Pitt FB Recruiting
2017 Recruits, Plus Recruiting Notes
Today, we’re officially one month away from the 2016 National Signing Day. That also means that we’re a YEAR and a month away from 2017 National Signing Day.
It’s never too early to start looking ahead to 2017.
The WPIAL’s Class of 2017 will be one of the most talented that Western Pennsylvania has produced in many years. Today, I reached out to some sources to find out where some of the top area players are leaning (as of today).
Here are some of the things I found out, and keep in mind, we’re a year away so MANY things can change. However, these are the schools that these recruits are leanings towards today:
C.J. Thorpe, Central Catholic OL/DL: I’m told that as of today, Thorpe has a Top 3 of Penn State, Michigan and Stanford. Thorpe is a big-time player, possibly the best lineman in PA for 2017.
Kenny Robinson, University Prep, LB/WR: Hearing that Pitt and West Virginia are this talented athletes favorites. Could be a monster in Pat Narduzzi’s defense.
Lamont Wade, Clairton, CB: I’m told by a good source that Wade hasn’t made a list of favorites yet. Told that he wants to make some visits before announcing any kind of lists. Wade is the biggest recruit in the WPIAL since Terrelle Pryor.
TyJuan Garbutt, Fredericksburg, VA, DE: One of the top defensive ends in the country. Someone close to Garbutt told me that right now TyJuan likes Pitt, Va Tech, Ole Miss, North Carolina and Oklahoma. I have a feeling that Pitt will be in on Garbutt till the end.
Remember that two top prospects in 2017 have already committed: Paris Ford (Seton LaSalle) to Pitt and Josh Lugg (North Allegheny) to Notre Dame.
**Check back, hoping to have some info on Central Catholic’s David Adams and Beaver Falls DL Donovan Jeter.
**DE Desmond Chapple (Edwardsville, Ill) told me today that he still doesn’t have a date set for his official visit to Pitt but that “we do expect to set up one this month.” I’d have to think that if Pitt receives a commitment from another defensive end that Chapple could get squeezed out.
**New Iowa State head coach Mark Campbell continues to make offers to area kids. Today, C.J. Thorpe, Lamont Wade, Kenny Robinson and Donovan Jeter were offered by Iowa State. Yesterday, they offered David Adams and Central Catholic DT Kurt Hinish.
**Former Pitt QB Chad Voytik is getting plenty of interest from D-1 schools. Talked to Voytik today who told me that Memphis, Arkansas State, Kentucky, Vanderbilt, Indiana, UTC have expressed interest. Voytik is open to hearing from new schools as well.
UPDATE (10:49 PM):
North Carolina RB Robert Washington (heavy Pitt target) has announced his dates for official visits:
Pitt- January 15
TCU- January 22
Alabama- January 29th
*Have to think Alabama is the front runner for him. Pitt wanted to get the last shot at him but Nick Saban gets it.
**Check back today for more recruiting news and notes.
