The University of Pittsburgh football program has steadily developed depth at a number of key positions. Three specific areas on the team that remain questionably thin are linebacker, defensive end and quarterback. A trio of talented linebackers, true freshman Jamal Davis, James Folston Jr. and Quintin Wirginis, will compete for playing time this season.
Blue-chip 2015 Altoona, PA linebacker prospect Kevin Givens (6-foot-3 inches, 235 pounds) has already verbally commitment to Pitt. Many believe that Givens will eventually move to defensive end. Despite limited scholarship numbers, it appears that head coach Paul Chryst and staff will add at least two more linebackers to the current recruiting class.
DreamBackfield.com caught up with several prospects that have already been offered scholarships.
“I didn’t get to visit Pitt in June. I had a scheduling conflict,” stated Lakewood (NJ) Chapelle Cook (6-foot-1 inches, 212 pounds). “I would like to visit Pitt, Syracuse and Boston College before the beginning of my season. I like Pitt a lot and I speak to (Pitt defensive coordinator) Matt House and (wide receivers coach) Greg Lewis all the time.” Cook has received scholarship offers from Pitt, Boston College, Rutgers and Temple. He’s capable of running an impressive 4.5 forty-yard dash.
The Panthers appear to be in a two-way lead for athletic Paramus (NJ) Paramus Catholic linebacker Saleem Brightwell (6-foot-3 inches, 215 pounds). He has openly stated that Pitt and Michigan State lead for his services. Brightwell has a lengthy offers list that includes Rutgers, Syracuse, Wisconsin, Illinois and Iowa. “Nothing has changed with Saleem’s recruiting at the moment,” stated Paramus Catholic High School head football coach Chris Partridge. “I know that Pitt will be getting a visit from him. He likes them quite a bit.” Brightwell projects as a middle linebacker on the next level.
Franklinville (NJ) Delsea Regional linebacker prospect Phil Sampson (6-foot-2 inches, 220 pounds) recently completed a successful camp visit to Pitt. He strongly contemplated committing to the Panthers prior to returning home. He told DreamBackfield.com, “I really liked everything. It was very nice. I got to see the Cathedral of Learning and academic buildings. I was impressed. I spoke with night before with my friend about committing to Pitt. I thought about it. I felt very comfortable.” Sampson will visit Rutgers, Old Dominion and Villanova in August prior to making a final decision.
Columbus (OH) Walnut Ridge linebacker Anthony McKee (6-foot-2 inches, 200 pounds) has accrued over 20 scholarship offers. He recently announced his top ten schools: Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan State, Minnesota, Oklahoma, Pittsburgh, Purdue, Syracuse, Tennessee and Wisconsin. Unlike Cook, Brightwell and Sampson, McKee will probably wait until the end of the season to make a final decision.
Harry G. Psaros can be found on Twitter at @PittGuru.