Pitt FB Recruiting
Live Coverage: Pitt Class of 2023 National Letter of Intent Signing Day
Published
2 years agoon
National Signing Day promises to be one of the busiest, consequential days of the college football season, and Pitt expects every member of its class to sign.
It’s a class of 19 — as of bright and early Wednesday morning — members, and while it isn’t the most highly-rated
National Letter of Intent Signing Day 2023 is here, and Pitt’s class features a healthy mix of contributors. There’s a quarterback, a couple of running backs, a handful of wide receivers and offensive linemen offensively. A trio of defensive linemen and linebackers and a duo of defensive backs highlight the defensive depth.
As of late Tuesday night, Pittsburgh Sports Now confirmed that 11 recruits would be holding ceremonies on Wednesday — either at school, at home or at an unspecified location. BJ Williams is set to kick off the day with a 7 a.m. ceremony.
PSN will track and update Pitt’s 2023 recruiting class Wednesday and beyond. As a commit officially signs his NLI, PSN will update the list.
Let’s have a day! #NSD23 #FO2G3DSTEEL pic.twitter.com/ubdjv91Msp
— Pat Narduzzi (@CoachDuzzPittFB) December 21, 2022
Update (11 AM) —
Another big time playmaker for the offense! @israel_polk is IN 🟨🟦‼️ #H2P #FO2G3DSTEEL pic.twitter.com/P5wMn1Rfkz
— Pat Narduzzi (@CoachDuzzPittFB) December 21, 2022
Israel Polk — WR
High School: St. John Bosco High
Hometown: Bellflower, California
Date of commitment: 12/18/2022
Polk received a visit at his California home from Pat Narduzzi and Tim Salem on Thursday, flew out to Pittsburgh for an immediate official visit and committed Sunday night. It was quick.
He committed to Pitt, flipping from an original commit to Colorado State, over offers from Army, Brown, California, Colorado State, Columbia, Fresno State, Nevada, Oregon State, Princeton, San Diego State, San Jose State, UNLV, Utah State, Washington State and Yale.
“When I got there, it just felt like home, honestly,” Polk said. “It’s really family-oriented; it was comfortable when I get there. Everybody was cool, the players are super cool, and I didn’t have to try to act a certain way. I was myself. It just fit.”
247Sports rates Polk as the 55th-ranked athlete and the 71st-ranked recruit from California while On3 rates him as the 54th-ranked athlete and 106th-ranked recruit from California. Rivals gives him a 5.5 Rivals Rating.
So proud to announce the newest member of Pittsburgh Football…Izzy Polk!! pic.twitter.com/W2A0DpepUo
— Bosco Football (@boscofootball) December 21, 2022
Polk was the leading pass catcher on the No. 1 high school football team in the country this year, hauling in 26 receptions for 458 yards (17.6 yards per reception) and eight touchdowns — showing a knack for finding the end zone.
Update (10:45 AM) —
The Hometown Hero is IN‼️🌃🏈
Panther Nation is going to love @BrookinsCruce 💯 #H2P #FO2G3DSTEEL pic.twitter.com/XDHKRZzbOX
— Pat Narduzzi (@CoachDuzzPittFB) December 21, 2022
Cruce Brookins — DB
High School: Steel Valley High
Hometown: Munhall, Pennsylvania
Date of commitment: 12/21/2022
Brookins committed to Pitt after his official visit earlier, but he didn’t officially announce his commitment to Pitt until Signing Day — choosing Pitt over Syracuse and Cincinnati.
Brookins (6-foot-1, 180 pounds) committed to Kent State originally over offers from Akron, Fordham, North Carolina A&T and West Virginia. In the days before decommitting from Kent State, he picked up offers from Cincinnati, Pitt and Syracuse.
“It feels great,” Brookins told PSN. “It feels great to get an offer from my hometown.”
247Sports rates Brookins as the 595th-ranked recruit in the class (54th-ranked safety and 10th-ranked recruit from Pennsylvania) while On3 rates him as the 61st-ranked safety and 12th-ranked recruit in Pennsylvania. Rivals gives him a 5.5 Rivals Rating — 24th-ranked recruit from Pennsylvania.
