This weekend, we’ll update this thread with Pitt/WPIAL recruiting notes plus news and notes from Pitt’s weekend practices.
** First off, let’s start off with news on a big local recruit. Aliquippa 2018 Kwantel Raines picked up an offer this afternoon from Virginia Tech. Last time I talked with Raines, he told me that he’s nowhere near making a college decision.
** University Prep athlete Kenny Robinson told Scout.com that his two top schools right now are West Virginia and Iowa State, primarily because of how hard they’re recruiting him. Robinson told Scout that he’ll be making an official visit to Iowa State on September 24th and that he’d like to make a final decision by the end of September.
Now some news and notes from Pitt practice.
— The team will hold a scrimmage tomorrow morning which is closed to the media. This morning, HC Pat Narduzzi announced that Alex Bookser will start at C and also said that Alex Officer will also get some reps.
— Who’s going to be Nate Peterman’s backup this year? Narduzzi said that Manny Stocker and Ben DiNucci are “neck and neck.”
— Want a freshman that is making an early impression? Narduzzi says that Clairton WR Aaron Mathews will be an option as a deep threat in the Panthers offense and that on the field, Mathews is a “physical specimen.”
— A “Little Panther” is also telling me that these players have caught the eye of the coaching staff this first week- Bricen Garner, Kazeon Pugh, Thomas MacVittie (coaches think he’s going to be really good), Keyson Camp and Chawntez Moss (he might be used more this year than everyone thinks).
UPDATE (3:45 PM)-
** Terrible news for a local product. West Virginia safety and Aliquippa native Dravon Henry will miss the entire 2016 season with a torn ACL in his left knee. Henry has made 26 career starts for West Virginia and was going to be their top returning starter. Best wishes to him for a speedy recovery.
UPDATE (4:58 PM)-
**4-star recruit TyJuan Garbutt just messaged me and said that he’ll be coming to town for the Pitt/Penn State game on September 10th. Garbutt, who’s one of the top defensive ends in the country, has been a target of Pat Narduzzi and Rob Harley since last year, as Pitt was the first school to offer him.
UPDATE (7:45 PM)-
**A highly recruited player that Pitt is after apparently won’t play this season. Mike Dyer from WCPO.com is reporting that Ohio OL Thayer Munford has been ruled ineligible this season due to a transfer rule. Munford went from LaSalle HS to powerhouse Massillon but reportedly won’t even play a down for them. Pitt is believed to be one of the leaders for Munford, who holds offers from Alabama and Penn State.
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