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Monday, 30 January 2012 14:56

Written by Paul Zeise

National Letter of Intent Signing Day is one of the most overrated dates on the calender in terms of the amount of hype it receives and what it actually means or what actually happens. Yes, recruiting is the life blood of every program and yes, teams are excited to announce their recruiting classes but ask yourself these questions...

1.) Given the wall-to-wall 24 hour coverage of recruiting by ESPNU, Scout.com, Rivals.com and a host of others - are we ever really surprised by what the classes look like? I mean, Pitt's class is pretty well known and I am sure there will be one or two more commitments by Wednesday, but signing day is somewhat anti-climatic since we already know who is coming and who is not.

2) Every coach talks as if they won a national title when they introduce their class - have we ever heard one stand up and truly be honest by saying "this class is weak, we missed on every kid we wanted and we have a bunch of bodies filling scholarships"

3) The declarations on signing day usually don't mean much - for instance, do we remember last year at signing day Todd Graham rambling on and on about all of the different roles that Lafayette Pitts would play on both sides of the ball and special teams? How did that turn out?

4) We don't know a thing about any of these kids until they put on the pads and start to play.

So with that in mind and trying to keep things in perspective, let's take a quick little preview of Pitt's recruiting class and see what we can make of it. It is tough to grade because, for the second year in a row it was started by one staff and finished by a different staff - that wants to play a completely different style of football.

Now, thanks to my good friend Chris Peak at Pantherlair, here is the actual up-to-the-minute list of commitments. This includes the newest one - Gabe Roberts - a lineman from Wisconsin who committed over the weekend. Roberts fills a need as this team desperately needs depth on the offensive line but he isn't ranked and has no other offers, so obviously he is one of those "wait and see" kind of kids that some coaches seem to find and turn into gems. The one thing I will say is, if you read Chris's story on the kid, he was injured during the summer so when he went to camps it was hard for schools to evaluate him, so perhaps he is truly a diamond in the rough.

Here is the link to the commitment list and now let's see how it matches with Pitt's needs (we will do offense today, defense tomorrow)---

Quarterback: Assuming Tino Sunseri, Mark Myers and Trey Anderson all stick around and are healthy the position is crowded, but as most people who watched the team can attest this is an area which needs improved and in this recruiting class there is a highly rated quarterback - Chad Voytik. So this is an area that has been addressed, though I don't think it can be overlooked that Voytik was recruited to fit into a different system than the one he will play in. That doesn't mean he can't get it done, it just means we will have to see how his skill set translates to the pro-style system.

Offensive Line - Chris Jacobson will almost definitely get a 6th year which helps but the loss of Lucas Nix, Jordan Gibbs and Greg Gaskins means this roster is devoid of tackles, big time. And that is probably the most troubling hole in this recruiting class -there are only two linemen in it and one is Roberts, who may be a good player but he is a reach on paper and he is listed as a guard. Certainly a big-time tackle like Adam Bisnowaty from Fox Chapel helps, but based on what I saw last summer during traning camp from the younger linemen, there is a real need for depth and there seems to be a need for a couple of more scholarships to go to linemen.

Fullback/Tight End - I put these two positions together because they are going to be added again as Chryst's pro-style offense will utilize both of these positions. Sure there were fullbacks and tight ends on the roster last year but we rarely saw either position utilized in that spread offense. Now, we will see more traditional uses from those positions. So I'm assuming that means that Drew Carswell will become a receiver and Hubie Graham will be the primary tight end. I will be interested in finding out what they ultimately do with Anthony Gonzalez but Shaler's J.P. Holtz to me is a great addition and will fit in perfectly as a tight end in this system. I don't see a fullback in the recruiting class and there are a few guys left on the roster, but the fullback position is one that certainly is going to need to be shored up - "Lou Polite, Henry Hynoski, where are you?"

Wide Receiver - The receiving corps is like the quarterback group - they are all back and the position is crowded. But much like the quarterbacks, this group has a lot to prove and frankly an influx of some young talent wouldn't be a bad thing. The key is getting more speed - I don't know that there is a burner in this group. I know Ronald Jones and Darius Patton showed some good things and Devin Street is a big-play, stretch the field kind of guy, but this is a group that needs to perform at a much higher level. Clairton's Trenton Coles is the only receiver in the group - he is raw, but big and fast so perhaps he has a chance - though there are a number of guys listed as athletes who may ultimately turn into receivers as well. I would like to have seen Pitt pick up a top receiver in this class but at this late in the period I'm not sure that is realistic. 

Tailback - I saved the best for last. You take a group that has Ray Graham, Isaac Bennett, Corey Davis and Malcolm Crockett all returning and add one of the top rated tailbacks in the nation - Rushel Shell - and it is clear that this position is in great shape, not just for this year, but for year's to come.

All in all, I'm a bit underwhelmed so far by this recruiting class other than in a few areas, but mostly because I think this team needs more offensive linemen and receivers but I just don't see the numbers coming in. Of course, there are still a few days and number of guys who are going to make their decision late, but for this particular class the changes in coaches and philosophies may be too much to overcome to really bring in the kind of class that is needed to begin to rebuild certain areas.

Comments (101)

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written by csf, January 30, 2012 - 02:50 PM

Hynoski is in Indianapolis, thank you for asking.

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written by jlawrence, January 30, 2012 - 03:02 PM

PZ - Ricketts should help the OL situation this fall...

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written by Sev, January 30, 2012 - 03:26 PM

Thank goodness we have a road-grader OLine type Head Coach now with Chryst...If I'm an OL at Pitt I'd better be on the bench until I tear a rotator cuff...the biggest and baddest will see playing time....

The Qb race ought to be interesting...Voytik has the most talent, Tino the most experience and Myers the most size. Anderson ought to transfer...

