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Reputation:99
Level:Superstar
Since:Aug 28, 2006
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I have been on Rivals.com and Scout.com over the past few weeks, but I don't really see much information regarding possible 2009 recruits. Does anyone have information out there?
I feel like we should have one or two recruits in the bag and a few more we are looking at (or reporting on) heavily, but I can't seem to find any worthwhile information.
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Reputation:98
Level:Superstar
Since:Nov 28, 2006
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It seems that most of the big-time recruits on Pitt's radar are not in a rush to commit. This is fine because often early commits are not 100% on board and are much more likely to re-open the recruiting process and/or change their mind. The basic premise is if the Panthers play well and deliver, the recruiting success will follow. Guys like Dorian Bell have already indicated they are considering Pitt and there are a number of other top flight players who have Pitt on their lists.
Lastly, most of the early commits who verbal this early in the game are often committing to programs where recruiting is very competitive. What I mean is some of these kids realize there are only limited scholarship opportunities so if they get an offer from a elite school (USC, Texas, LSU, Florida, Alabama) they jump on it, knowing there are other kids vying for those offers or have been offered but have yet to commit.
Basically, no elite player that is on Pitt's radar is even close to committing so no worries. Win this year and Pitt will continue to have a ton of success getting elite players. Things continue to look up for the Panthers.
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Reputation:99
Level:Superstar
Since:Sep 15, 2006
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Rivals, Scout, and ESPN are all reporting that QB Tom Savage is committing to Rutgers this afternoon.
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Reputation:99
Level:Superstar
Since:Aug 28, 2006
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I'm okay with that....
1) We are pretty good at QB for the future. We can probably take a year or two off at that position and use scholarships elsewhere.
2) Its good to see that Rutgers continues to build their program. Their continued success will be important to the Big East...as long as it doesn't come at the expense of Pitt.
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Reputation:97
Level:Superstar
Since:Dec 13, 2006
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Tom Savage is one thing...we have RS Junior Stull, Sophomore(with his RS still) in Bostick, Cross for a couple years, and Tino Sunseri who will most likely RS but develop later in his career. I agree with panther that barring injury or transfer we are pretty set at QB for the time being.
The thing that stings is that this early in the recruiting season of 09, the best player even on Pitt's radar Dorian Bell committed to Ohio State. I know that nowadays commits this early aren't worth much, but it still hurts. I hope it doesn't effect the decision of his Gateway teammate and top 5 CB Corey Brown.
We can't expect early commits to our program just yet, I would just prefer our top recruits to NOT commit elsewhere.
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Reputation:99
Level:Superstar
Since:Aug 28, 2006
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I just read that and let out a big "DAMMIT!!!". I was really hoping that we could land him for next year, and I really thought we had a shot because of his past teammates coming to Pitt.
We still have a bunch of highly ranked recruits on our radar, though. I would like to see Pitt get one or two before the season starts to get some momentum in this area...
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Reputation:98
Level:Superstar
Since:Sep 10, 2006
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I heard during his visit a few weeks ago he left the campus quick, nobody said or heard what happen. It's not over as for Bell, maybe if we have a good/great year it might help lure him back. (Wishful thinking)
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Reputation:97
Level:Superstar
Since:Dec 13, 2006
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vscales I am in that same wishful thinking place as you. We need someone to replace McKillop and he could possibly be the guy to do it. If Pitt can find a way to win close games like they did NOT do last year, we could be looking at a BE Title (really wishful thinking).
We all know the wonders that the WVU win did for us last year. It showed recruits we are going in the right direction and that really won over Shayne Hale when he wasn't really thinking about Pitt towards the end of the year.
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Reputation:97
Level:Superstar
Since:Dec 13, 2006
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Jordan Hall (RB Jeannette) commits to Ohio State today. Another top Pitt recruit committing elsewhere. I feel better about this than the Bell commit. We have a pretty solid stable of young RBs with Shady already there and here for hopefully 2 more years, LSH who is still only a junior, Shariff Harris who is really opening some eyes in camp, and Kevin Collier.
I would love to see some OL or MLB commits for us!
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Reputation:99
Level:Superstar
Since:Aug 28, 2006
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I still hate to see western PA guys go elsewhere to play. In order to be taken seriously at the national level we cannot let top recruits from this area go...no matter how well we might be stacked in a certain position.
Like someone said before, if we do well this year future recruits from the area should begin staying...
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Reputation:99
Level:Superstar
Since:Sep 5, 2006
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I don't really think the loss of Hall will be a problem because (a) the great stable of runningbacks already in the program and (b) he was a solid AA player, nothing more. I see him struggling next year without the presense of TP taking the defensive pressure off. Maybe a good return specialist, but Cam Saddler already fills that role.
Also, I thought LSH was a senior this year? In any event, Burns (who is immensely more talented than Hall) will be redshirted, with LSH and Shariff Harris, who looks like a human battering ram and the next Steven Jackson, serving as the primary backups for Shady.
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Reputation:97
Level:Superstar
Since:Dec 13, 2006
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SVC...my fault LSH is a senior. But forgot about Burns. Thanks.
I agree with panther on this too. Western PA has and still does have some of the best recruits in the country, and we can't let these kids get away. I mean, Gateway and Jeanette are both less than 30 minutes to Oakland!
If they win..they will come seems to be our motto this year.
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Reputation:98
Level:Superstar
Since:Jul 5, 2007
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If they win..they will come seems to be our motto this year. INDEED 07 grad.
It is a simple formula. I am excited for this season and while I do not expect an over the top performance, I do expect forward strides. Smizik has them at 9 wins. He is usually pretty much a straight shooter in this regard. I love LOVE 9!
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Reputation:98
Level:Superstar
Since:Nov 28, 2006
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The Bell commit hurts. It is a real shame that he made such an early decision. Let me say this, I have heard that much like Terrelle Pryor, Bell might not be a great character guy and talent aside, he might not be missed as much as we think. Oh well, moving on...
What is disconcerting at this point is how little in-roads they have made after such a solid incoming recruiting class, not to mention the talent behind it. Such early commits often end up changing their minds so you never know. Considering how early in the game it is, lets see how things pan out as we get into the season. A big year and I think we will continue to make headway on the recruiting trail...
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