Recruiting down the stretch: Narduzzi v. Franklin

[raleighpanther]

Recently, a nitter posted a list of Pitt v. PSU recruiting battles, showing that PSU won most of those battles. Fair enough, but that is bygone history. Now that Narduzzi has settled in, raised the profile of the program, showed he coach, things are different. During the past few weeks, the head to head recruiting battle between the coaches was all Narduzzi.

Both schools needed to get good DTs this year. Franklin had a few, but saw them de-commit. In the closing days, Narduzzi got commitments from two 4 star DTs (one who de-committed to USC while visiting Pitt), and both of these 4 star guys had offers from PSU. With the de-commitments at PSU, there was greater opportunity there, but they both chose Pitt. Meanwhile, Franklin contacted Wheeler (who he'd previously offered) and Hargrove, and they both said no thanks. Franklin wanted all four of Pitt's DT targets, and got none.

Then, on Monday, Pitt flipped one of his recruits (Mathews), and later in the day, Hamlin put the Pitt hat on, over PSU and OSU. Everyone really wanted to win this one, and Narduzzi was the winner.

Then on signing day, the former Michigan DE recruit Weaver, chose Pitt over PSU.

Narduzzi 7, Franklin 0.

It was nearly 8-0, as another PSU recruit nearly flipped to Pitt at the last minute, when he announced Tuesday night that he would be "making his decision" the next morning. Had to be tough for Franklin to hear that from a kid who hadn't de-committed like 7 others had.

 

[MajorMajors]

I still can't get over Pitt getting Keyshon Camp -- with his staggeringly good offer list. And Pitt did it all by being bold over the last couple of weeks before LOI day. Amir Watts - coming out of Chicago - another amazing get for Pitt.

The thing I find most puzzling about Camp and Watts is that WVU didn't offer - here I thought WVU offers everybody - or it sure seems that way.

Go Pitt.

 

[Teh Teh]

Our DT recruiting, and Dline in general was FANTASTIC this year. Just above and beyond. Actually, all the defense was outstanding.

 

[9nationalchampionships]

This thread will be like kitty litter for the nits! They will be here in 3 - 2 - 1 …..

 

[raleighpanther]

Actually, they stayed away. Facts are facts; there isn't really much they can say about them.

 

[President Stache]

Yeah, they could come on and just say uhhhh... yeah... but what about attendance?

 

[Cap pitt]

You guys don't know what you are talking about, that idiot terry smith said state penn got everybody they wanted, right!!!

 

[burgerczar]

Recently, a nitter posted a list of Pitt v. PSU recruiting battles, showing that PSU won most of those battles. Fair enough, but that is bygone history. Now that Narduzzi has settled in, raised the profile of the program, showed he coach, things are different. During the past few weeks, the head to head recruiting battle between the coaches was all Narduzzi.

Both schools needed to get good DTs this year. Franklin had a few, but saw them de-commit. In the closing days, Narduzzi got commitments from two 4 star DTs (one who de-committed to USC while visiting Pitt), and both of these 4 star guys had offers from PSU. With the de-commitments at PSU, there was greater opportunity there, but they both chose Pitt. Meanwhile, Franklin contacted Wheeler (who he'd previously offered) and Hargrove, and they both said no thanks. Franklin wanted all four of Pitt's DT targets, and got none.

Then, on Monday, Pitt flipped one of his recruits (Mathews), and later in the day, Hamlin put the Pitt hat on, over PSU and OSU. Everyone really wanted to win this one, and Narduzzi was the winner.

Then on signing day, the former Michigan DE recruit Weaver, chose Pitt over PSU.

Narduzzi 7, Franklin 0.

It was nearly 8-0, as another PSU recruit nearly flipped to Pitt at the last minute, when he announced Tuesday night that he would be "making his decision" the next morning. Had to be tough for Franklin to hear that from a kid who hadn't de-committed like 7 others had.

Yeah, that's fine and dandy, but what about those crippling and unfair sanctions???????

 

[Sean Miller Fan]

Narduzzi said i his presser that they landed 85% of players who came on official visits. That number was his estimate but even if its off some, I'm sure it was a high number.

Franklin can recruit, no doubt but Narduzzi is going to be right there. Pitt never had good enough recruiters to take advantage of down PSU teams but if Franklin continues to eff up with his gameday coaching, Narduzzi will make them a distant memory for PA kids.

 

[Saboteur]

Here is why PSU will not succeed under Franklin.
After 2 straight 7-6 seasons with the one commodity every coach craves (an experienced and talented QB), PSU finds itself fighting a 2 front war.
FRONT ONE
Let's get this straight: OSU is a beast with 4 consecutive wins in the series and PSU beating them about 1 out of every 4 games in total.
MSU is nearly as tough a foe. And they don't look vulnerable.
Now Michigan gets its mojo back. One thing about Harbaugh is that his bite IS AS tough as his bark.
Those 3 in division foes are brutal. Franklin may have been a mild winner at Vandy, but MEYER, DANTONIO and HARBAUGH have won big EVERYWHERE!! Utah....Stanford (when they were nothing) and State..perennially second fiddle in their own State.
Franklin is in way over his head.
FRONT TWO
So instead he takes aim at Pitt. "Lowely" Pitt.
Pitt with umpteen coaches over a handful of years. Pitt with no home field. Pitt with a stretch of unprecedented mediocrity over 3 decades long.
And guess what? He eeks out a narrow recruiting victory over PITT as Pitt shows it isn't afraid of anyone. Pitt who now has a leader as a coach. Perfect? Nope. Relentless? Yes.
PSU won't extend the series with Pitt. No shock there. The have always been afraid of losing. They won't leave 107,000...(sorry, 99,000 if you buy the inflated figures) strong.
I have no idea whether we will beat PSU next year or not.
But I do know this, Pitt HAS CHANGED ITS SPOTS..and isn't afraid of anyone.
PSU is afraid.
They should be.