Sorry I missed the Sunday morning podcast for this week – my family took me out to Father’s Day Brunch at Laurel Racecourse for the all-you-can-eat buffet and wagering on the horseys.

Spent $87 on brunch and lost $25 on the nags so Dad was out of pocket $100 on the day. Thanks Family!!

Here are Pitt’s nine 2019 verbal commits as of this writing; not a bad haul for the 15 guests here on Official Visits weekend – and that is just up to now.  Maybe we get one or two more. Those fans who get off on Florida players will be excited – although the only other FL schools to have offered our recruits so far are USF, Florida International, FL Atlantic and FL A&M. Wondering where Florida, Florida State Miami and UCF are with these kids?

From Rivals.com:

NAME POS LOCATION HT WT RATING 
Davis Beville QB Greenville, SC 6’6″ 205 3*  5.7
Brandon Mack DE Montgomery, AL 6’4″ 215 3*  5.7
Travis Koontz TE Ventura, CA 6’5″ 260 3*  5.7
Brandon Hill DB Apopka, FL 6’0″ 190 3*  5.6
Deandre Jules DE Germantown, MD 6’3″ 220 3*  5.6
Calijah Kancey DT Miami, FL 6’1″ 265 3*  5.6
Vincent Davis RB Fort Lauderdale, FL 5’9″ 160 3*  5.5
Leslie Smith LB Miami, FL 6’0″ 189 3*  5.5
Khadry Jackson DB Orlando, FL 6’2″ 200 0*  NR

Funny that our recruit with the best offer (Nebraska) is non-ranked, however that is the best of the bunch.  The others have similar P5 offers as Pitt’s offer out are.

As I said in the podcast – if you really want the best take on Pitt’s current recruiting then you should listen to Rivals.com’s Chris Peak’s twice weekly “Panther-Lair” podcasts found here.

Here are our past Florida kids. I bolded those who were above average players:

Rashad Duncan
Tommie Duhart
Gus Mustakas and Steve Dell
Tamarcus Porter
Dexter Davidson
Jared Martin
Ricky Gary
Greg Romeus
Jabaal Sheard
Greg Williams
Sherod Murdock
Anthony Jackson
Joe Trebitz
Shane Gordon
Jason Douglas
Roderick Ryles
LaQuentin Smith
Ronald Jones
James Folston Jr.
Malik Henderson
Keyshon Camp
Henry Miller
Zack Williams
Rashad Weaver
Anthony Davis
Deslin Alexandre
Albert Tucker

Here are the Top 50 Recruiters Nationally for 2019 – notice salaries

https://247sports.com/Season/2019-Football/CompositeCoachRankings

2019 Top ACC Recruiting by Team (Pitt has nine with one NR kid)

https://247sports.com/Season/2019-Football/CompositeTeamRankings?Conference=ACC

2018 Top ACC

https://247sports.com/Season/2018-Football/CompositeCoachRankings?Conference=ACC

POV Fundraising – got first one today and haven’t even started yet.

 

 

Michaelangelo holds a degree in Travel Writing from the University of Pittsburgh. He was a former staff writer for InPittsburgh Newsweekly, and currently resides near Atlanta, Georgia. He has been a Pitt fan since 1997 after he witnessed Pitt upset #22 Miami on Thursday night at Pitt Stadium.

292 thoughts on “POV Sunday Afternoon Podcast; June 17th”

  2. Just like Pitt is not Penn State, Pitt is not Florida, Florida St or Miami. Even if Pitt is winning 10 games a season and winning the Coastal they will not be competitive with those schools. Smh.

    UCF had the 74th rated class last year and currently is 71st with 6 recruits. One 3 star and 5 NR. They’re not listed bc they can’t compete with the P5 schools competing for the kids.

    Btw, those NR and two star Florida players lead them to be the self proclaimed national champs.

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    1. If Pitt wins 10 games a year and the coastal, it will be competitive with Miami at least

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      1. News flash! Pitt is competitive with Miami any year that they beat them. So yeah, we’re competitive.

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      2. Dr Tom/deep -I meant competitive in a recruiting war in Florida against those schools. Not on the field. If Miami is recruiting a kid in Miami, he’s going to Miami no matter how good Pitt is.

        Pitt has beaten Clemson and Miami in back to back years. They’re already competitive.

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  5. Really good day for Pitt. This is a great (late) start to the class. Yes we need some elite talented players but it’s hard to argue this is not a good day for Pitt.

    Liked by 1 person

  6. Another mystery commit 7:49 PM

    You also left NJ DE Bryce Helms 6’6 255

    Picked PITT over Nebraska!, UCF!, Maryland, Boston College, hometown Rutgers, Virginia, Kentucky, Purdue, Minnesota, Syracuse, Duke and many others

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  7. FYI, that was just speculation on my part as he really liked the visit. But maybe Carter Rb 4 star rated 22nd in Florida. We will know later who it is.

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  8. Check out Our zero star recruit’s HUDL tape for offense. I will take him zero stars and all. And I think you will too. He also has a defense tape and it’s equally impressive.

    https://www.hudl.com‭(954) 982-2329‬/video/3/6394361/59b07d025b471a0cf8ea6fea

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  9. Sorry, Vincent David is a 3*. Khandry Jackson is the zero star. And he looks good too. But really, check out Vincent Davis. A football player for sure.