Brookins completed 35-of-69 passing attempts for 711 yards with seven touchdowns, but a majority of his damage came on the ground, where he added 1,625 yards and 34 touchdowns on just 123 carries. In 11 games this season on the way to a WPAL Class-2A title. And he added 30 tackles (16 solo), six interceptions and six pass breakups on defense — and added a punt return touchdown for good measure.
Pitt’s coaching staff sees another WPIAL star safety when looking at Brookins.
Update (10:20 AM) —
The sheriff is IN. @tydieffenbach14 is a Panther 🤠🟦🟨🔥 #H2P #FO2G3DSTEEL pic.twitter.com/qjrLNjpu4h
— Pat Narduzzi (@CoachDuzzPittFB) December 21, 2022
Ty Dieffenbach — QB
High School: Agoura High
Hometown: Agoura Hills, California
Date of commitment: 12/5/2022
When Kenny Minchey decommitted from Pitt, Pitt’s coaching staff quickly sprung into action to replace him and revamp the room. The new youngest quarterback in the room is Dieffenbach.
Dieffenbach fielded offers from Colorado, Georgetown, UNLV, San Diego State, Tulane and Yale before he committed to Pitt.
“When coach (Cignetti) told me about the offer, I was just fired up,” Dieffenbach told PSN on Saturday. “I was like, ‘Thank you so much, coach.’ This offer from Pitt is a huge deal for me and my family. It was awesome.”
247Sports rates Dieffenbach as the 1,600th-ranked recruit in the class (87th-ranked quarterback and 151st-ranked recruit from California) while On3 rates him as the 1,612th-ranked recruit in the class (89th-ranked quarterback and 149th-ranked recruit from California).
Dieffenbach played in six games this season at Agoura as a senior, completing 49-of-103 pass attempts 617 yards with five touchdowns and three interceptions. As a junior, he completed 169-of-269 pass attempts (63%) for 2,669 yards with 34 touchdowns and nine interceptions – flashing a strong-armed potential in his 6-foot-5, 190-pound frame.
Update (8:50 AM) —
Another one for the defense 💪🏽😤 @Rasheembiles is coming for opposing offenses #H2P #FO2G3DSTEEL pic.twitter.com/2z77JjkLP1
— Pat Narduzzi (@CoachDuzzPittFB) December 21, 2022
Rasheem Biles — LB
High School: Pickerington Central High
Hometown: Pickerington, Ohio
Date of Commitment: 6/19/2022
Biles sustained an injury that ended his senior season earlier than he would’ve liked, but not before he was able to showcase his three-way impact.
He chose Pitt over offers from Akron, Bowling Green, Eastern Kentucky, Eastern Michigan, Kent State, Marshall, Miami (Oh.), Ohio, Purdue, Toledo, West Virginia and Western Michigan.
247Sports rates Biles as the 894th-ranked recruit in the class (66th-ranked athlete and 27th-ranked recruit from Ohio) while On3 rates him as the 1,027th-ranked recruit in the class (95th-ranked safety and the 32nd-ranked recruit from Ohio). Rivals gives him a 5.5 Rivals Rating and 39th-placed ranking in Ohio.
Through just under four games as a senior, Biles racked up 48 tackles, two tackles for loss, a sack and two interceptions — both returned for touchdowns. And that’s just as a defender. He also accumulated 200 yards and three touchdowns on 33 carries, 101 yards and a touchdown on eight receptions and returned three kickoffs for 77 yards (25.7 average) and four punts for 50 yards (12.5 average).
While he’s a versatile threat, Pitt views his size (6-foot-2, 180 pounds) and versatility as a Star linebacker.
Update (8:45 AM) —
Big time playmaker coming to the Burgh 💪🏽💯 @lamargotfanz is a Panther #H2P #FO2G3DSTEEL pic.twitter.com/FroZ9wq89k
— Pat Narduzzi (@CoachDuzzPittFB) December 21, 2022
Lamar Seymore — WR
High School: Miami Central High
Hometown: Miami, Florida
Date of commitment: 7/11/2022
Seymore was one of the first guys that Tiquan Underwood cultivated as one of his guys, managing to flip the talented wideout from Miami to Pitt after an official visit.
