Pitt head football coach Paul Chryst continues to place a strong emphasis on the recruitment of offensive linemen. It appears an excellent walk-on candidate will be joining the class of 2014.
“I have grown up dreaming that I would play for the Pitt Panthers. I’m very excited to be walking on and joining the team,” stated Nova (MI) Catholic Central lineman Alex Galiyas (6-foot-2 inches, 265 pounds). “I’ll be playing offensive center for Pitt.”
Galiyas was a two-year, two-way starter for Catholic Central High School. He primarily played offensive guard and defensive tackle. Alex squats nearly 500 pounds and he’s capable of bench pressing 225 pounds 10 times. He received scholarship offers from Dayton and John Carroll University. Miami (OH) had strong interest in Alex as well.
“Pittsburgh is like a second home to me. I have a lot of family there. We visit around 6 times a year,” he said. “I have always been a Pitt fan. I attended their summer camp last year and Coach (Matt) House and I have kept in touch.”
When asked about his strengths as an offensive lineman, “I always finish my blocks and I can stand up my man. I have great feet. They are always moving.”
Galiyas is the fourth player from the state of Michigan to commit to Pitt. He joins offensive guard Connor Hayes (Traverse City, MI), cornerback Avonte Maddox (Detroit, MI) and defensive end Luke MacLean (Grand Blanc, MI).