Holtz should play TE...I think Hubie played really well last year...him and Holtz could be formidable...

WRs...ugh...lets scrap all plans for anyone resembling Cam Saddler...the small shifty guys never seemed to work, even under Wanny...Sorry but they dont...If that Foster kid comes from Central Valley he could be a beast...but you gotta run w/ Street and Shanahan..and I like Carswell developing...is there anyone else???

Gotta give Shell some run if its a close rb race....you've got nothing to lose..

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written by ud1978, January 30, 2012 - 04:07 PM

For me, its all about the OL or more accurately the lack thereof. Gaskins was abysmal last year so no loss there. Ricketts will hopefully play a big role at OT with Jacobsen. With some better coaching can Hollins turn into a player despite his lackluster freshman year.

With a real QB and an OL that gives him a bit more time to find receivers the WRs may take care of itself.

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written by Justinian, January 30, 2012 - 04:33 PM

Paul, I think Chryst & Company will come up with a few more offensive linemen on signing day. About the recievers, Street and Shanihan looked better in the pro-style offence than in Grahm's spread. Hopefully a return to a system, similar to one they were recruited for, will get them back in the groove.

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written by MajorMajors, January 30, 2012 - 05:01 PM

Paul,

One of those "athletes" you referred to is Demitrious Davis. He's a 5-10, 180 pounder, but he can fly. I think he can have an impact as a playmaker at WR.

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written by Imma Man! Im 40!, January 30, 2012 - 05:20 PM

csf, Lou Polite is in Indy too, playing for the other side (NE).

Isn't that ironic?

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written by panther script, January 30, 2012 - 05:28 PM

I think Jacobson is a guard.

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written by panther script, January 30, 2012 - 05:37 PM

SURPRISE....Kyle Flood new head coach at Rutgers. Sorry about Mario Cristobal, Joe D.; but you did report it first.

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written by Joe D, January 30, 2012 - 06:08 PM

I heard PS... everyone in NJ is surprised regarding Cristobal... I thought they had a good chance to land him... but his wife was going to stay in Miami if he took the Rutgers job... meaning... don't expect sex when you come home to Miami.
Cristobal is done...

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written by Joe D, January 30, 2012 - 06:15 PM

Sorry Zeise, I called Layfayette Pitts was over-rated (Slow in 100m in track). If you recall, I made a big deal the Layfayette played Pitt & Rutgers to get a ship for Javonte!!!
It appears Chryst pulled Javonte's ship... he was on the list and when Chryst was named HC, it was pulled!!

I like that Chryst is not taking crap from recruits...
ie. Geter, Pitts

The problem with Pitt will be the D-line!!! They are going to a 4-3... and only 6 DL's on roster... which current LB will now become a DE at 240/250#??

Curious as to what "transfers" Pitt may land in the next few months. They have 15 committs currently and at least 20 ships to give!

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written by PittofDreams, January 30, 2012 - 07:12 PM

Obviously Cristobal is willing to consider all offers.

But ulitmately, he's only leaving South Florida if the money makes it worth his wife's while.

Nothing wrong with that. They have their priorities.

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written by PittofDreams, January 30, 2012 - 07:23 PM

Love the way guys are putting all their hopes on Voytick... and at the same time being so quick to cast off Anderson.

Granted, Anderson was horrible after making a fairly good impression in his first outings.

But if you compare Anderson at the biggest division in Texas compared to Voytik at the middle-of-the-road division in Tennessee... no comparison.

Voytik is an athlete. Anderson is a quarterback.

But time will tell.

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written by PittofDreams, January 30, 2012 - 07:29 PM

As for signing day... the question on the floor is "Will Chryst and his staff succeed in pulling off a couple of last-minute surprise commitments?"

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written by Joe D, January 30, 2012 - 08:36 PM

Chryst recruits concerns me... Hilliard just committed to Syracuse.
Thus far, Chryst crew only landed 3 new recruits...
- Holtz was good... legit TE 4star
- Woody LB... had no offers if that tells you anything.
- WI OL... had no offers either...

Its pretty easy to land bodies that nobody else wants... Albeit he managed to keep 12 players recruited under Graham.. but lost about 6 by my count for some reason or another.

The big losses... Conwell, Hilliard.
Couldn't land loss... Denman, Cox and has yet to convince WI DT commit from Lebo... goldberg.
Unknown... Pankey.

So, to grade Chryst recruiting... D+.
He didn't make the calls immediately upon being named HC was the big mistake!!

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written by Brashear99, January 30, 2012 - 10:41 PM

Is Chris Mike still on the roster? he was Hyno's backup & the only fb that I was aware of. Saw him in limited time when Hyno was out with concussion like symptoms & seemed to do well.

Any word on how Coles tearing his acl in state championship is going to affect him for this season? Players seem to come back sooner now than before, but with it being that late in the season I'm guessing he's probably headed for a redshirt.

All in all I think the 2012 class is decent with some real talent there. Can't really complain when you have the coaching carousel going on for over a year now. I don't have much of a problem with Pitt going for some reaches with ships to offer & not too many guys left available. At some point you just have to get some bodies & hope one or two work out.

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written by rkohberger, January 31, 2012 - 04:54 AM

I don't fault this staff so much for the way the recruiting class has shaken out.

We fans tend to look at the PITT football program with rose colored glasses and forget that just 14 months ago we were being ridiculed on the national stage for more than one issue...

A string of violent arrests, the SI article, The DW firing and Haywood debacle and finally our brand spanking new coach who we built a massive national advertising campaign around abruptly up and leaves.

Any one of those issues would be bad for a program. What it did for PITT is make it into a national laughingstock and something for recruits and their parents to be wary of.

It will take a solid year of no negative news and decent effort and effort and production on the field to overcome that.

