Pitt FB Recruiting
Pitt an Early Contender for 2027 Three-Star Offensive Lineman
PICKERINGTON, Ohio — Pitt has shown a growing interest in 2027 offensive lineman Reed Gerken, including an offer while on a spring visit.
The strong connection between Gerken and the Pitt staff has also led to the Panthers as an early contender in the three-star’s recruitment.
“Pitt is definitely up there. They’re probably second right now. Them and Kentucky are probably my top two offers right now,” Gerken told Pittsburgh Sports Now at the Under Armour Next Camp in Ohio.
Gerken — a 6-foot-5, 290-pound prospect out of Perrysburg High School in Ohio — visited Pitt on March 22 and walked away with an offer.
“It was a blessing to keep things rolling in my recruitment. Pitt’s a good school. I think Coach Narduzzi is a really good coach. They had a really good year last year. It meant a lot,” Gerken said.
One of the main takeaways from his Pitt visit was the intense practice environment that was forged by offensive line coach Jeremy Darveau.
“Really intense,” Gerken said about Darveau. “Really good with attention to detail making sure his o-line’s doing everything right and if it’s not right, you’re going to do it again. That’s really good from an offensive line coach. He does a really good job of developing and producing good offensive linemen into the league.
“Intensity was huge. Really good friendly rivalries whether it was offensive line versus defensive line or wide receiver versus DB. The intensity overall at the practice was amazing.”
After a great visit and conversation with @coachdaoust I'm extremely blessed to receive an offer from Pitt! #ThankyouJesus #AGTG #H2P@dirk_conner @CoachDarveau @Kb1Raw @SamKuk20 @adamgorney @AllenTrieu @CoachDuzzPittFB @TomLoy247 @SWiltfong_ @ChadSimmons_ pic.twitter.com/JqyyMCPDEZ
— ReedGerken (@ReedGerken) March 22, 2025
Along with Darveau, defensive line coach Tim Daoust has been involved with Gerken’s recruitment.
“Coach Daoust, the d-line coach who’s in my recruiting area, treats me really well and always checks up on me. Came to one of my liftings to check me out, see how I move, see how I workout. They’ve definitely been present,” Gerken said.
Gerken holds offers from Pitt, Kentucky, Cincinnati, Toledo, Bowling Green, Kent State, Central Michigan and Miami (OH). He’s also received a lot of interest from Ohio State and Tennessee, two places he recently visited.
“Two of the biggest schools that have stuck out to me in recruiting have been Ohio State and Tennessee,” he said. “They’ve both been here since my freshman year going into my sophomore year. They all have treated me really well in the recruiting process checking up on me now and then inviting me back out.”
When it comes to finding a school, Gerken has a few priorities on his mind.
“I definitely want to go to an intense offensive line coach. A good strength and conditioning program because that’s what you’re going to be doing the most when you get there because I plan on early enrolling in December. A good culture’s really important,” Gerken said.
As the Pitt relationship continues to strengthen, Gerken says he will make the two-and-a-half hour trip back to Pittsburgh for a gameday visit in the fall.
247Sports rates Gerken as a three-star prospect, 34th offensive tackle and the 11th-best player in Ohio.
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