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  11. Pitt’s problem has been getting 3* who play like 2*

    Getting 3* if they play like 3* is fine with me

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  13. In my opinion, we have little clues of how Narduzzi’s recruits have played. If you think you do, you don’t like Narduzzi, plain and simple, or you don’t really know today’s PITT football or football in general. This and next year is the barometer. Carry on folks.

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    1. Agree ike. Narduzzi has generally been afraid to play younger players so naturally we wouldn’t see much from his recruits yet.

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    2. Shhh … too much truth for this crowd. How dare you say that a team of red shirt sophomores can’t be judged yet.

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    3. This year is really important. It’s Narduzzi’s team now. Eight wins is the bar set for acceptable success in my mind.

      Liked by 1 person

        1. There’s eight wins in this schedule. We split our OOC slate. We beat Albany &,,,,,,,,,,,,? Out of penn state, UCF & ND, I know who I want to be Pitt’s other victim.

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  14. Hey 2003, just watch this years defense and then tell me how good Narduzzi is. Wins may be at a premium but the play will speak for itself.

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  15. I don’t want to give away anymore info as jimmie one finger may be listening. Get ready for the biggest night in PITT football history!!

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  16. Pitt and BC are identical in recruiting this year. 11 recruits and all 3 star recruits. Tech has three 4 stars. Miami has seven 4 stars. Pitt still has zero. Pitt wont be able to win the Division without getting 4 stars.

    So Pitt has what about 10 more scholies to give. That means 50% of the remaining pretty much need to be 4 stars in order to compete.

    Guess what folks, that aint happening.

    Sorry to rain on your Father’s Day but call me unimpressed with Pitt’s haul of participation trophies today.

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  17. Eric, I wish you the very best and have been thinking about you friend. You are not alone………!!!!!

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  18. Number 9 is Brandon George a MLB who fits the need for size at line backer. Ryan Snyder rivals guy from the other side of PA thinks he is the real deal. Called him the best recruit Pitt got today. We will see. But he does have size and is one strong young man. and runs pretty well. Comparable to Wirginis.

    Liked by 1 person

  19. ^^a good pick-up that many will complain about and pick apart. Much like the idiots they are. I’ll keep rolling along and hail to PITT!

    Miss you M&M and EE!

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    2. You are a nice guy but know so little about recruiting and football it is scary.

      Where is Jay when I need him?

      I agree with Tex. Call me unimpressed. Give him the money to buy a Benz and Narduzzi drives in and parks are 2011 Corolla.

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      1. Jay is smart enough to know when you just have to give credit. Some fight the obvious and make themselves look silly.

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        1. If you choose to be impressed by 3 stars with mediocre offers and expect this staff to win with that then okay. Good luck with that.

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          1. It’s stiff competition today with Tx Panther but you still get today’s troll🏆.
            Tx🥈.

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  20. NBC Sports reporting that Pitt may have a new director of recruiting, and its not me. I’m bummed after all the work I did behind the scenes to make today happen. – Hobie

    “Mississippi State assistant director of football operations Reed Case has taken the director of recruiting position at Pitt. Both positions are off-the-field roles but as anybody who has worked in a football office will tell you, each is crucial to the day-to-day success of a program.”

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  21. These recruits are solid but unspectacular. Like Shiner Bock. I’d bring it to a tailgate but not a wedding reception.

    Do you think Penn State fans would be this giddy if they matched Rutgers in recruiting.

    Well Pitt fans, we are matching BC right now.

    Just tells me we are so damn beaten down and that the bar is set so low that 11 3 stars are made out by some that its proof of progress and better times ahead.

    3 stars gets you more 6-6 seasons people.

    And please dont tell me that these 3 stars are really 4 stars if they played in the WPIAL.

    Please dont tell me that Narduzzi and his staff will coach them up and make them 4 stars

    Please dont tell me that come year 4 that having no 4 stars recruited isnt a big deal

    Please dont tell me you know anything about football if you truly believe these things

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    1. “These recruits are solid but unspectacular. Like Shiner Bock. I’d bring it to a tailgate but not a wedding reception.” LMAO

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  22. Calm down Tx and let’s play this season and then you can jump up and down at how lousy PITT is when they suck. I’ll take it like the man I am but you should be ready as well. I looked up today and it was a sunny day. What did you see in Texas? PITT and Narduzzi did really well today, sorry for the breaking news, It just proves to me that you just have some sort of problem within the program right now.

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  23. I’m not over the moon with these kids, but I’m not completely down on them either. I will say a lot of those power 5 offers are from some pretty bad teams. Lots of BC, Cuse, Md, UVA, Rutgers, etc. Some decent ones, just what you’d expect from that level players. Guess I fall somewhere between Ike and Upitt. Gee, that makes me a 3*. Go Pitt!

    Seriously, the thing about 3s is your margin of error is less. You have to have several outplay their ratings. There is a lot less chance of a 4 bombing than a 3*. Of course it happens, but you can’t make a living staying on that razors edge.

    Hope these kids work out. I’m really looking forward to this yer. Interesting theater for sure.

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  24. Ike..

    Please don’t speak for me.. I have made a choice to avoid the recruiting conversation going forward.

    If you choose to take it as confirmation of your position, that is your choice.

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  25. I’d characterize it like this: it’s a decent start to this recruiting class, but it leaves a lot of work left to be done.

