Pitt FB Recruiting
Philadelphia Safety Javon McIntyre Looking To Make Early Impact With Pitt
The Pitt Panthers haven’t historically had a ton of success recruiting in Philadelphia but that changed this recruiting class as they signed three-star safety Javon McIntyre from Imhotep Charter School.
McIntyre hasn’t received a ton of attention since he was one of the first players to verbal to Pitt’s Class of 2021 but he’s a really talented playmaker. Prior to committing to Pitt, McIntyre (6-foot-1, 180 pounds) held offers from Arizona State, Boston College, Cincinnati, Georgia Tech, Iowa State, Maryland, Michigan State, Penn State, Rutgers, Tennessee, Virginia Tech and West Virginia.
Pittsburgh Sports Now spoke with McIntyre for the first time and he’s not shy about saying he fully expects to have any early impact in the Pitt secondary.
Welcome, Javon McIntyre ✍️
Commit from an in-state power! 🔒
Philadelphia, PA • Imhotep Institute#H2P 🔥 #PITT2L1TT pic.twitter.com/C4Uy35KW7H
— Pitt Football (@Pitt_FB) December 16, 2020
“I decided on Pitt early because of the team and the coaching staff,” said McIntyre. “I know Coach Narduzzi and the history of him producing defensive backs, especially when he was with Michigan State and now at Pitt. I was also able to build a strong relationship with Coach Sanders and it’s gotten stronger throughout the time I’ve been committed. I just thought Pitt was the best fit for me and my future. Paris Ford and Damar Hamlin are both leaving so I believe there’s a good chance for me to prove as a freshman that I can come in and play as long as I can impress everyday and do what I have to do.”
“I’m a smart, fast player and definitely a free-ranging safety that’s a dependable tackler. But the best way to describe me is that I’m a playmaker.”
It’s not surprising that with his talent and the fact that he committed to Pitt back in January, other schools tried to get McIntyre to change his mind but that wasn’t going to happen.
“I had a number of schools try and reach out, they were texting me but I was totally committed to Pitt and didn’t even want to respond to them because I was going to Pitt.”
Courtesy Javon McIntyre
“This is just a huge day for me and my family because they’ve sacrificed a lot for me to be in this position,” said McIntyre. “This is just a big day because I know now that they’ll be able to live out my life long dream of playing Division-One football at the University of Pittsburgh.”
Although he signed his letter of intent this morning, McIntyre won’t be enrolling at Pitt until the spring. When that time arrives, he will be on a mission to impress Pat Narduzzi, Archie Collins and Cory Sanders to earn a role in Pitt’s 2021 secondary rotation.
“I believe that’s realistic and that’s my goal,” said McIntyre. “I’d be lying to you if I said I didn’t want to play a lot or even start. I plan on going in there an practice 100% everyday, always go at full-speed and be locked in to earn a starting spot and have a big impact on the team my freshman year.”
He can make a longer lasting impact by helping to build the Imhotep pipeline we’ve long been seeking. Lots of talent coming out of that program.
Justin, his having success at Pitt will certainly help in that regard.