With offers from Auburn, Colorado, Florida Atlantic, Georgia, Georgia Tech, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan State, Oklahoma, Texas A&M, Coastal Carolina, Penn State, Tennessee, West Virginia, Pitt, UCF and Miami, Seymore received major college interest since his Miami commitment, but Pitt was able to seal the deal.
“I think (Seymore’s) got all-conference type of caliber,” 247Sports’ Andrew Ivins told Pittsburgh Sports Now. “I think he’s someone that could’ve played in the SEC; I think he’s probably someone that’s gonna have a big senior season (at Miami Central).”
247Sports rates Seymore as the 975th-ranked recruit in the class (136th-ranked wide receiver and the 141st-ranked recruit from Florida) while On3 rates him as the 962nd-ranked recruit in the class (148th-ranked wide receiver and the 137th-ranked recruit from Florida). Rivals gives him a 5.6 Rivals Rating.
Miami Central completed a 14-0 season, capped by a Florida state title, and Seymore was a key cog along the way — hauling in 35 receptions for 601 yards (17.2 yards per catch) and a team-high nine touchdowns.
Update (8:35 AM) —
The Hometown Hero is IN 👀💯🟦🟨🏠 @BraylanLovelace has signed ‼️ #H2P #FO2G3DSTEEL pic.twitter.com/hgJXQl4lGv
— Pat Narduzzi (@CoachDuzzPittFB) December 21, 2022
Braylan Lovelace — LB
High School: Leechburg Area High
Hometown: Leechburg, Pennsylvania
Date of commitment: 6/19/2022
Lovelace burst onto the scene as a junior at Leechburg, putting up eye-popping numbers to catch the attention of Pitt’s coaching staff.
He committed to Pitt over offers from Army, Brown, Bucknell, Charlotte, Columbia, Pennsylvania, Toledo and Virginia Tech.
“Honestly, this day and decision mean everything to me,” Lovelace told Pittsburgh Sports Now. “It’s been a dream of mine since I was like five years old to play for Pitt. Seeing myself in a jersey this weekend was such a big thing. I know that Pitt has a really good thing going on here and I really wanted to be a part of it. I told my family about my decision, and they’ve always backed me on everything I’ve done. I was talking to my dad and he said if this is what you want then take it.”
Congrats to Braylan Lovelace. Signing at Pitt and sharing the moment with his teammates#GoDevils pic.twitter.com/NrxvWqoxxh
— Randy Walters (@CoachWalters07) December 21, 2022
247Sports rates Lovelace as the 901st-ranked recruit in the class (73rd-ranked linebacker and the 20th-ranked recruit from Pennsylvania) while Rivals rates him as the 21st-ranked recruit from Pennsylvania — holding a 5.6 Rivals Rating.
The 6-foot-2, 200-pound two-way star racked up 1,241 yards and 19 touchdowns on just 124 carries as a senior, and he added 80 yards on four receptions — which came following a junior season in which he compiled 1,506 rushing yards and 28 touchdowns and 81 tackles, seven tackles for loss and two interceptions.
Update (8:30 AM) —
He is IN‼️🟦🟨 Panther Nation is going to love @jaycincoo_! 💯 #H2P #FO2G3DSTEEL pic.twitter.com/nlrjTBo2fs
— Pat Narduzzi (@CoachDuzzPittFB) December 21, 2022
Jordan Bass — LB
High School: Phoebus High
Hometown: Hampton, Virginia
Date of commitment: 9/1/2022
Bass was one of the most sought-after recruits Pitt landed this cycle, fending off late interest to land the talented linebacker.
He committed to Pitt over offers from Boston College, Duke, East Carolina, Kent State, Old Dominion, Ole Miss, Penn State, South Carolina, Syracuse, Vanderbilt, Virginia and Virginia Tech.
