With barely a month to piece together his first recruiting class as the head coach of the University of Pittsburgh, Pat Narduzzi and his staff hit the ground running in order to make up for lost time. The result was a small, but impressive class consisting of 15 players for eight states. The list includes the #1 ranked recruit in the state of Pennsylvania, one JUCO performer, and a transfer who was one of top rated quarterbacks in the class of 2012.
Let’s take a closer look at Narduzzi’s initial class:
Malik Henderson-DB (Hallandale HS, Hallandale, FL) Henderson is a 6’1, 175 pound who was an early enrollee to Pitt in January. Listed as a 3-star cornerback by 24/7 recruiting services, Henderson will participate in Spring drills giving him a head start as a Panther. Considered an outstanding cover corner that is a great fit for Narduzzi’s aggressive man to man schemes.
Ben DiNucci-QB (Pine Richland HS, Wexford, PA) A longtime commit to the University of Pennsylvania, DiNucci (6’3, 195) might be the most interesting and debated commit in the 2015 class. After not only breaking the PIAA record for passing yards in a season with 4,269 yards and winning Player of the Year honors in the state, many were baffled by the lack of D1 offers for DiNucci. However, new offensive coordinator Jim Chaney, who has developed the likes of Kyle Orton and Drew Brees, loved what he saw in a private workout with DiNucci and offered. Could be a special player with the right development.
Tre Tipton-WR (Apollo-Ridge HS, Apollo, PA) One of the top athletes in the WPIAL, Tipton (6’1, 170) was ranked among the top 25 prospects in the state and played quarterback, running back and receiver during his HS career. Projects as a wide receiver for the Panthers.
Tony Pilato-OL (Hempfield HS, Greensburg, PA) Pilato (6’7,290) is considered one of the top OL prospects in PA, and has three-star rating from Rivals.com. A long time Pitt commit, has the frame to develop into a fine offensive tackle.
Jordan Whitehead-DB (Central Valley HS, Monaca, PA) Without question the gem of the 2015 class, Whitehead (5’11, 185) is one of the best players not only in PA, but in the country. An electrifying athlete who helped lead Central Valley to a WPIAL title and PIAA runner-up, Whitehead can do it all and do it well. Likely will play cornerback for the Panthers, but is capable of playing offense and seems likely to be big part of the Panther return game. Has a shot of playing immediately and make an impact.
Dane Jackson-DB (Cornell HS, Pittsburgh, PA) Another local standout whose athleticism sets him apart. Played at Quaker Valley during his football career and may need time to develop at the next level. Intriguing long term project who projects as a cornerback.
Alex Paulina-OL (Canon McMillan HS, Canonsburg, PA) The initial commit of the 2015 class under Paul Chryst, Paulina (6’4, 290) was a four year starter at Canon-Mac, and might be a future star for the Panthers at offensive guard. A physical mauler type, should be a welcome addition to the class.
Quadree Henderson-WR (Alexis I. Dupont HS, Wilmington, DE) Henderson (5’9, 172) was the top rated player from the state of Delaware, and has speed to burn. Might be the best recruit on offense that nobody is talking about. Projects as a slot receiver for the Panthers.
Jay Stocker-DB (Coatesville HS, Coatesville, PA) A late commit for Narduzzi, Stocker is one of the top players in PA, and projects as a safety at the next level. Narduzzi is known for his ability to develop defensive players and Stocker (6’2, 192) fits the mold of a the type of safety that can thrive under Narduzzi.
Allen Edwards-DE (JUCO-Dean College, MA) Edwards will come from the JUCO ranks to give the Panthers much needed depth at the defensive end position. Originally from Miami, Edwards (6’4, 245) is known for his pass rushing ability, evidenced by his 11 sacks this past season, which ranked him among the top ten in JUCO ranks.
Anthony McKee Jr.-LB (Walnut Ridge HS, Columbus, OH) Passing on offers from the likes of Oklahoma, Arkansas, and Michigan State, McKee (6’2, 195) is without question a welcome addition at a position of need. A speedster with range and plenty of room to put weight on his frame, McKee projects as an outside linebacker. The four-star recruit was a Narduzzi target at MSU.
Saleem Brightwell-LB (Paramus Catholic HS, Paramus, NJ) Another blue chip linebacking prospect with offers from Oregon, Miami, and Missouri, Brightwell (6’3, 215) projects as another athletic outside linebacker oozing with potential. Brightwell was a priority of the Narduzzi staff, and should bolster the defense considerably. Could see time as a freshman.
Darrin Hall-RB (Austintown-Fitch HS, Youngstown, OH) Hailing from Narduzzi’s neck of the woods, Hall is rated as one of the best running back recruits in Ohio and has a four-star ranking with ESPN.com. Hall (6’1, 215) is a downhill runner know for his toughness and ability to break tackles. Will add important RB depth with the potential departure of James Connor after the season.
Nathan Peterman-QB (Transfer, University of Tennessee) A former four-star quarterback prospect from the class of 2o12, Peterman will come in and add depth to the painfully thin position. Peterman has a relationship with OC Jim Chaney, and has some playing experience during his time at Tennessee. Likely will be the back up to incumbent Chad Voytik in 2015.
Gentry Ivery-WR (Mansfield Legacy HS, Mansfield, TX) Rated as a three-star prospect by ESPN.com, Ivery comes from Texas and will play wide receiver for the Panthers. Had interest from TCU.
