They didn't tell us not to post about the event this year, but out of respect, I wont post anything specific about what the coaches said about the recruits or program in general. I'll instead focus on the personalities of the assistant coaches and kind of predict how well they will be at recruiting.
- First of all, I've been to a lot of these (but not all) and this seemed to be the largest crowd. Easily 1000, maybe as many as 2000. Many of the coaches remarked about the large turnout. Some that came from smaller schools were really stunned at the difference.
- The mood was really positive. Chancellor Gallagher received a standing ovation when he was introduced. As did Pat Narduzzi.
- I was impressed with Narduzzi's little talk. As I've said before, he seems to be a combination of Todd Graham and Paul Chryst in terms of personality. He's got a little of that Todd Graham salesmanship and some of that down to Earth coach's son midwestern thing going on. I like him.
- I was most impressed with LB Coach Rob Harley. The first thing I thought is this is our new Jeff Hafley. Hafley blew me away when I first heard him speak. It was easy to tell back then that that kid had IT. Harley is the same way. The coach that introduced him said he's half supermodel/half football coach. He seems to have the look, speaking ability, and confidence to do very very well in a living room. What I didn't realize about him until I googled him was that he was a color commentator for ESPN (ESPN3 maybe?) and a sideline reporter for the Big Ten Network. Clearly, the guy is as bright and articulate as they come. Though as a former OSU Buckeye, I worry about Urban swooping in soon.
- John Peterson was very energetic and you could tell that was a guy who absolutely loved Pitt and loved recruiting. From listening to him and seeing his posts on Twitter, I'm a little surprised a guy like that loves Pitt as much as he seems to since he hasn't been hear long. Its rare to have an OL coach be such a willing recruiter but I have a feeling he's going to do well.
- Jim Chaney seemed very funny with a good personality. He's got that big good ole boy, southern thing going on. He was also very articulate and someone who I think would be an effective recruiter.
- Tom Sims was very energetic and seemed very personable.
I think all the coaches did a good job and it seems like Narduzzi has put together a good staff. I was super impressed with Todd Graham and his staff during the LOI event and I'd say this staff measures up to that one. As for Chryst's LOI event, it was a complete borefest. He and most of his coaches had no personality whatsoever and I remember coming away wondering if those guys were going to be able to recruit.
- First of all, I've been to a lot of these (but not all) and this seemed to be the largest crowd. Easily 1000, maybe as many as 2000. Many of the coaches remarked about the large turnout. Some that came from smaller schools were really stunned at the difference.
- The mood was really positive. Chancellor Gallagher received a standing ovation when he was introduced. As did Pat Narduzzi.
- I was impressed with Narduzzi's little talk. As I've said before, he seems to be a combination of Todd Graham and Paul Chryst in terms of personality. He's got a little of that Todd Graham salesmanship and some of that down to Earth coach's son midwestern thing going on. I like him.
- I was most impressed with LB Coach Rob Harley. The first thing I thought is this is our new Jeff Hafley. Hafley blew me away when I first heard him speak. It was easy to tell back then that that kid had IT. Harley is the same way. The coach that introduced him said he's half supermodel/half football coach. He seems to have the look, speaking ability, and confidence to do very very well in a living room. What I didn't realize about him until I googled him was that he was a color commentator for ESPN (ESPN3 maybe?) and a sideline reporter for the Big Ten Network. Clearly, the guy is as bright and articulate as they come. Though as a former OSU Buckeye, I worry about Urban swooping in soon.
- John Peterson was very energetic and you could tell that was a guy who absolutely loved Pitt and loved recruiting. From listening to him and seeing his posts on Twitter, I'm a little surprised a guy like that loves Pitt as much as he seems to since he hasn't been hear long. Its rare to have an OL coach be such a willing recruiter but I have a feeling he's going to do well.
- Jim Chaney seemed very funny with a good personality. He's got that big good ole boy, southern thing going on. He was also very articulate and someone who I think would be an effective recruiter.
- Tom Sims was very energetic and seemed very personable.
I think all the coaches did a good job and it seems like Narduzzi has put together a good staff. I was super impressed with Todd Graham and his staff during the LOI event and I'd say this staff measures up to that one. As for Chryst's LOI event, it was a complete borefest. He and most of his coaches had no personality whatsoever and I remember coming away wondering if those guys were going to be able to recruit.
