University of Pittsburgh
By Kevin Gorman

What promised to be a prominent recruiting year for Pitt has instead proved to be most challenging.

The Panthers got off to a great startwith commitments from nationally ranked RB Andrew Johnson of North Hills and QB Anthony Morelli of Penn Hills this summer.

The Panthers continued to have a strong presence in South Florida, where they received verbals from WRs John Peyton, Kelvin Chandler and Marcel Pestano, TE Darrell Strong, LB Nick Williams and CB Alphonso Smith.

Following the break-up of the Big East and Pitt's disappointing 8-5 season, however, a handful of recruits reconsidered.

First, Johnson scheduled late-January trips to Miami and Florida. Then Morelli, Pitt's marquee recruit, visited Penn State. Meanwhile, Peyton, Chandler, Williams and Strong took additional visits.

As of press time, the Panthers were still in the running for all of those players , as well as Reading All-America linebacker James Bryant (brother of Pitt strong safety Sam), and Florida linebacker Vernon Smith, and have a chance to finish strong.

What did the Panthers accomplish with this year's class?

Pitt had success recruiting locally, initially getting committments from Morelli and Johnson, as well as Hopewell's Craig Bokor, Woodland Hills' Steffan Brinson, Peabody's Corey Davis, Kiski's Adam Gunn and Scott McKillop and Aliquippa's Darrelle Revis, the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review's Player of the Year. Pitt also solidified its backfield with Johnson, Brandon Mason, Rashad Jennings and Tyler Tipton, and added depth to its receiving corps with Peyton, Chandler, Pestano and Derek Kinder.

What does this group lack?

After getting what has amounted to soft verbals from Johnson and Morelli, the Panthers failed to complement the class with more All-Americans. Beaver TE Rory Nicol and Ohio CB Ted Ginn both chose Ohio State. After J.D. Brookehart to the head job at Akron, several high profile wideouts backed off the Panthers. Pitt continued to have a hard time luring offensive linemen, landing only Upper Merion's Dave Weber and 6-8, 325-pound Chase Clowser of Ohio.

Who will make an early impact?

If he does attend Pitt, the strong-armed Morelli needs time to learn the complexities of Harris' system, but intends to compete for the starting quarterback job. With Larry Fitzgerald expected to go pro, Kinder, Pestano, and possibly Peyton and Chandler all have a shot to play right away. Look for juco transfer Phil Tillman to push for time at DT. Athletic corners Smith and Steve Walker could get on the field and, if he signs, look for Bryant at either linebacker or defensive end. Bokor and Revis might have to go to prep school, but could make immediate impacts if they qualify.