Pitt FB Recruiting
Farrell Files: Pitt Loads Up on RBs and Former-WPIAL Stars
The Farrell Files Pitt edition is here with a look at the 2023 running back class just in time for Derrick Davis’ commitment and some more portal stuff.
So, before I get to Davis, which is huge news for Pitt, let’s look at the running back class. TJ Harvison was a nice late addition to the class. He’s big and physical and he’s only getting better as shown by his huge state title game with over 200 yards. He’s perfect for this offense as a durable back who gets stronger with more carries.
He complements Montravius Lloyd, the other back in this class who hails from Florida, as well. Lloyd isn’t as fast or as good off contact, but he might be better as a receiver which is why I love how the staff targeted these guys. A pure runner between the tackles in Harvison and a physical kid in Lloyd who can catch the ball. And for Pitt to get a 1-2 punch at RB from the Southeast will only help efforts down there.
So that brings me to Davis. I scouted him out of high school when he was a 4-star DB projection who was amazing on offense as well. He picked LSU over Penn State and Pitt out of high school and has flipped around at LSU positionally where he had landed at running back. And that’s what he wants to play and what he will be at Pitt — and he can be a good one.
Davis has always been a physical kid who likes contact and in the few times he ran the ball at LSU you can see this. His TD run in the bowl game against Purdue is a solid example. He’s perfect for what Pitt likes to do on offense as he thrives off of contact and spins off and breaks arm tackles and he’s an aggressive runner.
His versatility is amazing as well. Although I think he works out at running back, he can play safety or linebacker if needed. Oh, and he can catch the ball as well as we saw out of high school. He’s just a great athlete and he and Rodney Hammond could be a great 1-2 punch. Former WPIAL star DB Donovan McMillon played a role here as well as he and Davis are friends. McMillon is transferring in from Florida.
And finally, Florida WR Daejon Reynolds had the red carpet rolled out for him this weekend and McMillon could play a role here too. As an ex-teammate headed to Pitt, you know he will be in Reynolds’ ear. There is a great WR opportunity for a wideout like Reynolds and this could come down to Pitt and West Virginia.
