College Football Recruiting
University of Pittsburgh
By Chris Dokish

For the second year in a row, head coach Dave Wannstedt has secured a top 20 recruiting class, an amazing accomplishment considering the combined 11-12 record of his first two years.

Leading the way in talent, as well as name recognition, is RB LeSean McCoy. McCoy is the most talented running back the Panthers have recruited since Brian Davis. Pitt fans-and coaches-hope his college success will be better, though McCoy has not yet qualified academically. He has the kind of superstar talent that Wannstedt needs to improve his team.

Joining him on offense will be the top QB in the state, and one of the top 15 in the country, Pat Bostick. The 6'3" 220 pound signal caller is planning on enrolling at Pitt in June so that he can get a head start on the playbook.

Both will be joined in the backfield by high school superstar FB Henry Hynoski. The 240 pound battering ram is one of the most prolific backs in the history of the state and won four state titles at Southern Columbia HS. Other running back prospects include Floridians Xavier Stinson, a stocky back with a blue collar attitude, and athletic and powerful Greg Williams; plus New Jersey product Shariff Harris, another strong back with excellent speed. Stinson is only 5'9", but since Williams and Harris are over 200 pounds, look for a possible move to linebacker if McCoy pans out.

Wide receiver is another position that got better in a hurry as Erie's Moe Williams is one of the five best prospects in the state. He will be joined by McCoy's prep school teammate Aundre Wright, a 5'9" speedster that played at Perry Traditional Academy.

The surest bet to be a future star is OG Chris Jacobson of Keystone Oaks. At 6'3" and 300 pounds, he is one of the best interior line prospects in the country and almost certainly the meanest. Big 6'6" Dan Matha, as well as John Fieger and Greg Gaskins, have potential to help out down the road on the line.

Defensively, the Panthers continued to add both numbers and talent on the line. Wannstedt stole DE Tony Tucker out of Washington, DC and though currently a bit undersized at 6'2" 230, he has great quickness and explosiveness. Jacobson's high school teammate, Myles Caragein, is currently 275, but has the frame to be a 300 pound monster on the interior. Junior college standout Tommy Duhart committed to Walt Harris a few years ago, but didn't qualify. Now he is a 6'5" 295 pound athlete with an even brighter future.

At linebacker, Aliquippa's Brandon Lindsey has a lot of physical talent as does Tristan Roberts. Roberts is on the small side, however, at 6'0" and 210 pounds. In the secondary, cornerback Sherod Murdock originally committed to Alabama, but made the switch after a coaching change. Thomas Jefferson star Dom DeCicco could play early and often at safety, and some day could grow into a linebacker.

Chris Dokish is the recruiting editor for the Pittsburgh Sports Report.