Pitt head football coach Paul Chryst and staff place a major emphasis on their summer prospect camps held in June. For the third year in a row, a myriad of prospects were offered scholarships shortly after exceptional performances at camp. The latest to impress that staff, receive an offer and subsequently commit is stout Pickerington (OH) central defensive tackle DaVon Hamilton (6-foot-3 inches, 288 pounds).
“Pitt first came to my school to watch me workout. (Pitt offensive coordinator) Joe Rudolph has been my main contact, he came out to watch me twice,” said Hamilton. “When he came out the second time to see me, I felt like Pitt was prioritizing me. I felt they really wanted me.”
Hamilton originally committed to the Ohio University Bobcats. He decided to flip once he received an offer from the Panthers. He has been a two-year starter on both sides of the ball. “I mostly played defensive tackle my sophomore year then I moved to offensive tackle last year (junior year),” he said. Hamilton has diligently worked on improving his physique over the last few years. At a well-muscled 288 pounds, he possesses impressive strength. He reports a 380 pounds bench press and nearly 600 pound squat.
“I visited Pitt on Monday with my family. They liked my camp performance and wanted me back for an on campus visit,” he said. “They had been to my school twice; I did well at camp, so I knew they were interested. I didn’t know the scholarship offer was coming.”
“I was really impressed with everything we saw. We got to tour the campus, the sports facilities and academic buildings. It was the first time I really got to see Pitt. We were really impressed and I felt comfortable there. I liked the tradition of the school as well.”
“I want to major in physical therapy and Pitt has one of the top physical therapy programs in the nation. That was important to me,” he said. “I decided to not to wait. I called them Tuesday to tell them I wanted to commit.”
Pitt’s academics played a large role in his decision, but his impressions of Pitt’s coaching staff sealed the deal. “I really like (Pitt defensive tackle) coach Inoke Breckterfield. I had a good time working with him at camp,” he said. “He’s a really good coach. I know he helped develop Aaron Donald. He told me I’ll be a swing defensive tackle. I’ll play the three-technique or swing to nose tackle.”
“Coach Rudolph is a great guy. He got everything started. I know he was excited when I committed. Coach Chryst made it clear. My success is totally up to me. He said it’s up to the hard work, the dedication I want to put into the game.”
The Panthers’ coaching staff received an assist from a few of the current players on the roster. DaVon was able to spend some time speaking with senior wide receiver Manasseh Garner. “He had a lot of great things to say about Pitt. He spoke very highly of the coaching staff and the direction of the program. He told me he’s had a great experience.”
Hamilton was asked about his strengths as a defensive tackle. He stated, “I can explode off the line. I can catch a lot of people off guard with my quickness, my explosiveness. I’m a student of the game. I love football land I have a high football IQ. I’m very strong as well.”
Hamilton’s verbal commitment gives the Panthers eleven recruits for the class of 2015. He joins Kettering (OH) Archbishop Alter defensive tackle Kraig Howe, Apollo-Ridge wide receiver Tre Tipton, Canon-McMillan offensive lineman Alex Paulina, Altoona linebacker Kevin Givens, Kittanning tight end Nick Bowers, Malvern Prep quarterback Alex Hornibrook, Hallandale Beach (FL) Hallandale cornerback Malik Henderson, Melbourne (FL) Palm Bay running back Sekai Lindsay, Coraopolis (PA) Quaker Valley athlete Dane Jackson and Wilmington (DE) Alexis I Dupont receiver Quadree Henderson.
DaVon Hamilton can be found on Twitter at @dmhamilton52
Harry G. Psaros can be found on Twitter at @PittGuru