247Sports rates Bass as the 490th-ranked recruit in the class (41st-ranked linebacker and 11th-ranked recruit from Virginia) while Rivals rates him as the 36th-ranked safety and seventh-ranked recruit from Virginia.
At 6-foot-4, 210 pounds, Bass operated mainly as a safety for an undefeated, state champion Phoebus squad, but he’s the perfect fit as a Star linebacker in Pitt’s defense.
Update (8:26 AM) —
Another big time playmaker for the offense 👀‼️ @DreamWayTJ is a PANTHER 🟨🟦💯 #H2P #FO2G3DSTEEL #RBU pic.twitter.com/7nGBaKaGVS
— Pat Narduzzi (@CoachDuzzPittFB) December 21, 2022
T.J. Harvison — RB
High School: Bowdon High
Hometown: Bowdon, Georgia
Date of commitment: 12/13/2022
Harvison’s recruiting process moved quickly, making an official visit to Pittsburgh just over a month after he received his official offer.
He committed to Pitt over offers from Air Force, Appalachian State, Arkansas State, Boston College, Charlotte, Colorado, East Carolina, Georgia Southern, James Madison, Kansas, Kent State, Kentucky, Marshall, Michigan State, Middle Tennessee State, Ole Miss, Tulane and Western Kentucky.
“Coach Collins said that he loves my physicality, my speed and my ball skills,” Harvison told PSN in November. “Then when I talked with coach (Andre) Powell. He was saying that he needs a guy that can play next year and would like me to play next year because they have a guy that’s already leaving. Hearing that I have a chance to play next year really pumps me up because I’m looking forward to going to a college where I can get the opportunity to get the most playing time.”
Bowdon High rolled to a 14-1 season, capped by a GHSA Class-1A Division II championship and Harvison led the way with 2,026 rushing yards and 23 touchdowns on 250 carries (8.1 yards per attempt), and he racked up 256 receiving yards and two touchdowns on 12 receptions. He also added 48 tackles (33 solo), four tackles for loss, two forced fumbles and a recovery defensively.
247Sports rates Harvison as the 1,113th-ranked recruit in the class (71st-ranked running back and 105th-ranked recruit from Georgia). Rivals hasn’t ranked him yet, but he holds a 5.5 Rivals Rating.
Update (8:19 AM) —
He’s IN 👀💯@ShadarianHarri2 is ready for the Burgh, and ready to put WRs on an island 🏝 #H2P #FO2G3DSTEEL pic.twitter.com/zl6bJCOp2j
— Pat Narduzzi (@CoachDuzzPittFB) December 21, 2022
Shadarian Harrison — CB
High School: Lakeland High
Hometown: Lakeland, Florida
Date of commitment: 6/3/2022
Harrison was the fastest-rising Pitt commit this winter, picking up major in- and out-of-state interest late in the process.
He committed to Pitt over offers from Brown, Charlotte, Coastal Carolina, Colorado, Connecticut, Eastern Kentucky, Florida International, Georgia State, Grambling State, Illinois, Incarnate Word, Iowa State, Jacksonville State, Louisville, Miami, Middle Tennessee State, Nebraska, Oregon State, Temple, Tennessee, Toledo, USF, Vanderbilt, West Virginia and Western Michigan.
247Sports rates him as the 705th-ranked recruit in the class (71st-ranked cornerback and 112th-ranked recruit from Florida) while Rivals rates him as the 66th-ranked cornerback and 92nd-ranked recruit from Florida.
Harrison led Lakeland to … and racked up 14 tackles (12 solo), a tackle for loss, a team-high five interceptions, three pass breakups and a fumble recovery in 10 games. At 6-foot-2, 175 pounds, he’s the optimal big-bodied cornerback.
Update (8:11 AM) —
Another one for the trenches 💪🏽😤 @CarrettaRyan is a Panther 🟨🟦 pic.twitter.com/LYIHM5ddIc
— Pat Narduzzi (@CoachDuzzPittFB) December 21, 2022
Ryan Carretta — OT
High School: St. Charles Prep
Hometown: Columbus, Ohio
Date of commitment: 6/26/2022
Carretta has grown into the top-ranked offensive lineman on Pitt’s recruiting board, holding great size and pedigree out of Ohio.
