Pitt FB Recruiting
Could Linebacker Joe Smith Become Pitt’s First 2019 Commitment?
Who will be Pitt’s first commitment for this year’s recruiting class?
The answer to that question could come as soon as tomorrow.
Linebacker Joe Smith (6-foot-1, 185 pounds), who already has an offer from Pitt, was one of the many players that took part in Pitt’s camp today.
Smith is a 3-star prospect from South Dade High School in Homestead, Florida and has major interest in Pitt. Aside from the Panthers, Smith holds Power Five offers from Kentucky, Illinois and Syracuse.
The Florida native not only took part in Pitt’s camp today, he told PSN tonight that he plans on staying in Pittsburgh in order to tour the campus tomorrow.
What got Smith to make the trip from Florida to come to Pittsburgh this weekend?
“Coach Harley. Since he started recruiting me, he’s been on point with me texting me constantly, calling me and staying in touch with me to see how I’m doing. He’s checking on me and more than just about football. Coach Harley is the reason I came here,” said Smith.
“Since he offered me, he’s told me to do my homework on Pittsburgh. As I’ve done that, I’ve seen what a great tradition the University of Pittsburgh has, as far as the football program there kids move onto the next level. Pittsburgh has a great history of being a good defensive program with a lot of standout players,” said Smith. “As I continued to do my homework, I just started loving it more and started looking things up about Pitt on YouTube, Twitter and anything I could find on Google. Coach Harley then said we have a camp and we’d love for you to come up for it. Most guys from Florida wouldn’t come up for it but I’m interested so I came.”
Pittsburgh is a lot different than Miami, I asked Smith for his impressions of his first visit.
“It’s obviously different than Miami and not the fast life but I don’t need that. I need to focus, get my education, get a degree and play some football. That’s what I’m here for and what I love to do. There’s life outside of Miami.”
Not only was it Smith’s first visit to Pittsburgh it was his first real chance to meet and spend time with the Pitt staff.
“The staff is real hands on. Today during drills, they made me do something over again until I got it right. The coaching staff seemed real enthusiastic and got me excited to compete. They appear to be real hands-on and real people persons,” said Smith.
Smith’s flight back to Florida doesn’t leave until Tuesday. Is there a chance he leaves Pittsburgh as a future Pitt Panther?
“Pitt is at my top. Today, after seeing the atmosphere and the vibe I get from them, they’re on top for me,” said Smith. “I’ve talked to my mom because she didn’t come with me, my coach did, if I visit the campus and everything lines up and it feels committable, I just might shoot my gun.”
That means we could be getting our first “Pat Signal” of the recruiting season.
