Welcome to In The Pitt, PantherLair.com’s new weekly discourse featuring a roundup of everything that’s happened in the past week, with insight and inside information thrown in for good measure.
June 13, 2008
Top of the Pitt
The big story of the week has yet to happen, but all week has been a build-up to it, as today marks the start of Pitt’s 2008 prospect camps. Generally speaking, that signals the commencement of a run of commitments, so this is a big time for the Pitt coaches and the Pitt fans.
So then, before we get into the analysis, let’s run down a list of some of the prospects who are expected to attend the camp. Pitt will have many more prospects in attendance than what we’ve got listed, but this rundown is a good starting point.
Quarterback
QB Tom Chroniger
QB Michael Marscovetra
QB Paul Jones (2010)
QB Tyler Smith (2010)
Running back
RB Kevin Adams
RB Monte Ashby
RB Carlton Koonce
RB Dion Lewis (unofficial visit/not working out)
Wide receiver
WR Leneil Brown
WR Andrew Opoku
WR Sherrard Harrington (2010)
Tight end
TE Steve Marck
TE Mike Poplaski
Offensive line
OT Adam Citko
OT Chris Conklin
OT Pat Eger
OT Adam Gress
OT Ryan Shlieper
OT John Wetzel
OG Matt Fedor
OG Cory King (may be working out)
OC Serafino Caliguire
Defensive line
DT Juantez Hollins
DE Jack Lowney
DT Adam Replogle
Linebacker
LB Darrin Drakeford
LB Dan Mason (maybe)
LB Taige Redman
Defensive back
DB Tevrin Brandon
DB Andre Campbell
DB Jamal Clay
DB Deonte Flemings
DB Bret Gunn
DB Terry Patrick
DB Don Hursey (2010)
As you can see, there are exactly four offered prospects on that list (Adams, Mason, King, Hollins), and only Adams and Hollins seems likely to work out at the camp. In a way, that drives home the point of these camps:
They are a proving ground for unoffered prospects and an opportunity for the Pitt coaches to work out the prospects with their own two hands. Granted, these camps are pad-less, which can never be ignored, but if Tony Wise really wants to know how well a tackle prospect can move his feet, he can put the kid through the drills that he wants to see. If Jeff Hafley really wants to see how well a corner prospect can turn his hips, he can work one-on-one with the kid to see what he’s got.
So then, the big question is this:
Who will get an offer?
As far as we can tell, there are probably two positions where offers are most likely: running back and offensive line.
Running back
You don’t need any sources, scoops, or inside information to know that Pitt is going heavy after running backs this year. We’ve got 13 offered tailbacks on The Big Boardhttp://pittsburgh.rivals.com/content.asp?SID=996&CID=803554, and Ashby, Koonce, and Lewis are all coming to Pittsburgh with the intention of adding their names to Pitt’s offer sheet.
Dion Lewis is the wild card here. As we reported this week, Lewis is coming to Pittsburgh to meet Dave Wannstedt and the rest of the Pitt staff, and he seems fairly certain that once the Pitt coaches verify his size (5’7” 180 at the State College Nike Camp), he’ll get an offer. Lewis shared carries in a triple-option wishbone last season, which kept his numbers down (he only averaged 12 yards per carry), and the, ahem, low production has probably combined with his height to keep college recruiters at bay. But I have heard that Lewis may be the most complete back of all the running backs that have offers: he’s got speed, toughness, vision, moves, and he can catch the ball out of the backfield.
If Pitt offers Lewis and he accepts (which should happen, even though it might take some time), Pitt could have another steal at the running back position.
We still expect them to take two running backs, and there are any number of good options on the board, including Maryland speedster Caleb Porzel, who told us this week that Pitt is in his top three, along with West Virginia and Maryland.
You also have to like the size of upstate New York back Curtis Dukes, but he has said on several occasions that Penn State is his favorite. He’s got a PSU offer but he hasn’t pulled the trigger yet; that may bode well for Pitt’s chances, but it seems likely that he’s Happy Valley-bound.