Carretta, a 6-foot-5, 310-pound offensive tackle from St. Charles Prep in Columbus, Ohio, committed to Pitt over offers from Michigan, Michigan State, Akron, Central Michigan, Duke, Illinois, Iowa State, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisville, Miami (Oh.), Purdue, Tennessee, Toledo and West Virginia.
247Sports rates Carretta as the 886th-ranked recruit in the class (69th-ranked offensive tackle and 26th-ranked recruit from Ohio) while On3 rates him as the 879th-ranked recruit in the class (82nd-ranked interior offensive lineman and 28th-ranked recruit from Ohio). Rivals rates him as the 32nd-ranked recruit from Ohio — holding a 5.6 Rivals rating.
Update (8:08 AM) —
Pitt family let’s welcome @CeoBrianJr to the trenches 😤💪🏽 #H2P #FO2G3DSTEEL pic.twitter.com/KnqlcaLVLZ
— Pat Narduzzi (@CoachDuzzPittFB) December 21, 2022
BJ Williams — OL
High School: Creekside High
Hometown: Fairburn, Georgia
Date of commitment: 7/22/
Williams flipped from Memphis to Pitt after just over a month of being committed to the Tigers, with an official visit to Pitt during that time.
He committed to flipped from Memphis to Pitt over other offers from Air Force, Appalachian State, Army, Austin Peay, East Carolina, Holy Cross, Kansas, Lehigh, Liberty, Navy, Richmond, Syracuse, UAB and Western Kentucky.
“When I got to Pitt, the thing that got me to change my decision was really the facilities, the program they have in place and the opportunity to play Power Five football in the ACC conference,” Williams told PSN. “Talking to the coaches during my visit, they were telling me how I’d be a great fit on their offensive line, which really made me feel great. Making the decision to de-commit from Memphis was difficult. Recruiting in general is very stressful so having to do that was very stressful.”
247Sports rates him as the 1,183rd-ranked recruit in the class (88th-ranked interior offensive lineman and 115th-ranked recruit from Georgia) while On3 rates him as the 1,259th-ranked recruit in the class (120th-ranked interior offensive lineman and 122nd-ranked recruit from Georgia). Rivals gives him a 5.5 Rivals Rating.
The 6-foot-4, 270-pounder earned All-Region honors as the left tackle for Creekside as a senior, helping fuel a Georgia state quarterfinals push.
Update (8:05 AM) —
We love to win in the trenches 💪🏽 Welcome to the family @67TaiRay 🔥 #H2P #FO2G3DSTEEL pic.twitter.com/xKRnOS94X6
— Pat Narduzzi (@CoachDuzzPittFB) December 21, 2022
Tai Ray — OT
High School: Apopka High
Hometown: Apopka, Florida
Date of commitment: 6/27/2022
Ray may not be Pitt’s most highly-touted commitment, but he is certainly the biggest — as he stands at 6-foot-7, 300 pounds.
He officially committed to Pitt after his official visit. He committed to Pitt over offers from Indiana, Alabama A&M, Appalachian State, Bryant, Charlotte, Dartmouth, Florida Atlantic, Howard, Liberty, Middle Tennessee State, Syracuse, Troy, Tulane and USF.
“I believe coach (Dave) Borbely and I are building a great relationship and will continue to build it during my official visit,” Ray told PSN in June. “Pitt tells me that they like my size and my ability to move for that size. At the recent Florida State Mega Camp on June 5, they said that my 1-on-1 reps were very impressive. They’re telling me that I am high on the board for them recruiting-wise.”
247Sports rates Ray as the 1,382nd-ranked recruit in the class (113th-ranked offensive tackle and the 194th-ranked recruit from Florida) while On3 rates him as the 1,490th-ranked recruit in the class (96th-ranked offensive tackle and the 202nd-ranked recruit from Florida). Rivals hasn’t rated him yet — although he does hold a 5.5 Rivals Rating.
