Pitt FB Recruiting
Longtime 2026 Pitt DB Target Places Pitt in Top 10 Schools
When it comes to Pitt football’s recruiting targets in the Class of 2026, there might not be anyone with a stronger connection to the staff than IMG Academy defensive back AJ Marks.
The 5-foot-10, 162-pound prospect has been recruited by Pitt since he was a freshman and has visited the program four times in the last two years.
On Friday, Pitt took another step towards landing the three-star talent when Marks included the Panthers in his final 10 schools. Pitt joins Penn State, Tennessee, North Carolina, Oklahoma State, Illinois, Iowa State, UCF, Toledo and Miami (OH) in his top list.
Top 10😤@IlliniFootball @ToledoFB @CowboyFB @Pitt_FB @Vol_Football @PennStateFball @CycloneFB @UNCFootball @UCF_Football @MiamiOHFootball @SteezoDsgn pic.twitter.com/kl4KExbCuu
— Aj Marks C/O 2026 IMG DB/ATH (@AjMarks_1) February 14, 2025
Pitt has been very consistent when it comes to recruiting Marks, who is originally from Michigan, and it starts with cornerbacks coach Archie Collins.
“Pitt has always been a top school for me. They develop and produce DBs and I’ve always had a great relationship with coach Archie,” Marks told Pittsburgh Sports Now.”
The ability to learn from Collins stands out as a prime reason that Marks considers Pitt as a top contender
“Going to Pitt means I would be playing for great group of experienced coaches and they develop DBs for the next level,” Marks said.
While Pitt has to battle with the likes of top schools in Penn State, Tennessee and others, Marks’ priorities when it comes to a school align with what he has already found at Pitt.
“My priorities are a school that fits my style of play, coaches that will develop me and my relationship with my position coach,” he said.
Marks has visited the Pitt program four times, starting back on April 1, 2023 when he picked up an offer from the Panthers. Most recently, he was in attendance for Pitt’s matchup against Clemson. Despite the loss, Marks praised the overall experience.
“My gameday experience was great,” he told PSN in November. “I talked to most of the staff and had time to kick it with coach Archie during pre-game. We got a chance to catch up while watching the Clemson WRs. I also got to see my guy Josh McCarty who plays for Pitt. They played hard, especially with injuries and not having their starting QB. Even though they didn’t win I had a great time on the visit and felt like they would have won if they had all their guys. Pitt is a place I definitely can see myself playing at.”
Not the outcome we wanted but still a great Game Day Visit at @Pitt_FB. I appreciate the hospitality @ARCHIECOLLINS_ @CoachDuzzPittFB #H2P @PghSportsNow @PittPanthers247 @RisingStars6 @Coachcliff904 pic.twitter.com/xVjjVIsqgC
— Aj Marks C/O 2026 IMG DB/ATH (@AjMarks_1) November 17, 2024
Marks is looking to make his fifth visit to Pitt as he hopes to lock in an official visit in the near future, he tells PSN.
As a junior at IMG Academy in Florida, Marks played a variety of positions in the secondary from corner to nickel and free safety. He recorded 38 tackles, two interceptions, six pass breakups, four tackles for loss and two forced fumbles.
Marks prides himself on his versatility and high IQ on the field.
“As a player, I’m a complete defensive back,” Marks said. “I can play anywhere in the secondary and I can cover and tackle. I can play man or zone. I started every game this season for IMG. I’ve started at cornerback, nickel and free Safety. I’m smart, I understand coverages and I play with speed, fearlessness and nobody outworks me. I also return punts/kicks and can play slot WR. I make plays. My strengths are that I’m smart, tough, physical, fast and I’m always going to be in the right spot.”
Rivals rates Marks as a 5.7 three-star as he checks in as the No. 17 nickel in the class and 94th-best in the state of Florida.
