University of Pittsburgh
By Chris Dokish

One would think that after five straight bowls, including the school’s first New Year’s day bowl in over 20 years, Pitt was finally ready to cash in with a top 20 recruiting class. It is a feat that has not been accomplished at the school since Mike Gottfried coached the Panthers in the late 80’s. But with the tenuous job status of coach Walt Harris looming over the season like a dark cloud, the staff spent most of the recruiting season trying to convince recruits to be a part of a program in flux.

Harris was eventually coerced to move on to Stanford and was replaced by former Pitt offensive lineman Dave Wannstedt. Wannstedt, considered an excellent recruiter during his days at Oklahoma State and Miami, came aboard at Pitt with a short window to try to salvage a recruiting season.

The best of the newcomers, and the most likely to make an immediate impact, is former Hopewell star Craig Bokor. The stout defensive lineman, who recommitted to the Panthers after a semester in prep school, could get immediate playing time at defensive tackle. LaRod Stephens of Johnstown has game breaking ability and could see time as a return man right away. If Duquesne running back Shane Brooks becomes eligible, he could compete in a suddenly promising running back group that includes late addition Conredge Collins out of Miami. The 5-11, 220-pound Collins chose Pitt over NC State, Miami and Florida.

Along with Bokor, Derrell Jones could make a push at defensive tackle thanks to his brute strength and run defense skills. Cornerback Bryan Williams, linebacker Steve Dell, and defensive tackle Rashaad Duncan all have the athleticism to make impacts in the near future.

The group is not highly rated but has raw ability. Under the circumstances it is not a bad group to transition into the Wannstedt era.