Pitt Pursuing 2023 DeMatha Catholic Offensive Tackle Michael Crounse

The Pitt football program has enjoyed good success over the years recruiting the talented DeMatha Catholic football program.

They’re hoping that continues into the future and as they are eyeing a talented junior offensive tackle from DeMatha.

Michael Crounse (6’6″, 305) is a 2023 3-star offensive tackle that’s being recruited by Andre Powell and received his offer from Pitt back in April. In total, Crounse holds an offer list of Pitt, Iowa State, Cincinnati, Louisville, Maryland, Michigan State and Liberty.

Pittsburgh Sports Now spoke with Crounse this morning to get this thoughts on Pitt, their recruitment of him and impressions he’s formed about the program.

“In terms of my communication with Pitt, I would definitely say that they’re one of the lead schools in my recruiting right now. I hear from Coach Powell a lot, I went on an unofficial visit there this summer and I really loved it. As far as edits and mail and stuff like that, they’re definitely up top in terms of showing interest in me. On my visit, I had an hour and a half meeting with Coach Borbely and he actually put thru the line setup and let me see and put me through their scheme. He’s one of the best offensive line coaches in the country so it was really good to sit down with him and see what he does.

“On my visit, what impressed me definitely was being with the Pittsburgh Steelers, plus their complex and I went over to Heinz Field. There’s no other place that can say they have a set up like Pitt with the Steelers and also play at a place like Heinz Field. That really stuck out to me. Plus, their morning practices. I’ve always been a morning guy and I like that that’s the setup with Pitt. Another thing that has me high on them is that I go to DeMatha Catholic and my coach, Coach McGregor and Coach Powell have a long relationship and a good history.”

At this stage of their development, Pitt’s current offensive lineman are more skilled as pass blockers but Crounse says that’s not the case when talking about his strength.

“Pitt likes tough, big, physical lineman and I think that’s one of the things they really like about me,” said Crounse. “I would definitely say that I’m more of a run blocker. That’s not to say I can’t pass block because I’ve gone against some of the best guys this year and my pass protection has been just fine but I’m a guy that likes to get down in a three-point stance and just fire off the ball at my opponent.”

Episcopal! @coachcrounse https://t.co/TZwYKtJNVx

— Michael Crounse (@MichaelCrounse) September 17, 2021

Crounse is in the middle of his high school season but is making plans to take some unofficial visits and one of those will be back to Pitt.

“I talked to Coach Powell and I’m going to try and get to either the Miami game or the Clemson game. I definitely will try and make it to one of those two games.”