The Pitt Panthers have placed a heavy emphasis on the recruitment of linebackers and defensive ends for the 2015 recruiting class. It appears that they have identified a tremendous prospect out of Sicklerville, NJ. “I transferred from Buena High School to Timer Creek. Pitt offered me a scholarship shortly after,” stated linebacker Neal Nelson (6-foot-2 inches, 225 pounds) from Timber Creek High School.
Nelson has received scholarship offers from Pitt, Central Florida, Temple and Old Dominion.
“I already knew about Pitt. I watched them play as a kid. I know they produce strong athlete,” said Nelson. “My initial cotanct has been with (Pitt recruiting coordinator) Dann Kabala. He’s been in contact with me for a while.”
He was officially offered a scholarship when Pitt defensive coordinator Matt House and offensive line coach Jim Hueber recently visited his school.
“There’s still more I would like to learn about Pitt. I’m looking forward to visiting them.”
Although Nelson has been a two-way standout, the Panthers are recruiting him at linebacker. “I prefer to play defense. I like linebacker. It’s really my forte,” he said. “I’m can come down hill strong. I’m a sideline to sideline player with speed. I have great football quickness and I’m a big hitter.”
“I have the athleticism to play outside or middle linebacker. When I choose a school, it will be up to the coaches to figure out where to put me.”
A number of schools, including Boston College, Arizona, Maryland and West Virginia, have expressed strong interest in his services.
Nelson has been in communication with Pitt class of 2014 wide receiver Adonis Jennings on a regular basis. “I talk with him every day. He’s told me how much he liked the school, the facilities and the city of Pittsburgh,” he said. “I’m going to visit Pitt on June 10th. He may come with me.”
Pitt was one of the first BCS schools to show confidence and offer Nelson a scholarship. He’s commented on the recent offer. “The Pitt offer means a lot. I work hard on and off season and it shows me that hard work pays off,” he said. “I have friends that are upset Pitt hasn’t offered them. It’s one of their dream schools. I feel blessed to have received the offer.”