The Pitt football team gets plenty of recruits from states like Ohio, New Jersey and Florida but rarely reach into Missouri.
I asked a member of the Pitt athletic department the last time Pitt had a player from Missouri, he said, “I’d have to hit the record books but it certainly has been awhile!”
That drought could come to an end if Chase Behrndt (Wildwood, Missouri) decides on the Panthers.
Behrndt (6-4, 295 lbs) is a 3-star guard that told me his Top 3 consists of Pitt, Syracuse and Indiana. When I asked him to describe himself, Behrndt told me he’s a leader, very vocal and loves to run block and “take people out.”
So how does a kid from Missouri draw interest from Pitt? The answer is Pitt TE coach Tim Salem. “He recruited me when he was at Illinois and offered me there and then he went to Pitt and I received an offer”, said Behrndt.
Pitt could find out this week if they’re going to land this offensive lineman. Behrndt is currently visiting Arkansas, will be in West Virginia tomorrow and told me he’ll be on the Pitt campus Saturday.
According to Behrndt, Saturday’s visit will be very important, “Pitt is a school in my Top 3 and I have a feeling they’ll either shoot up or fall out after my visit based on how I like it.”
Being so far from home could be a problem for some kids but not Behrndt. He tells that he can make friends very easily and distance doesn’t bother him. What about his parents? “My dad doesn’t care but my mom wants it to be close enough to where she can see my games once my brothers are done with college football. But they both say it’s 100% my choice,” said Behrndt.
There’s been speculation that he’d like to make a decision by August 1st but that’s not set in stone. A lot will depend on his visits this week. Don’t be surprised if West Virginia formally offers tomorrow with Behrndt on campus.
One other thing that this impressive offensive lineman told me that I found interesting. He’s a state finalist and 2-time All-American in the 285 lb weight class for wrestling.
Behrndt has physical talent and let’s see if he’ll be displaying that talent at Heinz Field.