Harrisburg fullback Joey Kerle to PITT

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Pitt head football coach Paul Chryst is well known for his ‘ground and pound’ pro-style offense.  For his offense to optimally perform, you need to bring in physical players to complete the ‘pound’ in ground and pound.  They added a player with tremendous potential on Tuesday night when physical fullback Joey Kerle (6-foot-1 inches, 235 pounds) from Bishop McDevitt High School in Harrisburg, PA announced he will be walking onto the Pitt football program.

Kerle was the lead blocker for highly touted 2015 running back Andre Robinson.  Robinson, a Penn State commitment, was named the Triple A Player of the Year.  Joey is a rugged player with tremendous strength.  He’s capable of bench pressing 335 pounds and squatting 525 pounds.

“I made my mind up about a week ago.  I had told the Pitt coaching staff I wanted to be a Panther.  I chose tonight to make it public,” stated Kerle.  “My final decision came down to Pitt and Temple.  Pitt liked me as a fullback.  Temple liked me as a linebacker.  I simply feel that my skills are best used on offense as a fullback.  Purdue and Akron were after me as well.  Akron liked me on defense while Purdue wanted me on offense.  I’m pleased with my final decision.”

“When we visited Pitt, I got to meet with Coach Chryst, (offensive coordinator) Joe Rudolph and new running backs coach John Settle,” he said.  “It was an interesting day to be there because it was Coach Settle’s first day on the job.  He actually sat down with me and watched my junior and senior film.  (Director of Football Relations and Program Enhancement) Bob Junko has been a great contact as well.  I have communicated quite a bit with him.”

When asked about his strengths as a fullback, he stated, “I’m a smart player that has played a lot of fullback and linebacker.  Playing on both sides has helped me gain a better understanding of the game.  I have played a number of positions on offense including running back and tight end.  I’m a fullback that can block, run and catch the ball.  I bring versatility.”

“I’m excited about my decision.  I really like Coach Chryst and Pitt is a great university.  I’m originally from Western Pennsylvania so this is a bit of a homecoming for me.  I plan on majoring in biological science and eventually becoming a physician.  Pitt has a tremendous school of medicine.”

Kerle will join the football program in June.