The run of former WPIAL stars returning home to play for Pitt has continued.
It didn’t work out between Derrick Davis and Pitt the first time around, but like former Pine-Richland star Phil Jurkovec and former Peters Township star Donovan McMillon, he’s decided to transfer back home to Pittsburgh.
Davis, a 6-foot, 210-pound athlete from Gateway High in Monroeville, Pa., originally committed to LSU over a list of finalists, including Penn State and Ohio State — with Pitt and Georgia eliminated from the Final Five previously. He was a consensus four-star recruit in the class of 2021, ranked in the Top 100 by 247Sports and Rivals.
After two seasons at LSU, Davis is transferring to Pitt likely as a running back, but it will be determined throughout spring practices.
Davis visited Pitt a handful of times during his initial recruiting process, developing a solid bond with Pat Narduzzi and Cory Sanders.
“Coach Narduzzi and Pitt have never faded away from me really,” Davis told PSN in 2020, during his initial recruiting process. “Almost every other day, he was in touch with me and at Gateway High School. Coach Narduzzi and coach Sanders really showed me that I was their #1 priority and that really has stuck with me. That’s a big reason why they made my final list.”
He made it back to Pittsburgh this weekend, making an appearance at the Petersen Events Center for the Pitt-Clemson basketball game with Pitt coaches, players and recruits and toured Acrisure Stadium with the coaching staff.
Davis, a standout running back, linebacker and defensive back during his time at Gateway High, settled into a safety role at LSU. But he wasn’t afforded many chances during his tenure as a Tiger — recording just 47 defensive snaps over six games, including 27 as a sophomore this season.
He recorded six tackles (two solo) during his time at LSU. But his future appears to be on the offensive side of the football.
In LSU’s final two games this season, he rushed for 57 yards and a touchdown on 11 carries — including 29 yards and that touchdown against Purdue in the Citrus Bowl.
With Rodney Hammond Jr. and C’Bo Flemister in the running backs room, looking to replace Israel Abanikanda as he’s off to the NFL, Davis is another high-upside option in the room.
Davis still has the potential to play on the defensive side of the ball, but it appears he’s the newest running back at Pitt.
Very good pickup by the Panthers
H2P
WELCOME HOME!!!
H2P!