Pitt FB Recruiting
Florida OL Blaise Sparks Visits Pitt
The month of June was kind to the Pitt football program. A flood of highly talented prospect completed official visit and committed to the Panthers. Although the majority of positions in the 2020 recruiting class were filled, there remains at least two scholarships available for offensive linemen. Mountainous Michael Statham (6-foot-7 inches, 350 pounds) from St. Frances Academy in Baltimore, MD was the second player to commit to the Panthers. Another giant strongly on the Panthers’ radar happens to be 6-foot-7 inch, 300 pound Blaise Sparks from North Fort Myers High School (Ft. Myers, FL). Sparks visited the Panthers on an unofficial visit a few weeks ago.
“I visited Pitt a few weeks ago on a Saturday. I arrived at their South Side facilities and they saved a parking spot for us,” said Sparks. “They showed me around the facility then I participated in their mini-camp with their offensive line coach (Dave Borbley). “I really enjoyed the camp. All of the coaches were really nice. They were great to work with. I enjoyed Coach Borbley’s coaching style as well.”
“They told me that I did really well at camp. I performed well on the boards. I just need to work on my feet a bit more.”
When asked about his strengths on the football field, his response wasn’t shocking. He stated, “I think my strength is run blocking. I got to work on my pass blocking a bit more.” Starks high school is primarily known for running a run first offense. The Red Knights finished a 9-4 campaign against 6A competition accumulating 3,700 rushing yards for the season. Starks is known for his mauling, physical style of play on the field.
“When I finished camp, I got to briefly talk with Coach Narduzzi. I think it’s cool how Pitt is right next to the Pittsburgh Steelers and how their players interact. I have never seen anything like that.”
Sparks has received strong interest from several P5 schools. He currently holds offers from Pitt, South Florida, Rutgers, Kent State and Southern Miss. He recently has heard from Rutgers and Tulane.
“Pitt is one of my top schools for sure. It would be great to get back there on an official visit.”
Harry Psaros can be found on Twitter at @PittGuru
