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Farrell Files: Pitt 2023 QB and portal targets

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I continue my look at the 2023 class with a focus on the quarterback position and we also track some things in the portal as well as 2024 recruiting. This is the Farrell Files Pitt edition.

The 2023 class is average, I’ve been brutally honest about this. And to lose Kenny Minchey down the stretch to Notre Dame is not ideal. Pitt pivoted and landed Ty Dieffenbach who is a project. But I’m always honest, I wasn’t that high as others on Minchey anyhow.

Dieffenbach is a 3 star to me based on film evaluation. His ball can float which is part of why he has 9 picks and that does worry me but with added strength and a better base this can be corrected. He needs to add that strength to his lower body as well to help his delivery and power in his throws but he’s tall, has a great frame, has solid throwing mechanics and he’s fast for his size. Sneaky fast. I always felt Minchey was a low 4 star and could be a high 3 star from my rankings days and there is a big difference in polish, but I like this take as a project. Now let’s caveat that okay?

Losing a long time commitment you are comfortable with and beating San Diego State and UNLV for a West Coast QB is not ideal. Based on his distance from home and project status in this day and age of the transfer portal his impact level is low. He’d have to be a surprise to develop and stick. Never good.

DB Hudson Primus is in the portal but that’s not a huge deal. He didn’t really contribute on the field but the DB room is a bit light so they will be active in the portal. Adding Donovan McMillon was huge but what about Derrick Davis Jr.? Since entering the portal the former Pittsburgh 4 star DB has been quiet. He’s remained with LSU and scored a TD in their bowl rout of Purdue and there is some speculation that he could stay with the Tigers and move back to defense. He’s very popular in the portal as he could be a RB, LB or S and when he entered it was thought he was a lock for Pitt as he and McMillon hinted privately. Now all bets are off. We should hear more now that the bowl has passed but he’s guarding info quite a bit.

I absolutely love the upside of new WR offer Andrel Anthony Jr. from Michigan. Oklahoma, Penn State, Texas A&M, South Carolina and others have been on him early as well so this will be a battle. This kid is a burner and a big play waiting to happen and will look for a wide open offense and an elite quarterback so Pitt is a long shot here. I like how many WR offers are out there though and Pitt will get a good one. Jared Wayne turning pro will make Pitt a bit more attractive to WRs looking for a chance to shine. Florida WR Daejon Reynolds is on campus and is former teammates with McMillon and would be a great addition. Stay tuned.

And finally, the 2024 class is off to a great start with two 4 stars in DT Jahsear Whittington from Philly and WR Ric’Darious Farmer from Florida. I’ll have more on these guys soon as I’m finishing up breaking them down.

Sandy Schall, Coldwell Banker
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Jim Garland
Jim Garland
1 year ago

You provide the most in-depth analysis of Pitt’s recruiting strategy and results. Keep up the good work. H2P

Burton Tee
Burton Tee
1 year ago

“Losing a long time commitment you are comfortable with and beating San Diego State and UNLV for a West Coast QB is not ideal. Based on his distance from home and project status in this day and age of the transfer portal his impact level is low. He’d have to be a surprise to develop and stick. Never good.”

This is candid and honest.

Why is PN having such an issue getting an elite QB to sign out of high school after showcasing KP’s
Success and an ACC title?

Is it the OC?

H2P.

Dixon
Dixon
1 year ago
Reply to  Burton Tee

Might as well face it, elite quarterbacks sign with elite programs. Fortunately, many of them eventually end up in the portal…Pitt landed a promising one in Vailleux.

On Campus Stadium Please
On Campus Stadium Please
1 year ago
Reply to  Burton Tee

pitt is not an elite program
KP was a unicorn, along with the acc title in a watered down year
OC is a dinosaur in today’s college game.

Katsura cassells
Katsura cassells
1 year ago

Jurkovic is a four star q.b.. I believe people are underestimating the positive impact he will have. Cignetti will call more pass plays with Jurkovic on the field. A guy that can move in the pocket and break tackles, can make more splash plays. The incoming receiver recruits are coming for that reason. Some of the three star receivers we have coming in definitely have four star potential.

Last edited 1 year ago by Katsura cassells

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