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Recruiting Notebook

Thursday Pitt Recruiting Notes

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Pitt Script Helmet

Let’s not waste any time and just get right into today’s Recruiting Notebook.

** Yesterday the news came out that 4-star defensive end TyJuan Garbutt de-committed from Virginia a Tech and opened up his recruitment. This morning, I’ve learned of some interesting information concerning Garbutt and his recruitment.

Late last night, a source called to tell me that “Garbutt de-committing from Virginia Tech wasn’t a surprise to any associated with the Va Tech football.” Most members of the staff were expecting it shortly after he gave his original commitment (in February).

Why did people associated with Virginia Tech expect this? My source who’s tied in with Hokie football said, “I was told by someone on Virginia Tech’s staff back in February or March that we had to watch out for Pitt because his high school coach wants all his prospects to go there.”

The coach that my source is referring to is Garbutt’s head coach Tony DeMarco. I haven’t confirmed this yet but another source told me that DeMarco is a native of Pittsburgh.

It’s important to remember that Garbutt maintains that, while he’s not committed to the Hokies anymore, he still considers them his top school. However, I’m sure Pat Narduzzi and Rob Harley will be working to change that.

Remember, Garbutt told me a couple weeks ago that he will visit Pitt for the Penn State game.

UPDATE (8:27 AM)-
** The college basketball live period started yesterday which meant the Pitt basketball staff was scattered across the East Coast. One player that Pitt went to see okay was Vermont Academy’s Jordan Nowora. The Panther staff wasn’t alone as they were joined by Marquette, Duke, California, Georgia Tech, Memphis, Louisville, Texas, USC and Iowa. Nwora is a 6-7 small forward from Saxton River, Vermont. The 4-star forward was taking part in the Nike Peach Jam 17U in North Augusta, South Carolina.

**Detroit offensive guard Jordan Reid confirmed to me this morning that he’ll make his college decision this Saturday. Reid (6-4, 284) has Pitt in his final 5 along with Michigan, Michigan State, Florida and Tennessee.

UPDATE (1:18 PM)-
**Congratulations to Pitt punter Ryan Winslow who today was named as a candidate for the Ray Guy Award, which goes to the best punter in college football.

Last year for Pitt, Winslow averaged more than 40 yards per punt.

UPDATE (1:42 PM)-
**Per Harry Psaros (@PittGuru) Pitt 2016 signee OT Zack Williams will not be academically eligible this season and will have to attend a prep school for a year.

UPDATE (2:07 PM)-
**Pitt basketball assistants are currently scouting one of the top players in the entire country. 2018 point guard Immanuel Quickley is a 6-4, 180 point guard from Bel Air, Maryland. This 4-star player is currently ranked by Rivals as the 19th ranked player in the entire country for 2018.

UPDATE (5:07 PM)-
**Beaver Falls 4-star DT Donovan Jeter is a player that many coaches would love to get a commitment from. To this point, he’s been pretty close to the vest in regards to favorites. Well tonight, Jeter plans on announcing his “Top 9” schools. Stay tuned.

Donovan Jeter with Pat Narduzzi at Pitt Junior Day | Pittsburgh Sports Now

Donovan Jeter with Pat Narduzzi at Pitt Junior Day

UPDATE (9:07 PM) by Alan Saunders-
**Donovan Jeter released his top nine schools on Twitter, and as expected, Pitt is in the mix. He is also considering Alabama, Michigan, Michigan State, Notre Dame, Ohio State, Ole Miss, Penn State and Tennessee.

// Header image: Pitt script helmet – Photo courtesy of Pitt Athletics

Sandy Schall, Coldwell Banker

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