In addition we have a Head Coach and an Offensive Coordinator who are rookies at their jobs.

Put it this way. If Shell wasn't a soon-to-be father of twins he'd be at Alabama and if PITT didn't have a great pre-med and medical school Voytik most probably would be playing elsewhere also.

That's what this recent string of negative factors does to even a decent football program and we have a lot of work ahead to overcome that.

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written by panther script, January 31, 2012 - 07:20 AM

Letter Day is always interesting. Chryst has flown under the radar and those looking for a late day surprise most likely will be disappointed. Kudos for those recruits that stayed the course. Playing in the BE should minimize the won-lost record. Building with top flight players is going to take time. Most everyone knows this.

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written by Sweet Caroline, January 31, 2012 - 07:33 AM

Chris Denman could have second thoughts since Greg S. is gone. I agree though, we need more horses up front. Going to be an interesting year.Can't wait to beat up on the Penguins on opening day.

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written by PittofDreams, January 31, 2012 - 07:52 AM

A little interesting that Myles Caragein does not get an invite to the Combine but Chas Alecxih does.

That would have not been the guess going into this season.

To date it's been strangley quiet regarding Chryst and staff on the recruiting trail.

Still believe he may have a card up his sleeve OL or DL that might not be seen until days after Wednesday.

However, what I would like to hear from Chryst tomorrow at his 3:00 news conference is that Bostad is not going to Chicago and committed to the program.

The Press really needs to pin Chryst down on this one and Bostad if he's present.

Hopefully the answers will not be evasive.

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written by Joe D, January 31, 2012 - 08:24 AM

Dokish is reporting, Jarrett.. DT from Alderdice.. is going prep...

Chryst and crew need to take a course in Recruiting 101.
Not liking what has happened to this class.
As much as I dislike Graham, he pulled together a class with much less time!!!
Chryst and crew have only landed 3 new recruits...

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written by t2pyah, January 31, 2012 - 08:47 AM

Joe - Chryst arrived late - and the program still has a cloud over it ( as explained in posts above ).

I'm satisfied Chryst was able to keep most of the players that were previously committed - especially Bisnowaty. Plus Chryst was able to get Holtz: a significant commit because this team needs more kids that can block and tackle.

Also note Chryst has already started to look at class of 2013.
.

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written by t2pyah, January 31, 2012 - 08:53 AM

The most important period may start soon - and it has nothing to do with recruiting.

This is the time when off-season strength and conditioning should begin. Especially for the lineman. The next 5 months is when they should hit it hard - and then be ready and eager to bust some heads.

.

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written by Imma Man! Im 40!, January 31, 2012 - 09:23 AM

Reply to t2pyah's "Joe - Chryst arrived late - and the program still has a cloud over it ( as explained in posts above )."

O'Brien arrived even later at PSU, much later -- in truth, he hasn't even actually arrived yet -- and he's kicking our pants despite being saddled with the Creepy Valley scandal.

How/why? Because his team is workign the phones until their fingers fall off. I don't know what our coaching staff did upon being hired, but apparently they weren't working on that.

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written by Joe D, January 31, 2012 - 09:40 AM

t2payh,
I agree with imma40...
The comparison to make is to O'Brien at PSU who was named later than Chryst... PSU has more of a cloud than Pitt... and O'Brien is still working for New England preparing for the Super Bowl!!!

Yet, PSU is doing a much better job landing recruits in the past month than Chryst...
Furthermore, compare to last year... Graham had 3 weeks to get some 15 additional recruits compared to Chryst who has had 6 weeks since being named HC!!!

Chryst recruiting prowness is poor... this is was imma40 was posting all the time...
I thought the assistants can pull it out for him but evidently it has not...
He has been hurt with the Bostad rumor which was never denied by Bostad or Chryst... and he just named a "no-name" DL coach from the west coast a few days ago.
The biggest issues for Pitt are the OL and DL recruiting!!! The DL only has 6 on roster and it looks like they are going to put some 240# LB as DE!!

Not good....

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written by t2pyah, January 31, 2012 - 09:53 AM

not familiar with recent PSU/OBrien commits - but they did not get:

Spence
Muller
Bisnowaty
Denman

top rated lineman in this class


PSU also did not get Shell

PSU also did not get Holtz

PSU also did not get Cox


.

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written by Joe D, January 31, 2012 - 10:04 AM

I'm looking at numbers at this point T2payh...
PSU got 8 recruits since begining of the year... Pitt got 3.

One of PSU recruits is 4star DT Pollard...
PSU class is ranked #46...
Pitt not in top 50..

Sorry, but Chryst is doing a terrible job... we will see when it is finalized...

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written by Imma Man! Im 40!, January 31, 2012 - 10:05 AM

t2pyah, the results aren't final yet (not until tomorrow). But barring a series of miraculous changes of heart, Chryst & Company will have managed to squander a top-25 class into a top-50 (or maybe lower) class, per Scout.com ratings.

Rutgers hired their new HC yesterday, and they will apparently keep their top-25 class.

PSU, we already discussed.

Let's just say that the trend isn't good. So far this cast of characters reminds me more of the Paul Hackett regime every day.

They ran off a recruit at center because he was too short to play in Chryst's system. That's okay, depending on who we replace him with. Which was? [insert sound of crickets]. Answer: nobody!! So evidently Chryst feels it's better to have literally nobody at center than a guy who's "only" 6'-2? Frankly, I don't get it...

The Hilliard loss at DE to Syracuse is a killer, will haunt us for the next 4-5 years.

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written by t2pyah, January 31, 2012 - 10:05 AM

recall when the SOS (Snake Oil Salesman) claimed Pitt was going to compete for a championship in his first season - claimed this was the best group of players he coached ???

doubt you will here this from Chryst - too realistic - knows better - realizes it will take a few years to get the players on the field to be able to compete with the best programs

no reason to fret over one or two recruits from the 2012 class that were already committed elsewhere

.

