The Pitt coaching staff has added fifty players to the Panthers roster in two years. Despite improved depth, two positions remain relatively thin: quarterback and defensive end. The last time Pitt ventured into the state of Florida to recruit defensive ends; they added standouts Jabaal Sheard and Greg Romeus. Both went on to play in the NFL.
Sheard and Romeus had two things in common: they had long frames and both were adept at rushing the passer. It appears the latest player that has received a Pitt scholarship offer possesses both of those qualities.
“Coach Nokes (Pitt defensive line coach Inoke Breckterfield) called me last Thursday and offered me a scholarship. It was a surprise,” stated Sebring, FL defensive end Luke Ancrum (6-foot-5 inches, 230 pounds).
Pitt, Wisconsin, Florida Atlantic and Georgia Southern have offered Ancrum a scholarship. He led the Sebring Blue Streak football team to a 6-4 record last season.
“Pitt had sent me a lot of brochures in the mail but I didn’t expect the offer. Coach Nokes told me a bit more about Pitt. He told me about their defense and how they share their facilities with the Pittsburgh Steelers. Pitt likes my frame. They think I have a lot more room to grown.”
Ancrum was asked about his strengths as a defensive end. He stated, “I’m really good at stopping the run. I’m a disruptive defensive end with a strong pass rush. I’m a team leader as well.”
“I have a long frame and I use that to my advantage when pass rushing. I’m still learning the defensive end position. I’m only going to improve.”
It’s early in the recruiting process for Ancrum but he is very open at the moment. “I’m still doing my research on all of the teams that have offered me online. I’m open to leaving the state as well. I’m not going to limit myself to Florida.”
Ancrum recently visited the Florida Atlantic Owls. He would like to visit Pitt this summer.
“A visit to Pitt would help. I would like to spend time to get to know the coaches better and see their facilities.”
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