The Pitt football program is pursuing a number of quality of offensive line prospects, none bigger than 2018 Belle Vernon (PA) offensive tackle Blake Zubovic, who has emerged as a priority recruit for Pat Narduzzi and staff. The 6-foot-5 inch, 310 pound Zubovic is a rare mix of size and athleticism and his talent has been reflective of his scholarship offers. Pitt, Penn State, West Virginia, Virginia, Boston College, Purdue, NC State and Maryland are amongst his many offers.
Zubovic attended the Panthers’ Blue-Gold scrimmage over the weekend held at Heinz Field and he spoke to us about the experience.
“I had a great time. I was able to meet some of the Pitt legends. I got to meet Jabaal Sheard and that was pretty cool,” he said. “After I checked in and ate, I got to go to the locker room and speak with Coach Partridge, Coach Narduzzi and Jabaal Sheard. We then went out and watched warm ups. I had a great time. There was a lot of energy and I thought Pitt looked good out there.”
When Zubovic was asked to comment on the play of the offensive line Saturday, he stated, “It was pretty good. A little rusty because there’s a fair amount of time before the season but I thought it was pretty good for them being split up and a lot of younger players playing.”
Pitt offensive line coach John Peterson attended Belle Vernon High School on Monday to observe him during workouts. “We didn’t really talk much, he was there to just observe me,” stated Zubovic. “It was a great honor to have him on the first day of visit week. It was big for me and good to know that I continue to be a priority for them.”
“I still take pride in knowing I was the first 2018 recruit to visit their practice facility and get to meet all of the coaches.”
Zubovic was asked about his strengths at the offensive line position. He stated, “I’m big guy. For my size I have really good footwork and really good speed. It’s a huge advantage for me. I can run block, I can pass block and I can get to the secondary well for a larger player.”
Zubovic will be off to Happy Valley to attend Penn State’s spring game. He didn’t specify a top list of schools but he did state, “You’ll know my top schools by the repeated visits I take. I’ll try to have a final decision sometime in June.”
“I definitely think I’m a priority to Pitt. I feel that if I were to commit there they would be extremely happy.”
Harry G. Psaros can be found on Twitter at @PittGuru