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written by Joe D, January 31, 2012 - 10:26 AM

And teh kid from NH...
yeh he is 6'7"... touting himself as a DT... saw film of him as DT... slow, slow, slow...
5.6 in 40 and slow feet...
So, I'm sure he gets blown by when playing OT which is why he is touting himself as DT.
Nobody offered the NH kid...
I doubt he will ever see playing time...
the 3star kid from OH albeit not "tall" enough.. was highly rated.... top in OH, etc.

Right now, my concern is not so much the OL... some 11 on roster...
my concern is the DL... only 6 on roster to play a 4-3. They can't even field a scout team or 2nd team!!

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written by t2pyah, January 31, 2012 - 10:31 AM

on the center - kid possibly less than 6-2 - and could have been more than just lack of size

but agree - need bodies - and especially for DL

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written by joebull, January 31, 2012 - 10:49 AM

Chillax!

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written by Sev, January 31, 2012 - 11:04 AM

Im not going to judge Chryst on this class...yeah there are some great players and there are some that got away...what can you do...its PITT..and considering all the turmoil the last year has brought I think they are doing ok....Voytik and Shell alone make it a good class..

PITT will always have recruiting issues due to lousy stadium issue...IMO...they need to investigate an on campus stadium....that would turn me off immediately..especially considering the acc teams have great stadiums...

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written by t2pyah, January 31, 2012 - 11:14 AM

funny youth football story - related to center

few years ago we tried 3 kids at center with little success - all struggled - many times were so bad the defense was in the backfield almost immediately after ball was snapped.

in a scrimmage, QB was leveled before he was able to hand off. Next play the QB lined up a center. Coach yelled at him 'what are you doing ?'. Kid replied - 'you have a center - now get a QB !'

.

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written by Imma Man! Im 40!, January 31, 2012 - 11:17 AM

Sev, the on-campus stadium is a dead-horse issue.

If we only had $1.5 billion, we could build an on-campus stadium if only we had any land. Kinda like if we had bacon, we could have bacon & eggs if we had any eggs.

I've never heard any recruit pass up Pitt because we play at Heinz Field. Heinz Field is soooo much better than old Pitt Stadium that it's a non-starter.

Yes, it's more a hassle for students to get a ride to downtown than walk up Cardiac Hill. But to every other fan -- visitors plus we who buy season tix -- it's so much easier to go to Heinz Field than fight the hassle getting into Oakland.

College atmosphere includes tailgating. Which you can do in the parking lots at Heinz. Where can you tailgate in Oakland? Primanti's? The Dirty O?

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written by mikebr36, January 31, 2012 - 11:48 AM

As difficult as it is for me to admit I think that Pitt is not the desirable place we think, or want it to be, for athletes to come an play football. Man, that was difficult to write.

What really brought this home to me is the RU recruiting class. Living in NJ for the past 10yrs, I just cannot fathom why any student athlete would ever choose to go play in New Brunswick vs Oakland. I could go on and on about what a dump that area of Middlesex County is.

I have no answers for why this is but it would be nice to see the Univ start to put its efforts into rebuilding the footabll program like they did the basketball program.

This RU thing is driving me crazy. The only thing RU has over Pitt is a decent 18 hole golf course on campus.

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written by panther script, January 31, 2012 - 12:31 PM

You posters are having a good time leading up to Letter Day. What they get is what they get. Regardless what Coach Chryst does presently; we are looking at cultivating a winning program. This is going to take time. Unless we had hired Urban Meyer or Nick Saban, I don't see many five star recruits matriculating to Pitt. For the time being, let's see how the offense and defense appear in the spring and take it from there. Paul Zeise can only report what he sees. After tomorrow you can stop going over the top. Talk about over-reaction. As I say, it's not life or death....maybe it's more than that. All I know is that if Chryst has an endorsement from Barry Alvarez, then I'm willing to take a wait and see attitude.

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written by Joe D, January 31, 2012 - 01:14 PM

My prediction...
Rippy and Pankey will pick Pitt over WVU...
why... numbers..
by my count, WVU with 26 committs has tooo many.
Only 22 to give if I counted correctly.
Anyway, Rippy and Pankey to Pitt.. that helps but Pitt needs DL!!!

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written by joebull, January 31, 2012 - 01:59 PM

JoeD,

I disagree with you about those two. If WVU wants them, then they'll free up a ship. Also, if either or both aren't going to be eligible then the numbers game doesn't matter.

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written by Sev, January 31, 2012 - 02:40 PM

I know the stadium is a dead horse issue....I also know that Heinz Field is a lousy college atmosphere...I'd rather play at Scott Stadium (UVA) any day of the week...but I regress....

I like dwelling on things that I may never see again...like the PITT script logo and a PITT football stadium...or a National Championship

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written by ud1978, January 31, 2012 - 03:09 PM

Looks like this years recruiting class is less than what we hoped for and certainly less than what is needed. I'm willing to give them a pass, BUT they better show some marked improvement in the 2013 class or the fears of those claiming Chryst can't or is unwilling to recruit may turn out to be true which could be the death knell.
I'm done looking for a last minute miracle. The staff better be alot better at coaching than they are at damage control. They may have been dealt lemons with the limited time they had, but its clear they didn't know how to turn it into lemonade.
They are also clueless from a PR perspective. The maggot from Texas was way over the top in this area, but being invisible is even worse. Either Bostad definitively announces he is staying or going, but the one thing that CAN'T happen is what they are doing on the matter. . . . which is NOTHING!!!
We'll all applaude Voytik, Shell, and Biz but seriously, only 3 recruits that stir the imagination????