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  26. Tx – Penn State and Pitt aren’t in the same stratosphere as far as their standings in college football or brand recognition. Why even make that comparison. Who cares what PSU would think of these recruits? It has no bearing on what Pitt does. Pitt was starting from ground zero. No name recognition. 5 coaches this decade. 5 lost recruiting classes. 5 mishmashed recruiting classes. This is how you build a program. I agree at some point they’ll have to recruit the way you want them to … but they’re at least two steps removed from that point. This nonsense about the recruits is absurd. Pitt currently has the 5th best class in the ACC and 31st in the country and not even half way to filling it. Relax already.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Pitt’s 2019 recruiting class looks a hell of a lot better on Monday than it looked like last Friday. Some people just don’t realize how to enjoy good fortune.

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Agreed – we go from calling for HCPN to be fired since we had zero recruits, to complaining who the 11 recruits are…after a ‘splash’ weekend. These are the same folks that flip/flop about the OOC schedule being too easy to too difficult! SOP fans.

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  27. Yes they are all three stars. But they are the majority FL and Southern (AL, SC) three stars. And to put this all in perspective, i’ve been following recruiting closely since 1998, so that’s 20 years. I’ve never once seen, heard or experienced 9 commits in a weekend. Yes we may not know what we have on the field, but I for one have enjoyed the hell out of this evening.

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    1. & a half dozen of these kids are “High” three stars (numerical 247 Sports rating above 0.8500).
      No homerun gets this weekend but to look down your nose at this weekend’s Pitt recruiting accomplishments is to expose your disconnect with the reality of what Pitt football is as of year four of the Narduzzi Era here at Pitt.

      Those of you who remain disenchanted with Pitt’s recruiting efforts as of this morning really need to consider altering your college allegiances, simply to help improve your mental outlook of the world as it actually exists.

      “Realists” often condemn the optimists among us Pitt fans when we express our hopes for successful season campaigns, accusing us of possessing “unrealiatic” expectations. Well if after this weekend, increasing Pitt’s 2019 recruiting roster by some 400% these same realists are dissing the lack of four stars in our weekend haul, then my question is why aren’t the realists keeping it real?

      Your lives would be much happier if tou’d just declare yourselves Ohio State fans, really.

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  28. UCF who will be favored vs NC and Pitt are full of two stars and some three stars from Florida. They beat Maryland badly at Maryland, beat Navy at Navy and beat Auburn which many thought would be a final four team with one game to go. Now I am not suggesting they are beating Bama. But to dismiss Pitt getting talent that UCF would love to have suggests recruiting from a strong area like Southern Florida or SEC caliber recruits will pay nice dividends for Pitt. Pitt did very well today getting those commits. If the Ol is capable, Pitt can be good to very good. Good things are happening and for those who are stuck with the SOP, mantra, good luck with that.

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  29. Bring on the chorus of downbeaters led by Reed, Tx, Jay and Upitt. We have some others that are auditioning for the chorus and I’m sure will be joining the group shortly.

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    1. That’s why I’m commenting again. Just offering some counterpoints today the constant dunn of negativity that permeates this blog most of the time.

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  30. Not pro or con…just stating the fact that it is still June. These recruiting websites will be updating their star ratings as players continue moving thru offseason camps/showcases- and, of course, as the high-school season is completed. It is quite possible that some of these kids will gain another star before LOI as well as receive offers from bigger programs as those schools look to fill out their classes.

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  32. Tossing is correct.

    Stop the PSU comparisons until Pitt has the same football budget.

    5th in the ACC right now. Great start.

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  34. I hope Narduzzi goes on vacation to Disney World again next weekend.

    Trying to turn this past weekend into a negative? You’re busted.

    PITT now rank #31 in recruiting. Not that I really care much about that.

    As Mick Jagger once said. “Charlie is good tonight isn’t he” from get your Ya Ya’s out.

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  35. Some on here didn’t listen to the podcast. I was saying it was a good weekend.

    But there has to be a thread of reality here also folks.

    Let me ask a couple questions of you. First if we got these kids individually and not all in one weekend over the summer and toward the end of the recruiting class would you all be as excited about each recruit then as you are now?

    Also we are averaging less than three stars right now so let me ask a couple questions of you.

    We are getting kids having mediocre offers…most times Pitt being the best program on their listing.

    There is nothing wrong with 3-star kids as long as you have other, better and more desirable recruits who are better than that to fill out the recruiting class.

    I’m not sure that we’re going to be able to do that yet since we haven’t done it in the last 2 years.But we’ll see on that count as there is still 6 months left.

    Second question:

    Honestly, this is Pat Narduzzi’s 4th full class – he’s had three full seasons now to prove his worth to recruits and their parents. Tell me honestly if this is what you expected us to be getting in recruiting when Pat Narduzzi was hired and you were very excited about what kind of recruits he had playing for him and Michigan State.

    If you are satisfied on those counts, especially after 16 wins in his first two years then you yourself have set the recuiting bar pretty low.

    It isn’t what we all expected folks and there’s something wrong with that.

    Also, snide comments aside about the last two recruiting classes, how do you think his first two recruiting classes have done so far on the field…and I mean actual recruits?

    His 2015 recruits and his 2016 kids? Pitt fans were over the top about his recruiting back then yet we have seen only three kids do anything really… Brightwell, then Weaver and Pickett both in limited action.

    Not one recruit hit the scene with great play in their first two years as we have seen happen many times in recent Pitt history.

    This was a decent start and that’s it. The one weekend circumstances made it more exciting.

    The key will be star power kids deciding to play at Pitt. So far he’s been sorely lacking in that area.

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    1. Answer to question #1, No.
      Answer to question #2, I expect to see at least a couple four stars in every Narduzzi recruiting class.

