2022 IMG Post-Grad OL Thomas Aden Commits to Pitt as a Preferred Walk-On

Pitt is well-stocked along the offensive and defensive lines entering the 2022 season, but a post-graduate player from IMG Academy in Florida did enough to earn a preferred walk-on opportunity.

2022 IMG post-grad OL/DL Thomas Aden committed to Pitt as a PWO Monday afternoon, announcing his decision via Twitter.

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The 6-foot-2, 280-pound lineman picked up offers from Baldwin Wallace, Grand Valley State, Lake Erie College, Louisiana College, Marist, Mount Union, Notre Dame College, Siena, Tiffin and Wheeling Jesuit while playing at St. Edward High School in Ohio, and he added offers from a handful of others and interest from South Florida, TCU and Tennessee State during his post-grad season.

What is meant for you will come to you.
I did it GG🤍 We made it happen.

“For I know the plans I have for you”
-Jeremiah 29:11 KJV

With that being said… It looks like we’re going to Pittsburgh. #H2P #Perseverance #Committed 🟡🔵⚪️@Pitt_FB @CoachThoustonjr @IMGFBPost_Grad pic.twitter.com/ZMyBMfDeph

— Thomas Aden (@ThomasAden99) March 28, 2022

“What is meant for you will come to you,” Aden wrote on Twitter. “I did it GG. We made it happen. ‘For I know the plans I have for you’ – Jeremiah 29:11 KJV. With that being said… it looks like we’re going to Pittsburgh. #H2P #Perserverence #Committed”

Aden visited Pitt last October, attending the Miami game on Oct. 30 at Heinz Field and getting to tour Pitt’s facilities a bit. As a native of Ohio, Pittsburgh is a lot closer to home than where he’s been playing at IMG Academy in Florida.

Had an amazing time today at @Pitt_FB! Not everyday you get invited to visit a school you’ve admired your entire athletic career. Great Game. Great School. Great Program. #H2P @graham_wilbert 🟡🔵⚪️@IMGAFootball_PG @CoachThoustonjr pic.twitter.com/jZABixlARU

— Thomas Aden (@ThomasAden99) October 31, 2021

Aden earned second-team All-State honors at offensive line while at St. Edward, and he racked up highly-disruptive numbers (11 sacks, nine tackles for loss and five blocked field goals) through six games at IMG.

A handful of local recruits already committed to Pitt as preferred walk-ons since the 2021 season ended, including Belle Vernon’s Devin Whitlock, Chartiers Valley’s Abe Ibrahim, Kiski Area’s Brock Wilkins and Central Catholic’s Josh Altsman. And New Jersey CB Matthew Amofa committed as a PWO earlier this month.