Pat Narduzzi’s Class of 2021 Arriving At Pitt

It’s a big weekend in the lives of number of Pitt freshmen as they’re leaving their home for the first time and officially becoming college student athletes.

The members of Pitt’s Class of 2021 that have elected to enroll early have made or will be making their way to Pittsburgh this weekend as the new semester at the University of Pittsburgh begins on Tuesday, Jan. 19.

These early enrollees will not only begin college classes but will also start their lives as college athletes and will be officially joining their new team for off-season training.

Here are some of the newest Pitt Panthers that have arrived or will be arriving this weekend.

Terrence Rankl from Ohio arrived in town this afternoon. The big offensive tackle is part of the depth Pitt is collecting at offensive tackle.

Courtesy of Terrence Rankl

4-star defensive back Phillip O’Brien, Jr. from Deerfield Beach, Florida. O’Brien appears to be a player that will challenge for playing time as a true freshman. O’Brien arrived in town on Thursday night.

Courtesy of Phillip O’Brien

3-star tight end Jake Renda from IMG Academy in Bradenton, Florida. Renda is one of two tight ends that Pitt brought in this year. Renda flew into Pittsburgh late Friday night.

3-star tight end Gavin Bartholomew from Schuykill Haven, Pennsylvania. Bartholomew drove to Pittsburgh and told PSN, “For me today means everything, this is literally a dream come true. There’s nothing better than earning a free education at a school and being able to play football at a fantastic football program like Pitt. It’s amazing knowing all the hard work I put in paid off and the group of guys I get to be around are awesome.”

Courtesy of Gavin Bartholomew

3-star offensive tackle Terrence Enos, Jr. from Detroit, Michigan. Enos was a big get for the Panthers and adds to the talent they’re adding to their offensive line. After arriving on Friday, Enos told PSN, “This day means a lot to me because is is the start of a new journey for me. I will be able to put myself in the best position possible on and off the field. The connections that I will be able to make over these next 4 to 5 years will help me gain and build on the knowledge that I already have.”

Courtesy of Terrence Enos

4-star running back Malik Newton from Norfolk, Virginia. Newton was recruited to Pitt by Chris Beatty and held a long list of impressive offers before choosing Pitt. Considering his talent level and the type of back he is, Newton is another player that has a chance to make an impact in 2021.

3-Star wide receiver Myles Alston from Virginia Beach, Virginia. Alston is developing into one of the leaders of this recruiting class and is considered to be an “under the radar” get for Pitt that has a chance to develop into something special. Alston arrived from Virginia on Friday afternoon.

Courtesy of Myles Alston

3-star offensive tackle Trey Andersen from Utah. After a 2-year church missionary in California, Andersen is anxious to getting back to playing football. It appears as though Andersen will start out at Pitt as an offensive tackle but could also be converted to tight end, a position he played in high school. Andersen made the flight and arrived in Pittsburgh on Friday.

Transfer offensive lineman Marcus Minor, transfer from Maryland. Minor made the decision to transfer to Pitt from Maryland and will have two seasons of athletic eligibility remaining. Minor will compete and is expected to win a job on Pitt’s 2021 offensive line at guard. Minor arrived in Pittsburgh on Thursday.

Courtesy of Marcus Minor

4-star defensive end Nahki Johnson from West Mifflin High School. Johnson was the first member of Pitt’s Class of 2021 and despite getting lured by many major Power 5 programs, stuck to his Pitt commitment. Johnson will the new wave of talent on Pitt’s defensive end. Johnson is checking into Pitt this afternoon.

Transfer cornerback M.J. Devonshire, transfer from Kentucky. The former Aliquippa star made the transfer to Pitt after Christmas and will be competing for a starting job at one of Pitt’s cornerback spots. Devonshire is making the drive from Aliquippa to Oakland to check in this afternoon.