Pitt FB Recruiting
Pitt Offer is ‘Special’ for 2027 WPIAL Running Back
Since they’re on a bye week, the entire Pitt football staff is out across the country recruiting this week.
The majority of offers have gone out to players in Texas, Georgia, Florida, New Jersey but one local offer was made, and it went to a big-time recruit.
Sa’Nir Brooks is a sophomore running back from Aliquippa High School and on Tuesday, he received an offer from Cory Sanders and the Pitt program. Because Brooks is only a sophomore, Pitt isn’t permitted to have contact with him, so Brooks received the news from the coaches at Aliquippa.
Pitt became the third Power Four offer for Brooks, with the first two coming from West Virginia and Syracuse. This season, Brooks is splitting carries with senior running back and four-star Penn State commit Tiqwai Hayes so when he becomes the feature back in 2025, his recruitment will no doubt skyrocket.
Pitt saw enough already that they went ahead and made him an offer, which was big news for Brooks.
“Getting the offer from Pitt felt great,” Brooks told Pittsburgh Sports Now. “I’m a Pittsburgh kid so getting the hometown offer is special. Pitt is right down the street and they’re like home to me.
“Just a couple of weeks ago, I visited Pitt for the Backyard Brawl against West Virginia. Plus, I’ve watched a couple of Pitt’s other games and the thing that stands out to me is how much Pitt always fights in games and never gives up. I’ve seen that no matter how much they’re down, no matter the score, Pitt is going to keep playing hard and competing till the end.”
Aside from their compete level, Brooks said the other thing that impresses him about Pitt is offensive coordinator Kade Bell’s new offense. As a skill position player, it seems like it would be fun to be a part of.
“I really love their fast-paced offense,” said Brooks. “When you run an offense like that, the practices are much harder so when you’re in the game, it doesn’t even seem fast-paced. I love offenses like that where you’re trying to get as many plays in as possible and tire out your opponent.
“As far as me as a player, I’d describe myself as an aggressive back, someone that runs downhill, a one-cut and go running back.”
Brooks and his Aliquippa teammates experienced something last Friday that doesn’t happen too often and that’s a regular season loss, which took place against Penn Hills.
Despite the loss, Aliquippa is one of the best overall teams in the WPIAL and will no doubt contend for a WPIAL championship. A big reason for that is the talent they possess on offense with Hayes and Brooks.
Brooks credits Hayes with helping him get better as a player and preparing him for shouldering the load in 2025.
“Playing with Tiqwai is great and I definitely learn something from him every day,” Brooks said. “He’s taught me patience and how I don’t have to rush everything. I’m very grateful for everything that he’s done for me.”
SA'NIR BROOKS.
Know the name. Don't forget it. 🤫 @BrooksNir @vpat122 @WPIAL_Insider🏈 146 yards
🏈 3 TDs
🏈 He's only a sophomoreIn his FIRST CAREER START, Aliquippa RB Sa'Nir Brooks is your week 3⃣ @AHNSportsMed Player of the Game. 💪 pic.twitter.com/cur6odzd6o
— 22 The Point (@22ThePoint) September 16, 2024
Brooks has also been able to watch the way Hayes has handled his college recruitment and the attention he receives. That is something that he’ll have to deal with over the next couple of years as programs like Pitt will recruit him hard.
“I’m looking forward to it and I believe I’m prepared for it,” said Brooks. “I have a great support system around me that’s helping me out, so I won’t get overwhelmed. I’m excited to see what the next couple of years will bring.”