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written by ud1978, January 31, 2012 - 03:10 PM

Oh sorry, I also meant to mention Holtz in the exciting category!!

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written by Patriot9, January 31, 2012 - 03:19 PM

Sev, the Scott stadium that you refer to is that where Scott High School used to play in North Braddock? I agree it had a better atmosphere than Heinz.
They could have an on campus stadium if they wanted to. It would be a great urban renewal project and it would cost nowhere near $1.5 billion. That's what the new Yankee Stadium and the Jerrydome cost. The could build a great stadium for maybe $200 million and provide a lot of parking that students and visitors to the med center could use when there were no games.

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written by joebull, January 31, 2012 - 03:22 PM

Pitt in Final 3 for the following who will all announce later today or tomorrow.

Bam Bradley S
Terrell Jackson DT
Sean Draper CB

My prediction is they get Bradley with Jackson to MSU and Draper to Louisvill.

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written by Joe D, January 31, 2012 - 03:29 PM

Draper just announce Iowa...
Jackson... something happen with MSU.. don't know but not a finalist. Pitt or Illinois per dok.
Bradely tweeted something about the "burgh"

This is based on Dokish.

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written by Joe D, January 31, 2012 - 03:31 PM

Rippy, Pankey, Bradley will be last 3.
If they get Jackson, that will be huge as they need DL fellas.

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written by Jackagain, January 31, 2012 - 05:14 PM

I happened to notice that there was 4 All Pros from Pitt at the Pro Bowl. That has to be a recruiting tool...

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written by Patriot9, January 31, 2012 - 05:23 PM

Pitt needs to do a better job of honoring our outstanding former players both current NFLers and HOFers. We should be getting them more involved in the program as well.

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written by Imma Man! Im 40!, January 31, 2012 - 06:07 PM

Reply to Patriot9's "They could have an on campus stadium if they wanted to. It would be a great urban renewal project and it would cost nowhere near $1.5 billion."

I'm in the biz, are you? That's my very prelim ballpark guess.

Problem is there isn't enough (like, none at all...) open land in Oakland, which means you gotta clear it. Which means eminent domain to buy many 100s of homes and bull-doze them.

Cowboys and Yankee Stadiums already had cleared land to begin (new YS is built on the old stadium's parking lot).

Furthermore, unless you expect fans to travel to the games there by rik-shaw or on horseback, there is essentially zero access from the Parkway West. Both Cowboys and Yankees Stadium didn't have this obstacle (the new YS used the existing Bronx Expressway).

New Pitt Stadium would need a new minimum 4-lane arterial expressway (3 lanes in/1 out before games, reverse flow after) and/or a lite rail spur from a P-n-R.

My $1.5B all-in pricetag might -- and I emphasize (only) might -- be high, but not by much, I really doubt it. It could also be low, depending on how much it costs to buy and raze south Oakland.

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written by Imma Man! Im 40!, January 31, 2012 - 06:16 PM

One the land is ready, I SWAG'd that the stadium (structure) itself would cost somewhere in the $300M range, which isn't as full of amenities as you'd think for that pricetag.

Depending on the extent you want creature comforts, the cost of the stadium itself could easily double.

The only hope you'd have for any savings is the number of hungry contractors out there now. Problem is, new Pitt Stadium isn't exactly shovel-ready. And when it is, with permits in hand (~10 years from now) the economic situation could be totally reversed.

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written by csf, January 31, 2012 - 07:01 PM

This past year, Pitt had 6 players make the NFL (Baldwin, Lewis, Pinkston, Sheard, DeCicco and Romeus*) This ensures a pretty good recruiting class which was typical of Pitt's recent classes, and in fact, Wanny had a Top 20 class lined up before he got the axe .. whether Chryst's recruting efforts improve may depend on this.

BTW, Chryst seemd to align his staff with more 'teachers' than 'recruiters'

* Romeus is on Saints' IR

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written by t2pyah, January 31, 2012 - 07:17 PM

Hynoski also

.

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written by Jackagain, January 31, 2012 - 09:55 PM

Chryst can't recruit?

"His grandmother, Marian Rowe, said he was impressed by new Pitt coach Paul Chryst when he met with Rippy and his family.

"He gave me the wow factor," she said. "He is a down-to-earth person. I know he will be there for his players. They (Pitt officials) really did something good this time (when Chryst was hired)."

(from Trib)

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written by Patriot9, January 31, 2012 - 10:02 PM

Imma, just as well that the new Pitt Stadium isn't shovel ready yet. First improve the program, win more games, move to the ACC, improve cash flow through ticket sales, better TV contract and more alumni contributions. Have a ranked team every year, keep attracting better and better players. Win major bowl games every year. Then build the stadium. This will cement Pitt as a major program. Top ten finishes every year. It will take a while but it can be done. The stadium is a big part of getting to the top level. The roads into and out of Oakland are an issue for the State. It is about time that they do something.

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written by ConservativePanther, January 31, 2012 - 10:26 PM

Guys-

On campus stadium is not going to happen- Pitt is building too many bio-medical towers...

Oh and to change course real quick... A shout out to my dear long lost friend ConservativeMountaineer-

How bout them panthers,!?!?! I thought Pitt wold not beat the 'eers in any sport *snort*
Have a drink om me brother!

Great win last night!!

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written by ConservativePanther, January 31, 2012 - 10:27 PM

Sorry for the typos- damn ipad

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written by panther script, February 01, 2012 - 04:55 AM

@ Jackagain....just read the Trib article on Rippy. A very nice accolade for Paul Chryst. It is somewhat disconcerting at all the negativity posted regarding recruiting. We all just need to hang in there. Hail to Pitt.

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written by jethro, February 01, 2012 - 07:35 AM

Half dozen commits so far including Voytik, Bisnowaty and Holtz.

