Reaction To Pitt Junior Day

Today was the first real opportunity that the Pitt coaching staff had to make an impression on recruits in the Class of 2017.

Pat Narduzzi and his assistants hosted a number of talented recruits at Pitt’s Junior Day.

Following the day, I had a chance to get reactions from a number of the recruits.

Forrest Rhyne, LB, Waynesboro, PA- “It was great! I loved everything about it! The facilities were amazing and the coaches were great. Coach Harley said to come to the spring game and camps in the summer. Coach Sherman said he’ll be in touch with more information.”

Darian Street, WR, Bethlehem, PA- “My day went very well! The thing that stood out to me the most would be how real and truthful every coach is….And Coach Sherman said many things that stood out to me.”

Geno Stone, Athlete, New Castle- “My day went great especially being around all the other WPIAL kids. What stood out the most was how loyal the coaches and staff were and the positive energy they bring. Every coach said something very important but what stood out was when Coach Duzz said you have to like the place you’re at and get along with the players and coaches because you don’t want to go to a place that you’re miserable at.”

Rick Squires, WR, Penn Hills- “It was fun. The atmosphere there.  Coach Narduzzi told me that all the coaches have been telling him about me and he still has to watch my film.”

Gabe Houy, OL, Upper St.  Clair- “I had a great time and really enjoyed the basketball game.  The police escort to the game stood out to me and I thought that was pretty cool. Also, the atmosphere at the game was great. Coach Peterson said that they’d like to get me back to look around the campus and academic side of everything because college is not only about football, school will still be there. And I’ve never been on Pitt’s campus yet so I would like to check it out.”

Ryan Lezzer, WR, Clearfield- “It went really good and heard a lot of good things. I got sold and believe that good things are going on at Pitt. Hearing Coach Duzz tell us that we’re the future was so great and I really liked seeing all the updates they did. One thing that stood out to me was Coach Sherman saying that you can be a part of putting Pitt back on top.  Also, him saying that Tyler is leaving and then he asked us who’s gonna be the next great wide receiver at Pitt? He also said that it’s possible that I could be that guy.   I really connected with Coach Sherman and could easily see him being my position coach at the next level.”

Mitch DeZort, LB, Highlands- “The day went great! What really stood out to me was how they kept all the WPIAL kids in the same group the whole time (during tours, game, etc). You could really see how they are trying to build around the top kids in the WPIAL.”

David Green, DL, Central Catholic (2018)- “My day went very well down at Pitt. What stood out to me were the facilities and the program that Pitt has. Coaches told me that they watched my film and that I’m a good player.”

Markus Vinson, Athlete, Damascus H.S. (Maryland)- “It went great.  It was a great first time in Pittsburgh. The thing that stood out the most was how nice the people in the city were and how much they loved Pitt. Coach Conklin said that the way I play, I would be a good fit for his defense at cornerback.”

Hezekiah Grimsley, WR/CB, Williamburg, Virginia- “The day went great. What stood out to me was the fact that Pitt shares almost everything with the Steelers. I spent time with Coach Sherman.”