Update (7:55 AM) —
Keeping Kenny in PA 📍 Excited to welcome @Kennyjohnson05 👏🏼 ✍🏼 #H2P #FO2G3DSTEEL pic.twitter.com/OSJriE4Yyo
— Pat Narduzzi (@CoachDuzzPittFB) December 21, 2022
Kenny Johnson — WR
High School: Dallastown High
Hometown: York, Pennsylvania
Date of commitment: 6/3/2022
Johnson committed as Pitt’s second (now the earliest after a decommitment from Zion Fowler, which was followed by his subsequent recommitment) wide receiver in the class.
He committed to Pitt over offers from Boston College, Bowling Green, Buffalo, Cincinnati, Connecticut, James Madison, Louisville, Miami (Oh.), Minnesota, Penn State, Rutgers, Temple, Toledo, Virginia Tech and West Virginia.
“After going through the recruiting process, it was like a fantasy and not really real yet,” said Johnson. “But once you make a commitment and start hanging out with the players, which are going to be my future teammates, it feels real now and honestly this all just feels amazing. I just can’t wait to be a part of the Pitt family.”
247Sports rates him as the 705th-ranked recruit in the class (96th-ranked wide receiver and 18th-ranked recruit from Pennsylvania) while Rivals rates him as the 85th-ranked wide receiver and 13th-ranked recruit from Pennsylvania.
In two games recorded on MaxPreps, Johnson racked up 213 yards and three touchdowns on 13 receptions and 115 yards and a touchdown on 16 carries. At 6-foot-1, 190 pounds, he’s a big, sure-handed target.
Update (7:50 AM) —
Ready to take flight 🛩 🫡 @MaverickGracio is IN 💪🏽🖊 #H2P #FO2G3DSTEEL pic.twitter.com/J343rPO2lR
— Pat Narduzzi (@CoachDuzzPittFB) December 21, 2022
Maverick Gracio — DE
High School: Cardinal Newman High
Hometown: West Palm Beach, Florida
Date of commitment: 12/19/2022
Gracio was a Kent State commit for months, until Pitt renewed its interest this month. He flipped very soon after.
With offers from Illinois, Florida Atlantic, Purdue, Akron, Arkansas State, Appalachian State, and interest from Kentucky and North Carolina State, Gracio flew under the radar, but he was dominant enough for Charlie Partridge and Pitt to take notice.
247Sports rates Gracio as the 1,426th-ranked recruit in the class (117th-ranked edge rusher and 205th-ranked recruit from Florida) while On3 rates him as the 1,522nd-ranked recruit in the class (116th-ranked edge rusher and 207th-ranked recruit from Florida). Rivals hasn’t ranked Gracio, but he does hold a 5.5 Rivals Rating.
The 6-foot-5, 225-pounder racked up 58 tackles (17 solo), 24 tackles for loss, 22 sacks (both team highs), two forced fumbles and a pass breakup this season. With excellent size and a powerful frame, and familiarity with Partridge, Gracio became the prototypical Pitt pass-rusher prospect.
Update (7:45 AM) —
Adding Florida flare to the DL room! @AntonioCamon1 is SIGNED! 💪🏽🔥 #H2P #FO2G3DSTEEL pic.twitter.com/E38Z6avf20
— Pat Narduzzi (@CoachDuzzPittFB) December 21, 2022
Antonio Camon — DL
High School: Tampa Bay Tech High
Hometown: Tampa, Florida
Date of commitment: 6/4/2022
Another of the verbal commits from Pitt’s first official visit weekend of the summer, Camon has been a constant in the class ever since.
He committed to Pitt over offers from Boston College, Coastal Carolina, Connecticut, Duke, East Carolina, Florida Atlantic, Florida State, Iowa State, Kansas, Kentucky, Liberty, Louisville, Maryland, Ole Miss, Nebraska, Penn State, Rutgers, South Carolina, USF, Syracuse, Troy, Virginia Tech and West Virginia.
