Pitt FB Recruiting
2018 QB Nolan Bird Visits Pitt
Since taking over as Pitt’s head coach, Pat Narduzzi and his assistants have put an emphasis on recruiting in the state of Michigan.
Tom Sims and Renaldo Hill have worked that state hard and have offered talented players such as Ambry Thomas, Desmond Fitzpatrick, Zach Morton, Donovan Johnson, Jaylen Kelly-Powell and Kalon Gervin.
To this point, they haven’t been able to “break the ceiling” and land one of these Michigan born player.
This weekend, a talented quarterback made his first visit to Pittsburgh from Grand Ledge, Michigan.
Photo courtesy of Nolan Bird
Junior quarterback Nolan Bird (6-2, 175) and his family have known Pitt coach Pat Narduzzi since his days at Michigan State and this Saturday drove to town to check out Pitt’s game vs. Duke. I had a chance to talk to Bird about his first visit to Pittsburgh.
“Overall, it was a great visit. My parents and I had a great time and were treated very well. I definitely left wanting to come back,” said Bird.
“Something that really impressed me was the team feel, not just from the players, but from the coaches, the fans. Everyone had a passion for the Pitt Panthers and it really amazed me.”
Photo courtesy of Nolan Bird
I asked Bird since it was his first time in town, did anything pleasantly surprise you?
“Something that really surprised me was Heinz field. That was the most amazing stadium I have ever stepped into and I could definitely tell there was a pride for that field,” said Bird.
Since he was here, Bird not only wanted to see the football side of Pitt but also the academic and campus setup of the university.
“I loved the setup of the campus,” said Bird. “I liked how it wasn’t spread apart, it was all within walking distance. Plus, I liked how it was within the city.”
Photo courtesy of Nolan Bird
At this point, Bird is looking for his first offer but keep in mind, he didn’t participate in any camps last summer where many recruits get viewed by teams and pick up offers. It’s only a matter of time before this talented junior starts taking in Power 5 offers.
“Unfortunately, I did not get the chance to have a conversation with Coach Narduzzi. I understood 100% that he was just too busy, but all of the other coaches were very welcoming.”
“There were no talks of an offer. I did get to talk with Coach Hill, who recruits my area, and Coach Canada. They were great to Cal and I and showed a lot of respect. Landon Salem also treated our family very well,” said Bird.
So, after the visit, seeing the city, the university and Pitt’s style of offense, could Bird see himself fitting in with Pitt?
“I liked and respect what Coach Canada does. It is a very good concept and can give opposing defenses some issues. Yes, I feel I could [fit in at Pitt] but that is for the staff at Pitt to decide.”
Featured image: Photo courtesy of Nolan Bird