There are also a couple of prospects with offers who could be running backs but also have the size to play defensive back. Kevin Adams is another such prospect, but he is probably headed for defense, so it will be interesting to see where he works out this weekend.
Offensive line
We’ve run down Pitt’s o-line recruiting for 2009 before, but we’ll rehash anyway:
We figure the Pitt staff is looking to take three offensive linemen in the class of 2009, with two interior prospects and a tackle prospect. Guard prospect Khalil Wilkes, who will probably pick between Pitt, Wake Forest, and Stanford. If Wilkes does choose Pitt, that leaves the tackle spot. For that Pitt will look to its prospect camp.
If you look at the six tackles we listed above (seemed to show some interest in Pitt; I expect the Pitt coaches to offer him this weekend (provided he puts in a good workout) and then battle to get a commitment. Gress does plan to keep attending camps, so he may be shooting for as many offers as possible.
If Gress drifts out of reach, or if the Pitt coaches are intent on offering a tackle prospect they think they can get a commitment from in the next few days (a la Ryan Turnley last year) (and I’m not saying Gress isn’t that guy), then they’ll be taking a long hard look at the others on the list. To me, Wetzel is probably the most intriguing, just because he seems to be the most raw but purely talented of the group. He’s got the kind of size and athleticism that you can’t teach, and I’m guessing that the Pitt coaches want to see how well he responds to coaching at the camp. If he does what they say, he could get an offer; if that happens, I wouldn’t be surprised if he pulls the trigger.
One other very intriguing o-line prospect is Delaware tackle he’s certain to pick up more offers. One may be coming from Pitt, and he’s definitely someone to keep any eye on over the next couple weeks.
Under center
While recent comments by Maryland quarterback Tom Chroniger seem to indicate that he’s ready to commit, nothing has indicated that the Pitt coaches are ready to offer. Barring an exemplary performance this weekend, I don’t expect that to change.
There will probably be one or two more quarterbacks in attendance this weekend, but at this point I would be surprised if more than one or two offers go out. In fact, I think the Pitt coaches hold off on offering a quarterback for another week or two; these prospect camps are important, but the Pitt coaches like to watch the quarterbacks work in the 7-on-7 passing camp, which is held next weekend. I think once we get into the week after the passing camp, then we’ll start seeing a quarterback offer or two go out.
That being said, Pitt might have two of the top quarterbacks in the state from the class of 2010 coming to camp in Paul Jones from Sto-Rox and Tyler Smith from Wilson Area. We’ll be keeping an eye on those two.
Split out wide
a strong showing at Pitt’s camp should lead to a scholarship. Opoku is big and athletic, and he could be a receiver or a safety. I think he’ll probably do some work at both positions when he works out on Monday.
Other than Opoku, I don’t expect much in the wideout crop at the camp this week, but I don’t think that’s much of a problem for Pitt since they’re already in with a number of top-flight prospects. Beaver Falls standout Pitt is in his top five, along with Michigan, Miami, West Virginia, and Michigan State. Sources seem to indicate that this will be Pitt vs. Michigan, to which I repeat the refrain many Pitt fans have uttered:
Why would a top receiver go to Michigan with Rich Rodriguez’s offense?
That question got me to thinking: how many receiver prospects has Pitt lost to RichRod? In the 2007 class, WVU signed four wideouts, none of which were real Pitt targets. In 2006 WVU signed only Woodland Hills WR Wes Lyons, but I wouldn’t say that Pitt really lost Lyons; I just don’t know how much they ever really tried. Those were the two years of full-on Wannstedt vs. Rodriguez in recruiting, and I can’t find a single time RichRod beat DW for a receiver recruit.
Moral of the story: Pitt shouldn’t lose Todd Thomas to Michigan.
Okay then, enough of that.
Thomas isn’t the only receiver Pitt is recruiting. This week we also checked in on Parkland (PA) WR ”Pitt stands out real well” and that he hopes to visit Pittsburgh soon. Clark seemed like a Penn State lean at one point, but now I’m not so sure. I think Pitt’s got a real shot.
