A definite position of need. Defensive tackle is a spot Pitt needs to bring in some players. Today, it looks like Pitt got a good one in Kraig Howe.
Howe visited Pitt three times in the last year, with two visits in the fall and another unofficial visit this spring. After the spring visit, he spoke very highly of the Panthers.
“Pitt has been one of my favorites for a long time; really, since I got that offer,” he said after the visit. “They were my second offer and they’ve always been up there with my favorites and top choices, and this visit was really a boost for how much I could see myself playing for Pitt and going to school in Pittsburgh and playing for these coaches. I can see myself fitting in well with program and the defensive scheme and the school and the city. It’s all clicking.”
Howe had offers from BC, Northwestern, Iowa St. and Illinois. 247 ranks him as the the 53d best DT nationally (Rivals.com says 37th and Scout.com has him 45th). He is a 3-star recruit by every site.
He has a positive scouting report from ESPN.com (Insider subs.), but make it clear that he needs to bulk up. So, despite a need at that the DT spot, he will likely need a redshirt year.
Howe looks to be a tough, lunch pail type player. He needs to add size to his frame and continue to develop. A DL prospect that could potentially fit as a DT or 34DE. A solid prospect that will line up battle and can contribute.
He isn’t likely to do too much bulking up during his senior year of high school, as he is also on the basketball team.
One other thing I liked reading in the report is that he is a wrap-up tackler. Not a player that just tries to hit.
Howe is the first defensive lineman and the second defensive player in the 2015 recruiting class.
FWIW, I believe the 2 new eastern entries to the B1G have a combined total record of something like 2 and 70 vs PSU.
Now of course it’s a given that we are seeing the best plays from him in that video, but half the time Howe looks like he’s in the backfield unblocked, he has a great nose for the ball, never quits on the play, sheds blocks well with both a spin move and a swim move decently for a HS player and has great footwork. So yeah, he kind of does remind you of Aaron Donald. That is very high praise for a frickin Junior HS football player, to say the least, but he does, and I’m not drinking any Koolaid today either. Watch for yourself and draw your own conclusions.
That’s got to really be helping out in recruiting for the Pedo’s. Companies pay big bucks to get their names out there, cause they know the more people hear their name, the more likely they’ll use their service or buy their product.
The Trib is doing it for free for the Charlatan.
Maybe they have some child molesters on their staff.
Austin is a lightweight at 160lbs // 6ft. I am sure he will add weight and strength as he matures. The offer sheet for Austin includes at least 10 solid programs. I believe he recently visited one of Pitt’s Camps.
I could be wrong, however, if he adds some weight he will be a terrific CB/punt returner…??? Does anybody know anything about him? (Based on his offers he appears to have solid academic standing)
It strikes me that Chryst and staff are looking at raw talent along both side of the LOS and will be patient in moving the underclassmen up into the two deep as they develop on the lines.
Also if you want to continue to drink the kool-aid, Malik Henderson was rated as one of the top “steal” of this recruiting cycle by 247…link to pitt.247sports.com
