Pitt FB Recruiting
Pitt Extends Latest Offer to All-AAC Tulsa IOL
There’s been an emphasis on addressing the offensive line via the transfer portal early this offseason, and while it hasn’t led to any commitments yet, the Pitt coaching staff is continuing to extend offers.
The latest offer was extended to Tulsa transfer interior offensive lineman Walter Young Bear.
Young Bear — a 6-foot-3, 312-pound rising redshirt senior from Norman, Okla. — has received offers from Pitt, UCF, Stanford, Western Kentucky, Virginia, Cal, West Virginia, UTEP, Liberty and North Carolina since entering the portal earlier this month.
The third-team All-AAC lineman has one season of eligibility remaining.
Thank you God, Pitt has offered!! @CoachDarveau @Pitt_FB pic.twitter.com/l3E65K0m5E
— Walter Young Bear (@WalterYoungBea2) December 17, 2024
Young Bear was initially a walk-on coming out of Norman North High in the class of 2021, but he earned a scholarship and emerged as a reliable depth option in 2023. He had a breakout campaign this season, starting all 12 games at left guard.
According to PFF, Young Bear recorded a team-high 874 offensive snaps — all at left guard. He was credited with allowing 13 pressures and no sacks on the way to All-Conference honors.
Young Bear has racked up over 1,000 snaps in his college career, working his way from a walk-on to a valued team leader at Tulsa. And he’s earned the chance to finish his college career at a Power Four program.
Pitt lost Branson Taylor to injury this season, which forced Ryan Baer from right tackle to left tackle, and it opened a massive hole on the offensive line. Lyndon Cooper and BJ Williams are set to return at center and guard, respectively, but Pitt needs to upgrade.
The Pitt coaching staff is looking to upgrade its starting unit and supplement its depth. Young Bear would be a nice addition.