I’m not quite as confident about Delaware WR similar situation.
Other big names
- Montour safety got a top five, but then proceeds to list four schools: West Virginia, Notre Dame, Ohio State, and Virginia Tech. The fifth school? He’s unsure at this point.
Banks was thought to be headed for Ohio State, but they picked up a commitment from Pitt target (unoffered) Dominic Clarke, and spots appear to be filling up in Columbus. Could Pitt be the fifth school on Banks’ list? Perhaps, but I’m not holding my breath.
- I will hold my breath (and yours, too, for that matter) on Perkiomen School cornerback Darrell Givens, so I think Pitt can make a lot of headway on Smith’s visit this weekend.
- That was the goal on Thursday, too, when Pitt hosted Steelton-Highspire defensive lineman committed to Rutgers a week ago. On Thursday, Hill made the cross-state trip to unofficially visit Pittsburgh. We’ll see what comes out of this.
A hoops note
Some good news came on the basketball front this week when word broke that qualified and will be good to go this fall.
Must-see
If I could recommend two videos for your viewing pleasure, please allow me to recommend these:
- The first video is of linebacker click here, it will take you to an article about Bonheyo picking up an offer from Towson (his first offer, incidentally). Embedded in the article is a highlight reel, and I have to say, the kid is impressive, regardless of whether or not he can hear.
- The second video is a bit less quasi-inspirational and a bit more raw impressiveness. This week we interviewed Neshaminy DE DeOnte Arnett, but I think Colbert is pretty impressive nonetheless.
Stay tuned
Be sure to frequent PantherLair.com this weekend, as we’ll have live updates from Pitt’s prospect camps with info on new offers, new commits, and anything else that comes our way.
Thanks for joining this week’s edition of In the Pitt. Since this feature is still in the early stages, it’s safe to assume that the project will be in flux for a few weeks as we strive to find the best format. Feel free to e-mail chrispeak1@comcast.net with any suggestions, feedback, or other input.
June 13, 2008
Top of the Pitt
The big story of the week has yet to happen, but all week has been a build-up to it, as today marks the start of Pitt’s 2008 prospect camps. Generally speaking, that signals the commencement of a run of commitments, so this is a big time for the Pitt coaches and the Pitt fans.
So then, before we get into the analysis, let’s run down a list of some of the prospects who are expected to attend the camp. Pitt will have many more prospects in attendance than what we’ve got listed, but this rundown is a good starting point.
Quarterback
QB Tom Chroniger
QB Michael Marscovetra
QB Paul Jones (2010)
QB Tyler Smith (2010)
Running back
RB Kevin Adams
RB Monte Ashby
RB Carlton Koonce
RB Dion Lewis (unofficial visit/not working out)
Wide receiver
WR Leneil Brown
WR Andrew Opoku
WR Sherrard Harrington (2010)
Tight end
TE Steve Marck
TE Mike Poplaski
Offensive line
OT Adam Citko
OT Chris Conklin
OT Pat Eger
OT Adam Gress
OT Ryan Shlieper
OT John Wetzel
OG Matt Fedor
OG Cory King (may be working out)
OC Serafino Caliguire
Defensive line
DT Juantez Hollins
DE Jack Lowney
DT Adam Replogle
Linebacker
LB Darrin Drakeford
LB Dan Mason (maybe)
LB Taige Redman
Defensive back
DB Tevrin Brandon
DB Andre Campbell
DB Jamal Clay
DB Deonte Flemings
DB Bret Gunn
DB Terry Patrick
DB Don Hursey (2010)
As you can see, there are exactly four offered prospects on that list (Adams, Mason, King, Hollins), and only Adams and Hollins seems likely to work out at the camp. In a way, that drives home the point of these camps:
They are a proving ground for unoffered prospects and an opportunity for the Pitt coaches to work out the prospects with their own two hands. Granted, these camps are pad-less, which can never be ignored, but if Tony Wise really wants to know how well a tackle prospect can move his feet, he can put the kid through the drills that he wants to see. If Jeff Hafley really wants to see how well a corner prospect can turn his hips, he can work one-on-one with the kid to see what he’s got.