      Now my question. How does Reed rationalize his negatively, exposing the obvious lack of true blue chipper recruits in this weekend’s haul, to substantiate his tendency to view all things Pitt football with a glass half empty attitude?

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  36. Reed, my comment wasn’t thrown in your direction.

    I still say this year is when we learn a little more about Narduzzi’s recruiting class players.

    I am getting more and more confident about this coming years defense.

    No doubt Narduzzi works in mysteries ways but it seems to work somehow. My first name is Thomas but I don’t doubt.

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  37. Recent experience has shown that ….

    — if Pitt is going to get an early 4-star recruit, it will likely be a local guy who always intended on staying close …. i.e. J Whitehead and Paris Ford

    — otherwise, 4-stars will come late in January and early Feb. In fact, Pitt’s only 4-star last year was one of the last commits.

    wwb

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Not sure what difference that make, we have offers out to 90+ 4* recruits, who cares where they come from or when?

      In the ’16 class we had five 4* kids…three out of state.

      In ’17 we had three 4* recruits…two out of state and in ’18 we had exactly one 4* kid also out of state.

      See a trend here? Mostly out of state and dwindling.

      I guarantee you that PN asked way more than only one 4* recruit to make an official visit last weekend and pulling in just one, who didn’t commit, has to change.

      His problem has been getting blue Chip kids to actually take official visits to Pitt.

      ’16; seven 4* visits
      ’17;. Five 4* visits
      ’18;. Only one 4* visit
      ’19; so far only one 4* visit

      Official visits are the key to recruiting as we just saw. But getting only 3* & 2* to take them to Pitt isn’t going to cut it in the long run.

      Unless Pitt fans are completely happy with 3* and 2* recruits filling every spot on the roster, and I’m not, then there’s concern moving forward.

      Again, we are going to have a majority of 3* kids on roster so this weekend was fine, but doing this level for 16 more recruits is not good.

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  38. and oh. I really do like these new players if from Florida or BFE. Apparently Rivals think they are good too. #31

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  39. Opinions are just that. But the facts are also facts. Narduzzi has recruited far better that any head coach including Wanny since Gotfried. Pitt has Pickett, Patti and now Beville all capable of being a good to very good Div 1 QB. Pitt has play makers on D and it will be a real strength this year. The days of pin ball machine scoring on Pitt is over. . Only the OL has numerous question marks but unlike the other programs, They still have many options in bodies. RB is good and WR is not weak. The program is in it’s best position and in a real conference generating some real money. But some are stuck back in the 70;s and 80;s and use that as the barometer of Pitt football. Not realistic for many reasons and 2018 will be a year that has real promise, Some hiccups along the way but in the end Pitt is capable of winning the coastal.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Care to buy a bridge?

      When Billy Hillgrove starts calling out names like Dickerson, Byham, McCoy, Lewis, Baldwin, Conner, Boyd, Donald, Jacobson, Otah,…just to name a few then you can say that.

      So far show me one kid who actually committed to Pat Narduzzi himself that has been a difference maker over a full season.

      Who would that be? Not Whitehead, Hall, O’Neill or Henderson…they all were recruited by and committed to Paul Chryst.

      Aston walked on under Chryst also… So who?

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      2. Ask that same question at the end of this season Reed & we’ll have multiple choice answers to choose from, I predict.

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  40. @Tossing – yes, we sit in a good spot, but we probably should agree that every other team is only about 1/2 way done too. No guarantee that we go much higher without a couple 4 stars. A solid start this year. Let’s hope a few don’t get picked off as the big programs start to round out their classes. When is the early signing period?

    What I would love to see is the landing of the big OL for 2020 Johnson, the coaches son(?). He is a high 4 or low 5 star. An early commitment could lead to other OL big commits which is exactly what we need going forward and to turn the corner programmatically.

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  41. Just got off the phone with a great friend of mine. BigB. He just made my day and I just had to post this it made me feel so good. I just have to wonder what I did to deserve such a friend and friends on the POV? You guys are great and that includes Upitt even though some may think we don’t like each. (not true) It was a good weekend that came at a good time for PITT and me……

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  42. Chethejet-There is no question you are correct Narduzzi has recruited far better than any coach except Wanny over the last 20 years if you go by the rankings that the “realists” on here value. Let’s be fair too, Narduzzi is recruiting against Franklin and not Paturdo and sanctioned Ped St. His players of course haven’t been major contributors because Narduzzi likes playing experienced guys.
    The reality is things aren’t complete rainbows and complete euphoria, but they are not nearly as bad as the “realists” aka Narduzzi haters think.

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    1. And Narduzzi is adapting about as well as could be hoped for to the drain in WPIAL talent over the last two years.

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  44. I’ve waited until now to comment on this current recruited group. One thing that sticks out to me is the number of tweeners in the group, which could explain why they were recruited by the lesser P5s rather than the elite programs. A DT at 265 lbs, a RB at 5′ 9″, DEs at 215 and 220 lbs with insufficient height to block passes in the flat, A QB who is 6′ 6″ and 205 lbs. This QB must gain weight or will be too fragile to last long. If he gains weight will be be able to run? Will the undersized DEs be moved to LB? Look how long Ziese took to adjust to LB.

    Part of the ranking process is to project how these guys will do at the next level. And they are 3 stars for a reason. The 30s ranking is really a function of the number not quality of recruits. As other programs add 4 stars, this ranking will go down. I’m not down on this class at this point, if PN follows up with at least 3 or 4 4 stars. If not, it is mediocre at best.

