The University of Pittsburgh football program continued its June hot streak when 6-foot-3 inch, 265 pound 2015 Kettering (OH) Archbishop Alter defensive tackle Kraig Howe verbally committed to Pitt.
Howe chose to announce his commitment on Twitter (@KraigHowe). He stated, “”Extremely excited to announce that I am officially committed to play football at the University of Pittsburgh!!”
Howe chose the Panthers over scholarship offers from Boston College, Illinois, Bowling Green, Northwestern, Iowa State, Minnesota, Toledo and Miami (OH).
Howe excels both on and off the field. He’s an outstanding student with a 3.8 grade point average and the starting center on the basketball team. Kraig’s primary contact has been Pitt offensive coordinator Joe Rudolph. He attended Pitt’s home games against New Mexico and Notre Dame.
The Panthers continue to build quality depth at the defensive tackle position. Pitt has added a number of mammoth defensive tackles within the last two years including Connor Dintino, Mike Herndon, Tyrique Jarrett and Jeremiah Taleni. Howe is a bit more comparable to Class of 2013 defensive lineman Justin Moody. He’s a 265 pound ‘tweener’ that may offer position versatility. Although he projects as a defensive tackle, he has the tenacity and mobility to play defensive end if necessary.
Kraig is the eighth player in the Panthers’ class of 2015, joining Apollo-Ridge receiver Tre Tipton, Canon-McMillan offensive lineman Alex Paulina, Altoona linebacker Kevin Givens, Kittanning tight end Nick Bowers, Malvern Prep quarterback Alex Hornibrook, Wilmington (Del.) Alexis I Dupont receiver Quadree Henderson and Hallandale Beach (Fla.) Hallandale defensive back Malik Henderson.
The Panthers continue to remain in hot pursuit of two local prospects: Hempfield offensive tackle Tony Pilato (6-foot-7 inches, 290 pounds) and Central Catholic safety John Petrishen (6-foot-2 inches, 200 pounds).