Inside the Numbers: Pitt Recruiting the WPIAL Under Narduzzi

Pitt’s first official visitors weekend started off with a bang as seven uncommitted players (as of the time of this article) left their visit by giving a commitment to the Panthers.

At this point, the only two players to make their decision public were both from the WPIAL- North Allegheny 3-star DT Lincoln Hoke and Pine-Richland offensive lineman John Curran III.

Considering the recent talk of Pitt’s inability to recruit Western Pennsylvania players makes this a bit ironic.

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Two other WPIAL players were at Pitt over the last few days for their visits- Peters Township 4-star edge rusher Reston Lehman and Central Catholic 3-star linebacker Colsen Gatten.

Central Catholic 3-star LB Colsen Gatten on his Pitt official visit

Instead of giving opinions on Pitt recruiting the WPIAL, PSN wanted to give you some facts considering the topic.

Here’s a look at some numbers concerning Pitt recruiting Western Pennsylvania since Pat Narduzzi took over as head coach in 2015.

PITT RECRUITING WPIAL UNDER NARDUZZI:

*Total Number of Commitments: 36 total commitments (average 3 per class)

*High School’s with Most Commitments: Central Catholic 6 commitments, Thomas Jefferson 3 commitments, Aliquippa 3 commitments and Central Valley 3 commitments.

*Most WPIAL players in One Recruiting Class: 7
Class of 2016: Brandon Ford (Upper St. Clair), Bricen Garner (Central Catholic), Rashad Wheeler (Central Catholic), Therran Coleman (Brashear), Kaezon Pugh (Aliquippa), Aaron Matthews (Clairton) and Damar Hamlin (Central Catholic).

Aaron Mathews Celebrates after knocking off UCF September 21, 2019 — David Hague/PSN

Second Most was 2015 with 6- Dane Jackson (Quaker Valley), Tre Tipton (Apollo Ridge), Alex Paulina (Canon McMillan), Tony Pilato (Greensburg CC), Ben DiNucci (Pine-Richland) and Jordan Whitehead (Central Valley).

*Last Commitment from Pine-Richland: Tight End Grant Carrigan in Class of 2017

*Last Commitment from North Allegheny: Linebacker Elijah Zeise in Class of 2014.

Elijah Zeise (25) September 15, 2018 — DAVID HAGUE

*First Under Duzz: Hoke becomes the first player from North Allegheny High to commit Pitt in Narduzzi era.

*Position Breakdown:
Defensive Lineman: 10
Defensive Backs: 8
Offensive Lineman: 7
Linebackers: 4
Wide Receivers: 3
Tight Ends: 2
Quarterbacks: 2

*Four Star Players: 8- Cam Lindsey, Nahki Johnson, Elliot Donald, Dayon Hayes, Paris Ford, Kaezon Pugh, Damar Hamlin and Jordan Whitehead.