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    1. Watch the 5’9” RB’s HUDL tape. In my life and I’m no spring chicken I have never seen an athlete with his balance.

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  45. VOR a couple of these players are really exceptional in different ways. Kancey looks like an Aaron Donald clone except bigger than AD was when he first came to PITT.

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    1. Ike, let’s be honest here. You have said something like that about PN’s recruits for four years now and who, so far mind you, has played to your expectations?

      And can we please stop with the “recruits need three years to produce”. That just isn’t true in this day and age except for maybe OL but even many of them are starting in their first couple of years on teams all over the nation

      Again, I’ll cite Conner, Boyd, Whitehead, Henderson, O’Neill, Hall among others in the more past who kicked ass in year one or two.

      All were stars pretty much right away. And it happened regularly understand DW.

      Someone please show me one Narduzzi commit who has done the same.

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  46. Pitt will almost always have to go after the “tweeners” at this stage in the program. Until we enter the top 25 on a consistent basis we will have to satisfied with the very athletic tweeners going forward. I do believe our 2018 tweeners will surprise many this year.

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    1. Why is that. We just came off two 8 wins seasons jrn, we hadn’t done that in six years.

      In 2017 we should have been raking in top kids but had all 3* save one 4* kid.

      We blew that winning momentum big time.

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  47. Couple of offensive line hopefuls.

    Ja’quaun Hubbard from Sharpesville
    Rouse from Maryland
    Boatreng
    Malone
    Whigan
    and believe it or not Hornibrook. Who was recently bounced up to a 3*

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  49. ike, I love your optimism, and I’m with you on most things. But this class so far relies on some good athletes making significant adjustments and/or physical changes and learning new positions during their careers. They may contribute as Jrs. or Srs. if they last that long. Do you really think that a 160 lb RB, no matter how fast he is, will be making a significant contribution to the running game except as a kick returner? I know Dorsett did it, but he was a special athlete.

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  50. One is a four star Reed. The kid from Pa no less right up 79

    Again. If Narduzzi’s recruits schitt the bed this year then I will have a clear vision of what’s going on down on the southside, until then ??

    Look at you giving me the business today…

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  53. Comparing Wanny to Narduzzi is problematic. Narduzzi has to and rightlfully so expand the recruiting to GA, Bama, and certainly Florida. WPIAL is simply not as robust and while Narduzzi has missed on Hudson who is a stud and the QB who was never coming, Narduzzi is bringing in talent. But the QB recruiting is finally on track. the most important position to recruit and Wanny was bad. Chryst is equally suspect. That alone is a huge impact on any program. So by offers and lack of Mac guys mooselodge recruited and Wanny with far to many reaches as well. You think without Peterman Pitt wins 8 games two years in a row? QB recruiting is what makes a difference in programs like Pitt.

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  54. Narduzzi also missed on Raines but then again PITT missed on his cousin Dravon Henry a few years earlier who had already gone to WVU. << that’s why Kwantel followed there. The table was not exactly set for HCPN when he came to PITT.

    But wholey heck… Look at the QB’s Narduzzi has brought to PITT! I think it’s an impressive list so far.

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  55. I know everyone hates talking attendence because it’s a dead horse and we all acknowledge it’s an issue but I truly feel it’s the only thing holding recruiting back. Everything else is in place. But until Pitt can regularly attract 45-50K+ fans, they’re not going to regularly attract 4* recruits. It’s really that simple.

    Pitt will get a small handful each class but expecting Narduzzi on personality alone to consistently convince 4* kids to come to Pitt over PSU, VT, ND, even WVU(!) when we have 30K fans in our stadium is unrealistic. I really don’t think it’s any more complicated than this. It’s just reality.

    Let’s hope the coaches can develop these 3* kids and for Pitt to start winning – consistently.
    If Pitt can put a consistent winner on the field, the fans will come; the recruiting will improve. I just don’t see it happening overnight when you’re battling 30 years of mediocrity.

    Like

    1. Pitt averages between 30 and 50k fans each year. Thats a historical 40 years attendance range. But in Heinz, 50k fans compete with 20k yellow seats.

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      1. Well, the “offical” attendance number that gets announced, which I assume is what gets used for these historical averages is often comically inflated.

        Look, everyone agrees that Heinz isn’t the ideal size for Pitt but 50K fans, even with 20K empty seats scattered about, while not perfect, creates a pretty good atmosphere (for Pitt standards). If Pitt could pull that off consistently – game in and game out – with higher spikes for the big games, I think a lot of the complaints about recruiting go away.

        My only point is that until Pitt solves their attendance problem, expecting Pitt to stay even with the local powerhouses is a fool’s errand.

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  56. Mark (Upitt) that’s a great point. So what you may be saying is that you could be being a little tough on him due to a lower budget he has to work with? I always knew you were a smart young fellow. 🙂

    Like

  57. PN’s best recruits:

    Whitehead
    Tipton
    Q Henderson
    Dane Jackson
    Hall
    Brightwell
    Hendrix
    Hamlin
    Picket
    Camp
    Weaver
    Idowu
    Tucker
    Watts
    Pine
    Elias Reynolds
    Morissey
    Patrick Jones
    Deslin Alexandre
    Peterman

    Yes, some verbally committed to Chryst, but PN got them to sign on the dotted line. He had to recruit them all over again after Chryst’s not so friendly departure. Some players did not stick to their verbals and Narduzzi gets credit for the loses also.

    This year will tell us if many are good enough because this will be their first year with major playing time. You will see many of them become excellent players.

