Lost in the Shuffle
The Fallout of 2004 Pitt Recruiting
By Tony Defazio

Partially because of the uncertainty regarding Walt Harris’ future, partially because of questions surrounding the Big East’s BCS status, and partially because of a disappointing 8-5 record, Pitt’s recruiting season imploded last year. PSR looks at the players involved.

James Bryant, MLB, Miami
Reading, PA
One of the nation’s top prospects last year, Bryant chose Miami over the Panthers on the eve of signing day, despite the fact that his brother Sam is a defensive back at Pitt. Bryant redshirted last fall as the ‘Canes went 9-3. Although all six linebackers on Miami’s two-deep return, the top two in the middle will be seniors.

Andrew Johnson, RB, Miami
Pittsburgh/North Hills High School
Johnson announced he would attend Pitt in July, but wound up signing with Miami. He appeared in six games for the Hurricanes, carrying the ball 16 times. He scored a touchdown in a 52-7 romp over Wake Forest. Johnson enters the spring bulked up, and third on the depth chart behind Frank Gore and Tyrone Moss.

Mike Mangold, DE, Florida
Merritt Island, FL
Pitt was the first school to offer Mangold a scholarship, in April of his junior year, and he accepted. He changed his mind in mid-December and pledged to play for Virginia Tech. Then he became smitten with South Florida, and by the end of January the Florida Gators were the flavor of the month. He eventually wound up at Florida and redshirted.

Anthony Morelli, QB, Penn State
Pittsburgh/Penn Hills High School
Morelli’s decision to de-commit from Pitt in favor of Penn State started the avalanche for the Panthers. His Nittany Lions went 4-7 and Morelli made a few cameo appearances in some early games before playing in two full series in the next-to-last game at Indiana. He’ll be in the starter’s mix this year, but likely behind fifth-year senior Michael Robinson.

John Peyton, WR, South Florida
Dade City, FL
Peyton literally chose his hometown Bulls over the Panthers on the morning of signing day, and Morelli’s decision had a lot to do with it. He started immediately and led the 4-7 Bulls in receptions with 22 while averaging 21.3 yards per catch. He also scored two touchdowns. The 6-5 Peyton should be one of the top playmakers in the Big East next season.

Alphonso Smith, CB, Wake Forest
Pahokee, FL
A multi-talented athlete, Smith’s choice of Wake over Pitt at the last-minute was a heart-breaker for the Pitt defensive coaching staff. Two of his high school teammates and friends also signed with Wake Forest. Smith redshirted in 2004, but both starting corners are gone and he’ll compete for time this spring.

Vernon Smith, LB, Butler County JC
Fort Lauderdale, FL
“Pig” Smith drew heavy interest from Oklahoma and others nationally. When it became obvious that he wouldn’t qualify academically, only Pitt, Mississippi State and Kansas State offered scholarships. He chose the Panthers but didn’t qualify. He was a top performer for Butler County Junior College in Kansas last fall, collecting 44 tackles and 2 sacks in 8 games. He’s eligible again in a year and is still interested in Pitt, but whether the new staff’s interest is mutual remains to be seen.