“When I got there, it just felt like that’s the place where I should be,” Camon told Pittsburgh Sports Now. “I was with Elliot Donald — Aaron Donald’s nephew — as well. He was giving me advice and showing me around the town, and I just felt like, ‘This is where I need to be.’”
247Sports rates Camon as the 768th-ranked recruit in the class (72nd-ranked edge and the 120th-ranked recruit from Florida) while On3 rates him as the 794th-ranked recruit in the class (82nd-ranked defensive lineman and the 122nd-ranked recruit from Florida). Rivals rates Camon as the 41st-ranked strongside defensive end and the 84th-ranked recruit from Florida.
As a senior at Tampa Bay Tech, he racked up 53 tackles (24 solo), 16 tackles for loss, a team-high nine sacks, an interception, three pass breaks and a forced fumble. At 6-foot-3, 260 pounds, he’s ready-made to develop into an inside pass rusher in Pitt’s defensive scheme.
Update (7:40 AM) —
The Big-Time RB from Florida! @LloydMontravius is coming to RBU 💪🏽🔥 #H2P #FO2G3DSTEEL pic.twitter.com/BFVxeAyWHh
— Pat Narduzzi (@CoachDuzzPittFB) December 21, 2022
Montravius Lloyd — RB
High School: Lakewood High
Hometown: St. Petersburg, Florida
Date of commitment: 6/18/2022
Lloyd was the first running back to commit to Pitt’s class, after making his official visit to Pittsburgh, and he’s a nice complement with T.J. Harvison.
Before deciding on Pitt, the 6-foot, 205-pound back also held offers from Arizona, Coastal Carolina, Florida Atlantic, Florida State, South Florida, Wake Forest and West Virginia.
“I made the decision after spending time here and being around the Pitt coaches and just seeing the city of Pittsburgh,” Lloyd told PSN. “I kind of knew before I got here that I could be committing to Pitt this weekend. Reason for that was the relationship that I have with Coach Sanders and Coach (Andre) Powell. The coaching staff was very excited today when I told them my decision.”
247Sports rates Lloyd as the 1,053rd-ranked recruit in the class (92nd-ranked athlete and the 147th-ranked recruit from Florida) while On3 rates him as the 1,152nd-ranked recruit in the class (57th-ranked athlete and 162nd-ranked recruit from Florida). Rivals gives him a 5.5 Rivals Rating.
Lloyd was almost more of a receiver than running back at Lakewood as a senior, running the ball 46 times for 216 yards and four touchdowns and catching the ball 40 times for 461 yards and three touchdowns. He also added 30 tackles (17 solo), four tackles for loss, two interceptions and two pass breakups.
Update (7:30 AM) —
LETS GO‼️‼️ Big time @JesseAnderson05 is IN #H2P #FO2G3DSTEEL pic.twitter.com/M3y0oJv5I7
— Pat Narduzzi (@CoachDuzzPittFB) December 21, 2022
Jesse Anderson — CB
High School: Cardinal Gibbons High
Hometown: Fort Lauderdale, Florida
Date of commitment: 6/28/2022
Pitt had to fend off late interest to land another recruit from Cardinal Gibbons — with the last defensive back being Marquis Williams.
Anderson committed to Pitt over offers from Auburn, Boston College, Coastal Carolina, Colorado, East Carolina, Illinois, Indiana, Louisville, Marshall, Maryland, North Carolina State, South Florida and Wake Forest
”At the end of my visit, coach Narduzzi asked how much longer did I think before I made my decision, he said he wasn’t rushing me and wanted me to take my time and be sure and really mean it,” Anderson told PSN in June. “When he asked that, I told him I just need a minute and that I’ve made it and want to commit. He was very happy and said ‘Welcome to the Family’ and the rest is history.”
247Sports rates Anderson as the 1,023th-ranked recruit in the class (86th-ranked athlete and 144th-ranked recruit from Florida) while On3 rates him as the 1,067th-ranked recruit in the class (161st-ranked wide receiver and 150th-ranked recruit from Florida). Rivals gives him a 5.6 Rivals Rating.