    The problem I see, that many have stated, where are the offensive players besides Picket and Peterman. OL, WR, RB??????

    Some young guys better step up this year.

    Like

    1. That isn’t how it works with transient recruits NRS.

      Unless there is a big external problem like we saw in the 2010 class with DW kids backing out of commitments that late are actually very rare.

      Whitehead, Hall, Henderson, O’Niell etc. were at Pitt as the result of 12 to 18 months of hard work by Chryst and his staff. That is how that happened.

      I personally spoke to both Whitehead and Hall at Pro Timing Days and when I asked both said they were going to stay committed no matter who was coming in. It is the same with almost every change over in staff.

      Chryst was mandated by SP to turn away some Graham recruits in the 2012 class but none left on their own accord.

      Also, getting transfers are not at all like recruiting a HS player either. Transfers have maybe one or two P5 offers to chose from and that has been the case with every transfer we have gotten (Town had zero other than Pitt) so don’t lump them in with recruiting either.

      Besides, how well have our transfers worked out save Peterman and Lopez?

      The bald fact is that of the recruits Narduzzi had to actually work over time with to convince the recruit, his HS coach and his parents are the ones from the 2016 class onward only and not one of them has shown anything but being average in long term play so far…notice I said so far. PI

      Don’t spin things that just aren’t there.

      Like

      1. My comments are not a spin. If all the kids were a sure thing, then why did some not sign with Pitt?

        You can go out and read recruiting articles about Tennessee, Nebraska, etc. trying to hang on to classes the previous staff had committed. I think you are under estimating the effort it takes a staff to keep a class together.

        Some of the class may have known they were staying but an incoming coach doesn’t know what their intent is. They were probably the first calls he made and he had to kiss their a$$es until LOI day. I can also guarantee you other colleges were calling trying to flip kids.

        It isn’t the same as getting a brand new recruit, but it take major effort from the staff.

        I think they deserve credit for it.

        Like

  58. I bet there is at least 1, and possibly more, of this past weekends recruits who gets more offers this Fall from some “bigger” schools and jumps ship. Then the tune will change – and it will be all about how we can’t recruit or keep the good players – you know the same players some of you are saying suck right now.
    What I can’t understand is why some continue to expect Pitt to recruit at a level that is far above the level of a school who has the attendance of a Wednesday night Pirate game. You can’t compare the atmosphere at Pitt to OSU, PSU, ND, UM, MSU, Nebraska, MD, etc. And that is what these kids want!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Well said JJ. I would say the “realists” are those of us who realize recruiting at the level of PSU (with franklin), ND, etc is far fetched. And the coach who could do that at pitt year in and year out (although there is no chance) would be gone asap.

      Liked by 1 person

    1. But, but, but…Pat Narduzzi is a “Pitt Man” through and through Ike. Isn’t that what every Pitt fan thinks?

      I still say if he wins 9 games at Pitt he’ll be gone the next year. That won’t happen this year though.

      Like

  60. Remember the definition of insanity: Doing the same thing over and over, and expecting a different result. To be kind, “average” in means “average” out. Pitt fans cannot expect to see above average performance on the field when only average talent is coming in. So JJ and PitMan, if we are expecting anything different on the field, then we all should expect a higher level of recruiting.

    Liked by 2 people

  61. Whithorn..I hear you and I think most agree that winning should help attendance but I think the elephant in the room are the young folks waning interest in sports in general and more specifically, football. This not only affects Pitt but most schools outside a few where the tradition of attending and cheering their keeps on rolling from generation to generation.

    The computer and cellphone hooked generation concerns me. Kids are not playing football which was a staple years ago…for a variety of reasons… I have my own opinions but I see declining levels in participation and spectators in our traditional sports as time marches on.

    Like

  62. VOR: Narduzzi is recruiting better than any pitt coach except wanny over the last 20-30 years . And he wasnt custom wrapped players like dorian johnson and tyler boyd. The wpial is as bad as it’s been and the competition for the back yard is as tough as it’s been. Yeah we would like more 4-5 stars but give the guy a little credit.

    Like

  63. If Duzz was at PSU, OSU or Bama he would land several four-star recruits each year….

    I can anticipate the blow-back on that statement.

    Like

    1. Those schools land because of name alone
      They are proven football factories, elite programs and have a cult like following
      Dooz would probably find a way to lose a 4 star at OSU to Indiana and Meyer would promptly fire his arse

      Like

  64. I’ve told my family for 30 years, if there is something on your mind that is bothering you? Identify it. Then ask yourself how you can fix the problem or dilemma. If you can you fix it, do what you have to do. Either talk about it so you can get it off your mind or take action or else you have to take a deep breath and move on. It has worked for me so far.

    Liked by 1 person

  66. As I write this, Pitt is 29 on Rivals rankings (of course, subject to change)

    Ranking under Narduzzi: 65 29 38 36

    Rankings under Chryst: 47 35 44

    Chryst greatly benefited because of PSU sanctions and he had 27 scholarships to award in 2013 … yet 35th was the highest he achieved.

    Bottom line …. it is hard to recruit at Pitt

    wwb

    Like

      1. Doesn’t that show he is a better coach than Chryst that he got better results with the same players except for the QB Peterman than Narduzzi brought in?

        Like

      2. How many did Chryst win in total at Pitt? I think maybe 18 in 3 years.

        I was a fan of Paul as a human being, not as a HC. Hope he beats the pedos in creepy valley this season.