So then, the big question is this:
Who will get an offer?
As far as we can tell, there are probably two positions where offers are most likely: running back and offensive line.
Running back
You don’t need any sources, scoops, or inside information to know that Pitt is going heavy after running backs this year. We’ve got 13 offered tailbacks on The Big Boardhttp://pittsburgh.rivals.com/content.asp?SID=996&CID=803554, and Ashby, Koonce, and Lewis are all coming to Pittsburgh with the intention of adding their names to Pitt’s offer sheet.
Dion Lewis is the wild card here. As we reported this week, Lewis is coming to Pittsburgh to meet Dave Wannstedt and the rest of the Pitt staff, and he seems fairly certain that once the Pitt coaches verify his size (5’7” 180 at the State College Nike Camp), he’ll get an offer. Lewis shared carries in a triple-option wishbone last season, which kept his numbers down (he only averaged 12 yards per carry), and the, ahem, low production has probably combined with his height to keep college recruiters at bay. But I have heard that Lewis may be the most complete back of all the running backs that have offers: he’s got speed, toughness, vision, moves, and he can catch the ball out of the backfield.
If Pitt offers Lewis and he accepts (which should happen, even though it might take some time), Pitt could have another steal at the running back position.
We still expect them to take two running backs, and there are any number of good options on the board, including Maryland speedster Caleb Porzel, who told us this week that Pitt is in his top three, along with West Virginia and Maryland.
You also have to like the size of upstate New York back Curtis Dukes, but he has said on several occasions that Penn State is his favorite. He’s got a PSU offer but he hasn’t pulled the trigger yet; that may bode well for Pitt’s chances, but it seems likely that he’s Happy Valley-bound.
There are also a couple of prospects with offers who could be running backs but also have the size to play defensive back. Kevin Adams is another such prospect, but he is probably headed for defense, so it will be interesting to see where he works out this weekend.
Offensive line
We’ve run down Pitt’s o-line recruiting for 2009 before, but we’ll rehash anyway:
We figure the Pitt staff is looking to take three offensive linemen in the class of 2009, with two interior prospects and a tackle prospect. Guard prospect Khalil Wilkes, who will probably pick between Pitt, Wake Forest, and Stanford. If Wilkes does choose Pitt, that leaves the tackle spot. For that Pitt will look to its prospect camp.
If you look at the six tackles we listed above (seemed to show some interest in Pitt; I expect the Pitt coaches to offer him this weekend (provided he puts in a good workout) and then battle to get a commitment. Gress does plan to keep attending camps, so he may be shooting for as many offers as possible.
If Gress drifts out of reach, or if the Pitt coaches are intent on offering a tackle prospect they think they can get a commitment from in the next few days (a la Ryan Turnley last year) (and I’m not saying Gress isn’t that guy), then they’ll be taking a long hard look at the others on the list. To me, Wetzel is probably the most intriguing, just because he seems to be the most raw but purely talented of the group. He’s got the kind of size and athleticism that you can’t teach, and I’m guessing that the Pitt coaches want to see how well he responds to coaching at the camp. If he does what they say, he could get an offer; if that happens, I wouldn’t be surprised if he pulls the trigger.
One other very intriguing o-line prospect is Delaware tackle he’s certain to pick up more offers. One may be coming from Pitt, and he’s definitely someone to keep any eye on over the next couple weeks.
Under center
While recent comments by Maryland quarterback Tom Chroniger seem to indicate that he’s ready to commit, nothing has indicated that the Pitt coaches are ready to offer. Barring an exemplary performance this weekend, I don’t expect that to change.