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written by Joe D, February 01, 2012 - 09:29 AM

Pankey selects WVU... that was a surprise to me.

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written by joebull, February 01, 2012 - 09:34 AM

JoeD,

Not a surprise...coach basically said he has no work ethic. terrell Jackson picked Pitt. there's your other DL.

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written by joebull, February 01, 2012 - 09:35 AM

Lost Alkwan Williams at last minute to Temple. Liked him, thought he could be pretty good when I watched him on TV this year.

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written by Joe D, February 01, 2012 - 09:44 AM

I think Williams saw Rippy and Bradley committ and decided to go elsewhere. Good decision on his part.

Jackson is a good get...
I expected Pankey... but Jackson was a surprise and the DL position is a bigger need than OL!!

Overall, the class is shaping up to be ranked in the 30ish.

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written by Joe D, February 01, 2012 - 09:49 AM

JoeBull,
RShell doesn't have a good work ethic either... hope he turns it around as he has lots of other responsibilities on his plate than other frosh coming in.

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written by Joe D, February 01, 2012 - 10:29 AM

Jarrett out of Alderdice has to go prep... didn't qualify.

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written by Jackagain, February 01, 2012 - 12:18 PM

Alkwan Williams is too small to play OLB...he's more safety size and Pitt is loaded at that position too.

http://pittsburgh.scout.com/a.z?s=141&p=9&c=8&yr=2012

Too bad about Jarrett.....with only 15 recruits I doubt Pitt makes the top 40 Joe, but they'll have more scholarships for next year when they can really get down to recruiting.

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written by Newman, February 01, 2012 - 01:29 PM

Per the real Trib (the Johnstown Tribune Democrat), Chryst pulled Williams' scholarship offer Sunday. That's awfully late for a kid who was recruited by Wannstedt, signed early with Graham, and didn't really look at other schools. Recruiting is a dirty business, but you could argue that Temple has the most stable program (and best coach) in PA right now, so good for him. Tough kid, good athlete, would easily have added 20lbs to his frame. And let's face it, Pitt wasn't exactly strong at LB last year.

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written by Jackagain, February 01, 2012 - 02:37 PM

@Newman....he's only 6'1", that's a little short for OLB in college. Maybe ILB...I suspect he'll play safety in college like Pitt will probably have Devon Porchia play.

Steve Addazio is better than Paul Chryst? You tryin' to win points here with PZ?

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written by Joe D, February 01, 2012 - 03:10 PM

Newman...
I wouldn't expect Chryst to do that... wait until last minute to pull a ship... while he was on a visit none the less.
smh

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written by Newman, February 01, 2012 - 03:24 PM

Addazio does have more wins than Chryst and O'Brien combined, and I believe he was a coordinator for a Nat. Champ Florida team, so......

HB Blades and Clint Sessions weren't too shabby for LB's under 6'1''. And yes, Chryst waited until Sunday evening after an official visit to break the news, per the real Trib. And Williams hasn't been tweet bashing Pitt as far as I know. Harsh, but I guess that's the nature of the business. Stanford apparently did something similar to a recruit.

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written by Jackagain, February 01, 2012 - 03:29 PM

Newman...those were ILB's, not OLB's. I did say "maybe ILB". 6'1" is usually too short for OLB unless the guy is big and strong like James Harrison.

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written by PittofDreams, February 01, 2012 - 04:21 PM

A little insight on Chryst.

He is soft-spoken, but by the same token very calculating.

Avoids letting emotions cloud his thinking. He does everything with reason with his set goal clearly in mind.

Regarding the Williams scholarship, without a doubt Chryst thought it was best for what he's trying to accomplish and at the same time best for Williams.

The kid probably will benefit from the change to Temple.

Addazio has clearly shown his commitment to the players and the program and the ability to take it even further than what Golden was able to do.

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written by ConservativeMountaineer, February 01, 2012 - 06:33 PM

@ConservativePanther.. Wow. Thanks for the shout-out. Nice to see I'm loved here!

Yeah, so sPitt won in Morgantown.. tough game to lose.. KJ had a great game (again), but something just wasn't clicking with everyone else after the 10min mark if the 1st half.. got real close at the end until one of the freshmen made a stupid play.. that's gonna happen with (what?) 7 freshmen on the team. Huggy Bear really should be COY.. playing a real tough schedule.. no, a brutal RPI schedule.

Gotta get my dig in.. When was sPitt is the Final Four? (Heck, when was sPitt beyond the 2nd round?)

Take care.

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written by ConservativeMountaineer, February 01, 2012 - 06:40 PM

Now, about your recruiting class. No attempt to belittle, etc.. only an observation.

One of the things that Stewart did at WVU was not sign enough players.. IIRC he usually signed 15-18 instead of the 25 or so allowed.. hurt big-time.

That is what I see as a future problem for sPitt.. not this coming year, but in future years. You need plenty of bodies PUSHING to get PT. THAT is what makes good players BETTER players.

I'd say "Best of luck", but then again..

Take care, guys. It is fun tweaking you from time to time.

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written by Joe D, February 01, 2012 - 08:08 PM

If Chryst were smart...
He would look at how Marino was brought in...
Trocano was Jr when Marino a Frosh... they basically split the time. Marino played in all games.
I see no reason to red shirt Voytik.

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written by ConservativePanther, February 01, 2012 - 09:03 PM

ConservativeMountaineer -

Are you getting soft? That was the nicest dig you have ever given to pitt.. Anyway, I do get a good laugh from the banter...

Pitt went to Elite Eight two seasons ago, lost to 'Nova on last second shot - oh well...

I do like Huggins-Do he and Holgorson sit in the waterfront hotel to see who drops off the barstool first??? ;-)
Back to Huggins -you could hear him screaming at his players after the play you referenced.... I would take Kilici - he needs to work on his cardio, tires down late in games, but dude is a monster..