        Like

    2. I fully agree that it’s hard to recruit at Pitt, especially since Wannstedt left. I’d also suggest that it’s kind of silly to be arguing over recruiting rankings of 2019 high school kids, especially over positional differences of 10-15 slots well outside the Top 15.

      The Penn State sanctions were announced in July, 2012. Therefore there is little clear benefit to Chryst on his first class. The removal of the sanctions was announced in September, 2014.

      I’d argue that any benefit that Chryst derived from sanctions was nullified by the coaching tumult that immediately preceded him. Wannstedt’s awkward departure amid visible player support. The brief hire of Haywood. The subsequent hire and sudden exit of Fraud. The rumors surrounding Fraud’s exit. Pederson remaining throughout. IMO Chryst dealt with far more adversity in this context than did Narduzzi.

      I’m not sure whether it would have impacted his recruiting, but Chryst had to assess and slot talent from Fraud’s one and only transitional class (players recruited for “high octane” offense and defense). I believe Reed has also stated that Chryst was given a clear mandate to clean up the program. A self sanctioning of sorts. Then again he recruited Travon Chapman who was later dismissed..

      Given the on field performance in 2010 and 2011 while in the Big East I am not sure whether the upcoming entry into the ACC would have been good or bad for Chryst’s recruiting for the 2012 or 2013 classes. By rights it should have been helpful but…

      I am happy that seemingly talented guys committed over the weekend. However these are once again players that most likely require lengthy development over a couple of seasons. This hasn’t yet been a proven strength of Narduzzi. However I hope to see it in 2018.

      Like

  67. @wwb first 2 years for pc was recruiting in the bad big east. he was also working under nordy/smiley. when pc left, gallagher was very interested in his thoughts for a reason. we all know what happened to smiley after gallagher got on board.

    Recruiting with ACC money is different than recruiting with Big East money. Comparing the two is not apples to apples.

    Like

    2. actually PC had 2 years in ACC, yet finished 44th in his 3rd year at Pitt in 2014 … which greatly affected the team’s performance this past season

      it works both ways ………. wwb

      Like

  68. Reed wrote an excellent and insightful article not long ago, about our University’s mission and how it relates to football.

    I’d suggest anyone dissatisfied with our recruiting classes reread it.

    If our own University cares not for football, nor pays 4 star saleries to our recruiters, why would anyone be disappointed with the football recruiting results?

    We are lucky to even have a football team.

    Like

  69. Never mind facts…the Narduzzi haters just want him fired. Great way to treat a coach whose had three seasons of relative success for pitt in wins and recruiting. One bad year…fire him. Ridiculous

    Like

    1. He had success in his first two years due to Canada, Nate and other Chryst recruits on O. If Pitt just had a defense they might have gone to the ACC championship and a New Years Bowl.

      Last year was abysmal.

      This year is shaping up for another 5 wins if you believe Vegas

      Another abysmal year and plain average recruiting class (avg 3.0 stars) will at least put him on the hot seat.

      I’m thinking he has maybe 3 more cat lives left

      Like

  70. I thought the POV had a new rule where Paul Chryst name was not to be brought again and again. Yet when anyone mentions Pat Narduzzi’s first two year regular season record I keep hearing Paul Chryst’s name? PN won with PC’s recruits.

    Suggestion here: Go to your bathrooms and look yourself in the mirror. Ask yourselves ……. do I like Narduzzi or not? There is no reason to deny or lie to yourself while you are alone in the bathroom. is there?

    Like

    1. Ike, I now have two things on which I fully agree with you!

      Let Chryst go!

      Let’s wait until at least the 2021 season to judge the 2019 recruits.

      What matters the most in judging the performance of PN is what happens on the field in 2018. He needs to find 2 wins in the non-con and be competitive in any losses as well as turn that conference record around. He’s got my vote if he meets or exceeds that. It shows me that 2017 was a blip.

      Liked by 2 people

    2. I never liked Narduzzi. He is a blowhard without the results.

      That said if he won and recruited well I’d look past it. He doesn’t and he won with Chryst’s players. We saw a taste of his own last year. He won 5 games.

      Like

      1. Usually people like other people with similar personalities. You and Naduzzi should be pals Upitt.

        Like

    1. and who should get credit for the O game plan…not Narduzzi
      And I take it Narduzzi also hired his D coordinator…is Narduzzi not to blame for that?

      Like

  72. Second question in the bathroom alone. Do you really really like PITT?

    BTW Tx, Nate was a Narduzzi recruit.

    Like

  73. Two kids that visited last weekend would be really nice additions.

    Daniel Carter. Offers from Auburn/Florida/FSU/Georgia/Michigan/OSU/Tenn/VT/WVU. Other offers as well

    Keshon Brown. Offers from Alabama/Florida/Georgia/LSU/Oregon/Texas AM. Other offers as well

    Like

  74. This year is shaping up for another 8 win season if Pickett stays upright all year long. A good QB can make a BIG difference as we witnessed when Peterman was the QB. Pickett will be better than Peterman IMHO.

    Like

    1. Agreed. Eight wins, no excuses this year. It’s Narduzzi’s team now, through & through. Time to put up.

      Like

  75. Tx: yeah Vegas is saying a five win season. But do you give Narduzzi any leeway given the fact we have by far the hardest nonconference schedule? My guess is you don’t

    Like

    1. although the ooc schedule is tough says espn. Penn State is a rivalry game. UCF lost their coaching staff and several key players. Pitt does well recently against the Domers who tend to be over-rated every year. So I actually dont buy the real tough ooc.