Anderson was a dual-threat star at Cardinal Gibbons, and even as he missed time to injury as a senior, he hauled in 27 receptions for 359 yards (13.3 yards per catch) and four touchdowns and filled in as a defensive back.
Pitt sees the 6-foot, 175-pounder as a defensive back in its system.
Update (7:25 AM) —
Giving DBs nightmares, @CantGuardZion is coming to the Burgh‼️😤#H2P #FO2G3DSTEEL pic.twitter.com/3PjGbDS5m0
— Pat Narduzzi (@CoachDuzzPittFB) December 21, 2022
Zion Fowler — WR
High School: St. Peter’s Prep
Hometown: Jersey City, New Jersey
Date of commitment: 12/20/2022
Fowler is both Pitt’s first commit and most recent commit. That’s what happens when a commit commits, decommits and decides to recommit.
He originally committed to Pitt way back in 2021, and he recommitted Tuesday over offers from Duke, Louisville, Michigan State, Syracuse and Virginia Tech.
“I’m really looking forward to seeing the coaches and the team,” Fowler told PSN. “I love the Pitt culture and the atmosphere. Every time I come up there, it just feels like home more and more again. I really want to see how the offense looks now that, obviously, Jordan Addison has transferred.”
247Sports rates Fowler as the 1,054th-ranked recruit in the class (146th-ranked wide receiver and 17th-ranked recruit from New Jersey) while On3 rates him as the 1,149th-ranked recruit in the class (154th-ranked wide receiver and 17th-ranked recruit from New Jersey). Rivals gives him a 5.5 Rivals Rating.
Fowler racked up 729 yards (20.3 yards per reception) and nine touchdowns on just 36 receptions. He also returned seven kicks for 111 yards and seven punts for 103 yards.
Update (7:19 AM) —
Let’s Go @IsaiahNeal99‼️SIGNED 🖊
Panther Nation is pumped to see you! #H2P #FO2G3DSTEEL pic.twitter.com/9eBeEjG9Ss
— Pat Narduzzi (@CoachDuzzPittFB) December 21, 2022
Isaiah Neal — DL
High School: St. Frances Academy
Hometown: Baltimore, Maryland
Date of commitment: 6/3/2022
Perhaps the next in a long line of stud defensive tackles, Neal is tailor-made to play under Charlie Partridge on Pitt’s defensive line. He’s also Pitt’s only four-star recruit in the class.
Neal committed to Pitt after his official visit to Pittsburgh in early June, committing over offers from Boston College, Connecticut, Duke, Kansas, Louisville, Maryland, Michigan, Michigan State, North Carolina State, Northwestern, Ohio State, Ole Miss, Rutgers, Syracuse, Temple, Virginia, Virginia Tech and West Virginia.
“I really chose Pitt because it feels like home,” Neal told Pittsburgh Sports Now in June. “Everybody treats me like one of their own, and that’s exactly what I was looking for. A home away from home.”
247Sports rates him as the 587th-ranked recruit in the class (64th-ranked defensive lineman and 10th-ranked recruit from Washington D.C.) while Rivals rates him as the 21st-ranked defensive tackle and sixth-ranked recruit from Maryland. On3 rates him as the 629th-ranked recruit in the class (66th-ranked defensive lineman and 11th-ranked recruit from Maryland).
The 6-foot-3, 270-pound defensive tackle helped lead powerhouse St. Frances to a 9-1 season, anchoring the defensive line at the defensive point of attack.
Looks more like a Wanny/Walt class than a Narduzzi era haul. Why the drop off?
I’m pretty sure Wanny’s recruiting classes would’ve outranked Duzzi’s on average.
The main thing I remember about those years was those 3*s were wanted by MAC schools. I have been pleased to see over the last few years that we were getting guys wanted by OH St. PSU, Mich etc. Seems to me there are 2 levels of 3* recruits and I felt we were finally getting the best. Alot of these guys don’t have offers from top tier programs.
because duzz is a terrible recruiter and he only has a few on his staff that are any good.