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written by ConservativeMountaineer, February 01, 2012 - 09:28 PM

@ConservativePanther..

Nahhh, not getting soft.. just waiting for the opportunity to slam sPitt.

It does look like WVU has a pretty good class coming in. The heck with 4&5 stars... the heck with primma-donnas.

Oh, here's one.. I heard WVU just scored again. Did sPitt score in beautiful Birmingham, AL.. on the football field? (They may have scored elsewhere.)

Finally, gotta love Huggy Bear. Wouldn't you like to have a beer with both he and Holgerson? Just damn. That would be cool.

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written by Jackagain, February 01, 2012 - 09:29 PM

Gotta still laugh when anyone from WVU talks smack on message boards seeing how the state has never won a championship in it's miserable existence not involving gun powder.

At least come back in a few hundred years when you've actually won something....

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written by Patriot9, February 01, 2012 - 09:33 PM

JoeD, Voytik may be able to play and play well as a freshman. I don't know. But he is not Marino. Not fair to compare him. He is his own man with his own contribution to make.

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written by Joe D, February 02, 2012 - 09:45 AM

Voytik is no Marino... that is for sure..
just want to see him start playing as a frosh... tired of seeing sunseri "mr. loft it up" playing.

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written by PittofDreams, February 02, 2012 - 10:10 AM

Pitt's Possible Sleeper?

From the Appleton Post-Crescent...

The 6-foot-5, 290-pound (Gabe) Roberts was a first-team all-Bay Conference selection as a defensive lineman and a second-team choice as an offensive lineman. He's also a top-notch student who carries a 3.83 grade-point average.

"They were looking for a kid who can violently punch, pass protect and move his feet, and he can do all that," said New London coach Pete Mroczyn-ski. "What they liked the most about him was his potential for growth. He's a smart kid who is very coachable."

Roberts is the first New London athlete to receive a Division I football scholarship since running back Kevin Slosarek signed with Northern Illinois in 1990."

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written by Joe D, February 02, 2012 - 10:25 AM

POD..
I like that the kid is smart..
seems Chryst is going for players that easily clear NCAA clearinghouse... if you have marginal grades, you better be a stud otherwise he is not recruiting you.

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written by Imma Man! Im 40!, February 02, 2012 - 12:04 PM

ConservativeMountaineer, just wondering: why don't you have a picture of a flaming sofa for your profile photo?

BTW, the most entertaining part of Monday's game was the in-game photos of Huggy. Bet his doctor doesn't wanna know how high his blood pressure spiked when he got tee'd up for calling for the "female parent" of his starting PG.

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written by ConservativePanther, February 02, 2012 - 06:57 PM

ConservativeMountaineer,

Birmingham, was many beers ago and long forgotten, same with the poser coach from DickRod's staff....

BTW - Nice billboard on the intersates is WV about the WV score in the Orange Bowl - Yes, I travel in WV a lot!!! Don't you feel that those funds would be better spent?? I hear that most folks are running low on Boone's Farm

Let's catch up in a few weeks after the next backyard brawl in hoops!!

13-9 2007..... One of the biggst chokes in college football in recent memory...

Later man..

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written by ConservativePanther, February 02, 2012 - 06:59 PM

Conservative Mountaineer,

I agree with you on the star rankings - Holgo had good point on The Fan about that on signing day...

Yes, I wouldn't mind having a few pops with the WVU coaches, as long as I could wear my Pitt gear!

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written by rkohberger, February 03, 2012 - 05:46 AM

Newman - The author of that article twits the situation and inferred things that didn't happen.

The reality is that Alkwan Williams didn't have the academic requirements met to play football at PITT when he visited the campus on Saturday.

Chryst told him that he wasn't going to hold a scholarship for him until he cleared the required SAT scores. Temple said the opposite.

The "ugly" side of recruiting that the above posters are talking about is the referring to is the fact that recruits themselves don't have the SAT scores or other academic requirements after having two years to have done so.

PITT, both Pederson and Chryst, publicly stated that they would honor all the scholarship offered by Graham and they did. What they wouldn't do is wait past signing day for the player himself to meet his end of the bargain.

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written by PittofDreams, February 03, 2012 - 06:49 AM

Was there any mention of the Bostad situation at the Chryst news conference?

Have only caught the one excerpt of Chryst's comments and did not hear any mention of Bostad.

The fact that they missed on Denman tells me something must still be up with Bostad leaving.

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written by Newman, February 03, 2012 - 08:09 AM

@rk

So you are saying that all four of the scholarships that Chryst pulled were related to academics? How about the Center from Ohio, I've not heard that he had academic issues? Or the receiver from the WPIAL. I don't know Williams SAT scores and doubt that you do either. If this was an issue, he should have been informed a month ago when Chryst took the job, not 3 days before signing day. His coaches seemed totally blindsided, so I doubt that they were aware of any SAT issues. And Temple isn't exactly Slippery Rock, I doubt that they would take a chance on a kid with academic issues.

I could be totally wrong, I guess we will see. It all just seemed a little slimey to me.

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written by Joe D, February 03, 2012 - 09:03 AM

rk, newman,
Frankly I don't like what happen with Williams... I think it is wrong on Chryst part to wait until he made a visit to Pitt 3 days before signing day to say this to the kid!!! If he clears for Temple, he can clear for Pitt.

Anyway, the problem is Pittsburgh media... nobody asked him questions about the players that got away... Conwell, Hilliard, etc and why!!

EJ has the Pittsburgh media under his thumb. Frankly I wouldn't send media to cover Pitt events, just wait for the EJ press release!!
But, don't blame EJ... blame the pittsburgh media!! If it weren't for the national media, we may have never known the details of PSU... why, media such as PG sweep stuff like that under the rug to have access.

