Pitt FB Recruiting
Kade Bell Sparks Major Change in Pitt Recruiting Playbook
Pitt football is sitting in a rarified position in recruiting by doing something that has often not happened in the program.
The Panthers have received two commitments from 2027 prospects in wide receiver Jacob Thomas and running back Tyler Reid.
When was the last time Pitt received two verbal commitments from sophomores in high school?
In the 2024 class, Jahsear Whittington committed in April of his sophomore season and pulled through by eventually signing with the Panthers. Nahki Johnson also committed in between his sophomore and junior seasons before signing in the 2021 class.
Those are the only two examples of recruits making an early commitment and sticking with the Panthers in at least the last 20 years, and there is a long way to go for the current sophomore Pitt commits before they can put pen to paper.
Still, it shows that the Panthers, especially the offensive coaching staff led by offensive coordinator Kade Bell, are now opening up the playbook when it comes to recruiting beyond the current class in 2026.
It is one thing to lay that foundation and push for recruits down the road, but it is another thing to take those prospects early in the process and Pitt is doing just that. Pitt can’t be scared to take those recruits, either.
The push and results of the 2027 class so far gives Pitt more publicity, showing recruits that Pitt is a possible landing spot even at the earlier stages of their recruitment — it does not just have to be the Alabamas, Penn States and Georgias of the world.
Reid and Thomas, who both hail from south Florida, a priority area for Bell, will certainly be catalysts when it comes to relaying to message of Pitt football to other recruits in their class.
— Tyler Reid (@Tysolive_) October 27, 2024
Bell’s strong recruiting and relationship building has also been apparent with these recruits as they both pointed to that as a key reason for committing.
“We got a close bond. I’ve known him since Western Carolina. He recruited me to Western Carolina and then he went to Pitt. I see my career going well with coach Kade,” Reid told Pittsburgh Sports Now.
“I loved how honest they have been with me since I was offered,” Thomas said. “They say my speed is rare to find. I have maintained close relationship with both Kade Bell and JJ Laster. They came by to see me during spring and they expressed to me how they would use me in the offense, and how I would be coached and developed and challenged week in and week out.”
A Couple Of Plays From Friday Nights Game ! #moretocome pic.twitter.com/ojEndZUzuN
— Jacob Thomas (@1gump_) September 29, 2024
That speed that Thomas talks about is another takeaway from Pitt landing both Thomas and Reid, showing that Bell and the Panthers won’t sacrifice talent for size.
Thomas stands at 5-foot-10, 160 pounds, while Reid checks in at 5-foot-9, 165 pounds. There is plenty of room to grow over the next few years before they sign, but Pitt has focused in on what they can do on the field.
Both commits have electric speed that fits exactly what Bell is looking for. Reid and Thomas recently competed in the Louie Bing Invitational. In the 100-meter, Thomas posted a 10.86, while Reid was not far behind finishing with a time of 10.96.
They are two of the fastest sophomores in the country and Pitt will take that any day.
Pitt is selling the new, up-tempo offense under Bell — one that ranked 31st in the country in points per game (32,92), 46th in total offense (408.69 yards per game) and first in red-zone touchdowns with 24 — to these recruits and they are buying in.
Time will only tell if the two hold on with the Panthers over the next 21 months, especially Thomas who was a hidden talent, but has now quickly picked up Power Four offers from Auburn, Kentucky, Purdue and UCF.
