Despite having offers from nearly 20 programs, three-star first year Pitt wide receiver Myles Alston came to the Panthers because of receivers coach Chris Beatty, who left the program less than a month into Alston’s tenure to take the same position with the Los Angeles Chargers.
Alston didn’t miss a beat, though. The 6-foot-1, 180-pound recruit out of Ocean Lakes (Va.) High School fit right in with receiving savant Brennan Marion stepping into Beatty’s old position.
“He’s a good coach and I’ve heard nothing but good things about him,” Alston said. “We’re building a relationship just fine.”
Alston emphasized the importance of having a younger voice on the coaching staff: Marion is 33 years old.
“The way he talks, the things he’s experienced, a lot of us have experienced as well,” Alston said. “We’re all on the same page, always.”
Because Marion spent two years coaching at William and Mary, an hour away from Ocean Lakes, Alston knew about his future coach before the two arrived in Pittsburgh.
Alston said the faster college pace has challenged him, both in the classroom and on the football field. Seasoned veteran in Pitt’s receiving room have helped him fit in.
“I’ve been talking with older guys like Tre Tipton and Jared Wayne,” Alston said.
Another role model for him is sophomore receiver Jordan Addison, who burst onto the scene in 2020 with 60 receptions for 666 yards, and a Freshman All-American nod to boot.
“Jordan was in my same shoes this spot last year, so he relates to me a lot,” Alston said. “Whenever I ask, [the older receivers] never hesitate to help me out. I’m really appreciative of them.”