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written by frankarms, February 03, 2012 - 10:18 AM

maybe Chryst asked the kid if he had any other offers and when he was told Temple, Chryst told him that would be a better move because you may not fit in at Pitt?

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written by Newman, February 03, 2012 - 11:11 AM

The misperception is that these kids that were dropped all ended-up at MAC schools, 'so they weren't good enough for Pitt anyway'. That's wrong. They committed to Pitt early, they didn't entertain other offers or make other visits, and therefor the other schools stopped recruiting them. The late axe from Chryst left them scrambling.

I know they got a Sto-Rox kid after dropping a Sto-Rox kid, but this kind of stuff has to hurt him at some of these schools going forward.

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written by jlawrence, February 03, 2012 - 12:07 PM

written by Joe D, February 03, 2012 - 10:03 AM
rk, newman,
Frankly I don't like what happen with Williams... I think it is wrong on Chryst part to wait until he made a visit to Pitt 3 days before signing day to say this to the kid!!! If he clears for Temple, he can clear for Pitt.

The practice of pulling offers - at any time - is an unfortunate part of this process. Perhaps the process should be changed to one where all offers are extended on the same day - followed by a black out period which extends to LOI day. That would address some of the nasty, last minute stuff and it would give a kid time to reflect on their decision.

...EJ has the Pittsburgh media under his thumb. Frankly I wouldn't send media to cover Pitt events, just wait for the EJ press release!!
But, don't blame EJ... blame the pittsburgh media!! If it weren't for the national media, we may have never known the details of PSU... why, media such as PG sweep stuff like that under the rug to have access.

The national media by and large has given Chryst a thumbs up. EJ must have one really big thumb.

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written by Sev, February 03, 2012 - 03:46 PM

These kids are made well aware of what they need to do to play..Heaven forbid we blame a school system or guidance counselor who is quick to say he knows and celebrates a student athlete but washes their hands when the kid doesnt make the grade. Its not Chryst's fault a kid cannot qualify...

also, they did have nearly 2-3 (or how about 4) years of high school to get their acts together and pass...(all those teachers who cry about no child left behind - have to admit at least they would be identified)...a school that doesnt assist a high profile kid or any kid for that matter meet post-secondary school requirements should be ashamed of themselves...Allderdice should be embarrassed that they couldnt help that kid go right to PITT....

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written by rkohberger, February 04, 2012 - 06:23 AM

Newman - you are assuming all of those 'offers were pulled'. I don't think that at all. It was pretty evident that we were going to lose some recruits with our coaching change and the way it went down. Every school that has a HC change experiences that.

I fully believe that Paul Chryst sat down with those players you referenced and said something to the effect of "PITT will honor the scholarship offer but in honesty you may want to consider looking elsewhere also as I don't envision you fitting into our plans here"

Of course, some kids may have just said to themselves 'the reason I committed was Graham not PITT itself, I'm out of here'.

PITT and Chryst stated through the media outlets that every scholarship that Graham offered was going to be honored. That's a big statement in itself and to renege on that, again publicly, is akin to shouting "PITT can't be trusted!!" from the top of the CoL.

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written by panther script, February 04, 2012 - 12:08 PM

Why are yinz still writing opinions on a blog that is six days old. I know that I'm missing something. Where are you PZ?

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written by frankarms, February 05, 2012 - 11:43 AM

Seven days old and still I am checking comments.
Hellooooooooo........Anyone please say something.

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written by Sev, February 06, 2012 - 08:56 AM

Congrats to C-Mart and C. Doleman on election to the HOF....

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written by pitt92alum, February 06, 2012 - 02:36 PM

Interesting article on how the highest-rated recruiting classes have worked out over time.

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2012/writers/andy_staples/02/06/re-ranking-class-of-2009/index.html?eref=sihp&sct=hp_t12_a1

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written by panther script, February 06, 2012 - 03:41 PM

Hail to Pitt. ARE WE DEAD HERE? Can anyone step up and provide information. Where's Joe D. to enlighten us?

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written by pitt92alum, February 06, 2012 - 04:33 PM

Looks like coaching ranks are still unsettled - RB coach (hired Jan 12 from Northern Illinois) leaving for Wisconsin according to news reports.

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written by Joe D, February 06, 2012 - 09:18 PM

Ok..
EJ put out a press release and Zeise cut and paste and put his name on it!!!
lol
Nice SI article...
see, rankings do matter... I think the rivals and scout get the 5 and 4 star recruits fairly good... and they admit not as well with after that.

anyway.. I go to dokish blog.. football and BB.
http://panthersprey.blogspot.com/

I also read my news on Pitt on the trib... PG and Zeise are terrible... even before his injury!! Can't believe PG didn't put any temp on Pitt for coverage.

btw.. I think Pitt should get a RB coach that can recruit the MD and VA area... don't know who... they should hire a headhunter.
also, Chryst needs to be in the press a bit more... part of his job is being in front of the media. He needs some "coaching" in conducting press conferences, etc.

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written by PittofDreams, February 07, 2012 - 07:28 AM

Really a shame about Faulkner leaving seconds after committing to Pitt to sign on with Wisconsin.

Suggests some bad blood between Bielema and Chryst over Chryst tabbing Bostad and Rudolph to follow him to Pitt.

Bielema has shown himself to be a bit petty both in this move and in his criticism of Meyer going after verbally committed recruits.

Does concern me that Chryst seems to be making the mistake of committing to guys without having a clear understanding of their level of commitment to him.

Seems Chryst might be a little too honest and trusting for his own good.

Faulkner should have better appreciated the fact that Chryst offered him a job... nevermind the fact that he accepted it.

Shows some character flaw on Faulkner's part.

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