Pitt FB Recruiting
‘I Love the Program’: 2024 ATH Javier Etheridge Picks Up First P5 Offer From Pitt
It started with letters. Dozens and dozens sent via the US Postal service.
But it progressed as Pitt defensive coordinator Randy Bates reached out to Mt. Healthy head coach Jordan Stevens recently. And the relationship progressed even further as Bates officially extended an offer.
“It’s a little shocking because it’s, like, as a kid I dreamed of stuff like this, of going to college and playing at the next level,” Etheridge told PSN. “Finally getting the chance to get a shot at it is wonderful.”
Blessed to receiver an offer from @Pitt_FB 💙💛thanks to @BatesBacker @CoachJMStevens @On3Recruits @AllenTrieu @CoachDuzzPittFB 🐆 pic.twitter.com/3wtJJXhjZn
— Javier “JayJay” Etheridge ⭐️ (@thatzJayjay_) January 17, 2023
Etheridge, a 5-foot-11, 160-pound athlete from Mt. Healthy High in Cincinnati, Ohio, has had his relationship with Pitt rapidly progress, but it’s also been exactly what he’s wanted to see.
“My relationship with them so far is cool,” Etheridge told PSN. “They greeted me very well; I like the relationship I’m building. Hopefully ready to build a bond with them.”
Etheridge has picked up offers from Central Michigan, Toledo and West Virginia so far. He’s obviously still looking into where he’s going to be playing college football, and Pitt is looking into where Etheridge fits best on the field.
“As of now, it’s really as an athlete,” Etheridge said. “But I believe they offered me as a receiver. … I’m really up for playing offense or defense. I’m pretty good on both sides of the ball.”
It’s certainly true that Etheridge excelled on both sides of the football as a junior, racking up 705 yards and nine touchdowns on 45 receptions offensively and 55 tackles (48 solo), two tackles for loss, one sack and a forced fumble defensively.
He’ll be headed to West Virginia on Jan. 28, and while he plans to make it out to Pittsburgh in March (and likely for another camp appearance in the summer), it won’t be his first time in Pittsburgh.
“I love the program, honestly, because I know the city well,” Etheridge said. “I’ve got parts of my family that’s actually from Pittsburgh and still lives in Pittsburgh, and the relationship with the coaches is great. That’s the only way I can put it. As they’ve been recruiting me and getting in contact with me, it’s been great every time.”
Etheridge said that the Pitt staff likes his film, loves the kind of player he is and has been consistent in maintaining contact.
“I love it, honestly. It’s a little early, but one of my top schools I’m thinking about,” Etheridge said. “Because I know the city, family and the vibe and charisma from the coaches.”
Neither 247Sports nor Rivals have rated Etheridge yet, but a strong summer of camps will likely get onto more and more radars.
160 lbs and not ranked. Seems about right
OCD words of wisdom from the Pedo State troll
Wlat, I had Ocsp pegged as a troll instantly, if he wasn’t so obnoxious I’d feel bad for him, the second an article goes up he’s posting his nonsense….I go on these sights a couple times a week, maybe at night or on a day off…I think this guy lives in his mommy’s basement and waits for the newest article…it’s sad honestly
nice read Sherlock…..and thanks for giving us your reading schedule.
You would be wrong about mommy’s basement. That is a man cave off the huge inground pool. I’ll have you over on your day off, we can catch a shi*t game.
Whatever Pedo State troll, you are a legend in your fragile eggshell of a mind
My mensa mind is rock solid!
So what’s not correct in my statement?
I trust the Pitt coaching staff’s evaluation more than I trust recruiting rankings.
In all likelihood, the reason young man isn’t ranked is because he hasn’t been to enough camps and recruiting “pundits” aren’t wise to him.
whatever keeps those blinders on
That wasn’t one of your better comebacks. Kids that don’t go on barnstorming camp tours often get under recruited.
For example, say this prospect ran a 4.4- 4.5 40 for the Pitt staff, but doesn’t go to camping. Does fact that he isn’t being touted by recruiting services make him less of a prospect?
Besides, he already (early in the recruiting process) had 2 MAC offers and a WVU offer. It looks like you’re trying a little too hard on this one.
I know, my apologies. Coffee hadn’t kicked in yet.
I guess we will see. Could be pitt offered because WVU did? Cincinnati’s new OC has strong ties to his high school.
No rankings by the 3 big services might not make him less of a prospect but if he is a P5 player he should have enough tape by playing in Ohio that he should be noticed more? Another good one to watch.