Pitt FB Recruiting
Sunday’s Pitt Campers Talk to PSN
Pitt wrapped up the weekend by hosting a number of high school players in their invitation only football camp.
A few of the players on the South Side today already held offers from Pitt and a few more are definite candidates to earn on offer.
Following the camp, PSN spoke to a number of the campers to get their reaction to the day.
Aakeem Snell, 2020 Penn Hills athlete: “The Pitt camp was great. I got a lot of work and had a lot of fun and I think I did pretty good so hopefully I opened some eyes.”
Kirk Popelas, 2019 Belle Vernon lineman: “The camp was fun but still had intensity. The coaches were able to teach me new techniques according to my position. Current Pitt players assisted in helping and really made it out to be a great camp.”
Justin Dion Jones, 2019 Alabama defensive back: “It was a fantastic camp. Great experience from the coaches , especially Coach Collins. He has a great attitude with great pointers on DB skills and techniques. I’m still on the recruiting trail and looking for future offers. Great hospitality from the Pitt football players as well. Coming from Bessemer, Alabama means a lot.”
Liam Dick, 2019 Canada offensive lineman: “It was a great camp, high tempo and competitive. Coaching staff was very helpful and very knowledgeable. Coaches just relayed to me that I had good footwork and frame and that I had to keep working hard. Really enjoyed the PITT experience.”
Maurice Bellan, 2019 Washington DC WR: “Working with Coach Sherman was great. I love how he works his players, and pays attention to every detail. I loved the atmosphere of the campus and the players were there were really great as well. Working with Rafael Araujo-Lopes #82 was awesome as well. He really inspired me. Coach Sherman let me know he is really high on me, to remain patient, keep grinding, and he is expecting my recruitment to blow up.”
Had a great time at the Pitt camp this weekend, got some great work with @coach_ksherman thank you for inviting me out there #H2P @CoachTimSalem @PghSportsNow @CoachMalleo @CoachDuzzPittFB pic.twitter.com/6tHoGnevTM
— Maurice Bellan🌪 (@DangeReece) June 3, 2018
Asante McKenzie, 2019 Aliquippa RB: “The camp was good and I liked it a lot. The numbers were lower for the RBs so I got a lot of reps and the hype was better. The coaches explained very well what he wanted us to work on. I like the pass blocking drill because you to be an athlete and it’s not always about the big things. The little things matter too and pass blocking was one I enjoyed.”
Bence Polgar, 2019 New Jersey defensive lineman: “First off, I would love to thank all the coaches at Pitt. Especially Coach Borbely, Coach Patton for what they taught me today. My impression of Pitt is that it’s for tough guys and I’m a tough guy, lol. Great camp, loved my experience there on campus and being coached by the great offensive line coaches.”
Philip Dawson, 2020 Connecticut quarterback: “Working with the Pitt coaching staff and players was a great experience. There was a lot of good talent and competition out there today. Coaches did say that they are recruiting a pro-style QB for my class, and that I fit the description very well; so therefore, my film will be watched very closely early this season. Pitt is a Top 5 choice of mine, and I made sure the coaches knew that. Coach Salem and I will maintain very close contact over the summer as they finish recruiting for the class of 2019.”
Cole Snyder, 2019 New York Quarterback: “The facilities are top of the line, but what really makes Pitt special is the people. All the coaches were really nice and people I wanted to be around.”
Saige Ley, 2019 Seneca Valley Athlete: “It was probably the most organized camp I have been too but the kids were flying around.”
Anthony Summey, 2019 New Jersey Running Back: “It was a really great camp and got a lot of good work in considering I was only one of four running backs at the whole camp today. We did a lot of individual work in position groups, routes on air, cat and mouse drills (running back vs linebackers toss and run) and one-on-ones running backs vs the linebackers. Coach Salem spoke to the area of kids that he recruits and told us to be seniors for our teams this year and lead our teams to success. Also, the running backs coach, Coach Powell, said he will be watching me this season and wants me to apply what he taught me today into my game.”
Will Gipson, 2019 Aliquippa athlete: “It was a great experience. I loved how the coaches and players were hands on and giving us tips instead of letting us mess up and not say anything. Coach Sherman said I’m a great athlete and have all the attributes. I hope that leads to something big.”
Brock Horne, 2019 Michigan linebacker: “I thought today was a great camp. Coach Harley was very engaged with the linebackers and was always ready to coach up the campers. Overall it was a very positive day.”
Taylor Eggers, 2019 Virginia Quarterback: “I loved the camp and players who were there treated me like family. We had a lot of great instruction from Coach Watson and toured the facilities and they were great! Experience was one I will not forget and coaches were happy with my throws and strong arm and effort and competition level.”
**Will update with more reaction after we hear back from more players.
