitt has a deficiency of RBs at the moment with Lewis going pro, Burns transferring and Douglas’ arrest and booted from the team. Still 40% of the recruiting class? I’m going with bemused.
In other recruiting notes, TE Sam Collura has solidified his verbal once again to Pitt. He had been listed as a soft verbal on the recruiting boards following the chaos, but apparently liked what he heard on his visit last week.
Lafayette Pitts chose to go to Rutgers because he knew the coaches, but not the new ones at Pitt.
“He doesn’t feel there is enough time to get to know the coaches at Pitt,” Novak said.
It did surprise his HS coach a little since Pitts did plan a visit to Pitt this weekend.
Safety Terrell Chestnut has apparently verballed to WVU. If he turns out anywhere near as good as Robert Sands, I’ll be really pissed.
Comment by winedogs 01.25.11 @ 2:29 pm
If this is accurate and I have no reason to think it’s not. Then signing a lot of RB’s make perfect sense, as they get hurt more than other positions and can also usually play other positions or be converted to them.
Would like to see a few decent LBs and DBs although I expect the balance of the class to be offensively dominated
1. Names of decommits and where they are going.
2. Names of players who have transferred.
Saw this on the post gazette page. I had visions of this happening at Pitt, with some of the big donors. At least they kept it quiet, if they weren’t happy.
“One of the top players in the Ohio state playoffs last year was Trotwood-Madison linebacker Nicholas Grigsby, and he is getting close to making his college choice. Grigsby will visit Pittsburgh this weekend, and he could leave campus as a Panther.”
“Grigsby is a very active player with the playing speed and range to make plays all over the field. Has the height and athleticism for the outside linebacker position at the major level of competition; will need to add some bulk over time and it appears his frame can handle it. His tackling skills and agility indicate he should be a productive special team’s player. Shows very good flexibility, balance and agility; does a good job with K&D recognition skills against the pass and run. Flashes the playing strength to take on and defeat blockers at the point of attack however his strong suit is his ability to get a quick jump on the ball, beat blockers with his quickness and ability to move through traffic; plays downhill and can stack the inside run; is especially quick to the edge with excellent pursuit habits. 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.”
What happended to Peeler? Zeise in a few others are saying R. Graham is the only RB on scholarship and blogs have Peeler transfering James Madison?
