Everyone is familiar with the Cleveland Brown’s ‘Johnny Football’. Former Heisman Trophy winner Johnny Manziel gained the lofty nickname at Texas A&M due to his flashy style and play making ability. While Manziel is developing an intimate relationship with the bench in Cleveland, another ‘Johnny Football’ has emerged in Pittsburgh. That would be Pittsburgh Central Catholic High School’s John Petrishen (6-foot-2 inches, 200 pounds). Petrishen, a standout on both sides of the ball, is projected as a safety in college. He remains a priority 2015 recruit for the Panthers.
Petrishen and his family attended the Pitt-Iowa matchup last weekend. DreamBackfield.com spoke with him about his experience.
“The game was really cool. It was a better game than the home opener against Delaware. The crowd was more into it and Pitt hung in until late in the game,” said Petrishen. “My family had a lot of fun but this was more of a serious visit. I wanted to me and family to see if this was a place I could see myself playing for the next four years.
“ Petrishen attended the game with his parents and younger sister Jordan. “We got to go on the field before the game and speak with some of the coaches and players. I feel very close with Pitt’s staff. We feel very comfortable with them. This visit gave my parents a chance to speak with them more.”
What did his family think of the visit? “My Dad and I have been to Pitt many times. He feels very comfortable with the school and coaching staff. The greatest pressure to go to Pitt is coming from my sister Jordan. She really wants me to go there. When the game was over, we went down and had a walk by the river.”
Petrishen has over 20 scholarship offers to date. He has narrowed his choices to Pitt, Virginia and Wake Forest. “I really like those three, in no particular order,” he said. “I visited Virginia two weeks ago. I have attended Pitt’s games against Delaware and Iowa. I don’t think I’ll be taking any more visits in the near future.”
When asked if he had a timetable for his decision, he stated, “I guess I’m waiting for a gut feeling to hit me. A feeling that tells me I absolutely have to attend a certain school. I know I’m taking the process slower than most recruits, but I simply want to make the right decision.”
Petrishen recently tweeted (@jP5_ERA) “To leave Pittsburgh … or to stay …”
I asked him specifically is he has ever thought about the ‘hometown hero’ factor. Tyler Boyd opted to stay home and he has already gained nation recognition and adulation from fans throughout Western Pennsylvania. “Yes, that’s a huge factor,” replied Petrishen. “I think about that all the time. My parents could attend my games and wake up in their own bed. Many of my coaches at Central Catholic are Pitt season ticket holders and they could watch me play. It’s a hard point to overlook.”
The Panthers have a limited amount of scholarships remaining, but they continue to heavily pursue Pittsburgh’s ‘Johnny Football’. Only time will tell if he chooses to stay home or matriculate elsewhere. Harry G. Psaros can be found on Twitter at @PittGuru