There will probably be one or two more quarterbacks in attendance this weekend, but at this point I would be surprised if more than one or two offers go out. In fact, I think the Pitt coaches hold off on offering a quarterback for another week or two; these prospect camps are important, but the Pitt coaches like to watch the quarterbacks work in the 7-on-7 passing camp, which is held next weekend. I think once we get into the week after the passing camp, then we’ll start seeing a quarterback offer or two go out.
That being said, Pitt might have two of the top quarterbacks in the state from the class of 2010 coming to camp in Paul Jones from Sto-Rox and Tyler Smith from Wilson Area. We’ll be keeping an eye on those two.
Split out wide
a strong showing at Pitt’s camp should lead to a scholarship. Opoku is big and athletic, and he could be a receiver or a safety. I think he’ll probably do some work at both positions when he works out on Monday.
Other than Opoku, I don’t expect much in the wideout crop at the camp this week, but I don’t think that’s much of a problem for Pitt since they’re already in with a number of top-flight prospects. Beaver Falls standout Pitt is in his top five, along with Michigan, Miami, West Virginia, and Michigan State. Sources seem to indicate that this will be Pitt vs. Michigan, to which I repeat the refrain many Pitt fans have uttered:
Why would a top receiver go to Michigan with Rich Rodriguez’s offense?
That question got me to thinking: how many receiver prospects has Pitt lost to RichRod? In the 2007 class, WVU signed four wideouts, none of which were real Pitt targets. In 2006 WVU signed only Woodland Hills WR Wes Lyons, but I wouldn’t say that Pitt really lost Lyons; I just don’t know how much they ever really tried. Those were the two years of full-on Wannstedt vs. Rodriguez in recruiting, and I can’t find a single time RichRod beat DW for a receiver recruit.
Moral of the story: Pitt shouldn’t lose Todd Thomas to Michigan.
Okay then, enough of that.
Thomas isn’t the only receiver Pitt is recruiting. This week we also checked in on Parkland (PA) WR ”Pitt stands out real well” and that he hopes to visit Pittsburgh soon. Clark seemed like a Penn State lean at one point, but now I’m not so sure. I think Pitt’s got a real shot.
I’m not quite as confident about Delaware WR similar situation.
Other big names
- Montour safety got a top five, but then proceeds to list four schools: West Virginia, Notre Dame, Ohio State, and Virginia Tech. The fifth school? He’s unsure at this point.
Banks was thought to be headed for Ohio State, but they picked up a commitment from Pitt target (unoffered) Dominic Clarke, and spots appear to be filling up in Columbus. Could Pitt be the fifth school on Banks’ list? Perhaps, but I’m not holding my breath.
- I will hold my breath (and yours, too, for that matter) on Perkiomen School cornerback Darrell Givens, so I think Pitt can make a lot of headway on Smith’s visit this weekend.
- That was the goal on Thursday, too, when Pitt hosted Steelton-Highspire defensive lineman committed to Rutgers a week ago. On Thursday, Hill made the cross-state trip to unofficially visit Pittsburgh. We’ll see what comes out of this.
A hoops note
Some good news came on the basketball front this week when word broke that qualified and will be good to go this fall.
Must-see
If I could recommend two videos for your viewing pleasure, please allow me to recommend these:
- The first video is of linebacker click here, it will take you to an article about Bonheyo picking up an offer from Towson (his first offer, incidentally). Embedded in the article is a highlight reel, and I have to say, the kid is impressive, regardless of whether or not he can hear.
- The second video is a bit less quasi-inspirational and a bit more raw impressiveness. This week we interviewed Neshaminy DE DeOnte Arnett, but I think Colbert is pretty impressive nonetheless.
Stay tuned
Be sure to frequent PantherLair.com this weekend, as we’ll have live updates from Pitt’s prospect camps with info on new offers, new commits, and anything else that comes our way.
Thanks for joining this week’s edition of In the Pitt. Since this feature is still in the early stages, it’s safe to assume that the project will be in flux for a few weeks as we strive to find the best format. Feel free to e-mail chrispeak1@comcast.net with any suggestions, feedback, or other input.