      Pitts conference schedule isnt that tough either. Playing in Miami will be the toughest game. If I had faith in our head coach, I would say that this game would decide the winner of the division. But I’m yee of little faith.

      Like

  76. Clearly, Pitt can have good academics and a good football program as well. Look at Michigan and Stanford to see what can be done. So academic requirements are no excuse. That said, we are all hoping for Narduzzi to do well as measured by wins on the field. Most POVers who are down on Narduzzi are not haters, but simply fans who are tired of losing. It would be interesting so see how quickly everyone would get on the PN bandwagon after a couple of 9-10 win seasons. There is nothing personal about this, just POVers who are skeptical about the recruiting results after watching Pitt recruit for the past 30 years.

    Like

  77. Barvo: glad we have found some common ground. I joke when I say you’re telling me I’m like a broken clock, right twice a day? 🙂

    Like

  78. This is what happens when you try to talk Pitt football 24/7/365 …

    This team will have such a different look than we’ve had in the past, it’s not even worth speculating until we see them on the field.

    Yes, some recruits may flip. That’s the nature of the beast. Until they do, it’s not even worth speculation about however.

    Reed – What is the point of continually saying you think Narduzzi will leave with success? I don’t see the value added to the conversation on pure conjecture. If he leaves, he leaves. So what? Until he does he is Pitt’s head coach. It’s such a defeatist attitude. “It doesn’t matter, if Pitt’s coach is successful they’ll leave anyways.” I really don’t see the point of that argument.

    Like

    1. In case you haven’t notice blogs and message board’s currency is projections and speculation.

      Most on here are pure speculators – every time someone says we’ll have a great defense or we’ll win 8,9,10 games is speculating.

      The facts elude them such as having a five win season…after the same old speculations that we’d have 8,9 or 10 wins at this time last year.

      That’s what I’m doing with Narduzzi and other aspects of Pitt football.

      When I take the time to write emails and make phone calls to S. California sportswriters who watched Max Browne for three years and then I wrote how they explicitly told he how bad he sucked… the crazy optimists on here said “Well, Reed’s wrong – if Narduzzi likes Browne he must be good and we’ll win 8, 9, or 10 wins in 2017.”

      When I said the OL was going to suck last year and I predicted 5 wins … “Well, the OLs going to be fine and we’ll win 8, 9 or 10 games…”

      It goes on and on.

      Here’s Ike’s quote from below:

      “I don’t know if our staff needs reinforcement with what we’re doing here. They know the plan,” said Narduzzi. “I guess it’s the fans that need reinforcement. We have a plan and we’re going to execute it. We know who we’re talking to, who we’re texting, we know who we need to work harder on, that’s recruiting. Pitt football is on the way up.

      “We know who we’re dealing with out there and we know who we like. No one out there, including the players know who we really like. We don’t care about star rankings, I don’t care about stars. We know who we’re evaluating. If you look at our camps”

      Optimists should have this tattooed across their chests because they think Narduzzi just can’t make mistakes and, I believe just because he;s the HC, he can’t do wrong. But he does and all the time.

      Tell me how “The Plan” was to lose seven games in one year? Optimists see that as a blip – I see it as a warning sign that the more Narduzzi kids play, be it recruits or transfers, the worse we are going to do on the field.

      I’ll say this again – if Narduzzi is such a great recruited how in Hell are we going to field a 2018 LB corps with two Chryst guys – one a walk-on and the other who couldn’t beat out Galambos in three years? With a Brightwell who is average at best… yet those are going to be our starting LBs.

      Is that part of the Plan?

      Where is all those recruits from 2015, and ’16? All those LB recruits; McKee, Pine, 2* Reynolds, Pugh were 3* kids except for Pugh who is gone. Fans were slobbering over these kids and projecting them to play early… but he stuck with inherited LBs because his kids weren’t talented enough to unseat Galambos and Caprara. – Two marginal at best players. Where were the transfers then? -Sure could have used a few on the nation’s worse defense almost two years in a row.

      Instead of getting his own young OL and DL playing time he gets a DL problem child idiot and other retreads to play in the two deep and where did that take us? Is his plan to keep getting transfers because he doesn’t trust his own recruiting? He’s doing the exact same thing with the OL this year; using 5th year SRs who never started games at all and crap transfers from JUCO and we’ll have the same, or worse, outcome – mark my words.

      He’s not “building for the future”. Not with the amount of transfers he’s pulled in his first three years – he’s scared to death of his own roster.

      Honestly I think he’s one of the worse personnel HC’s we’ve ever had. It is great he doesn’t care about stars (every single coach says this during recruiting season then afterward they describe their players “as a 4* whatever”) because he isn’t getting either the 4 and 5 star kids nor is he getting star power kids.

      But hey, He’s Pat Narduzzi!!

      Liked by 1 person

      2. I think Reed has a man crush on Paulie. Pitt lost last year with Chryst players but we ignore that fact.

        This year will tell the truth. If it is a repeat of last year, I too will give Paulie credit for 16 wins at Pitt when he wasn’t here.

        Like

  79. Anyone been to one of Duzz’s camps ?? Interested to know what goes on during the evaluation process…would be interesting to see how the “measurables ” stack up vs recruits going to the “big” programs.

    Do they measure FB IQ’s/Smarts in college ball ??(thinking about the test NFL prospective QBs take. Just curious and if I got the last comment all wrong, please let me know.

    A lot of recruits obviously wont be able to “Cut the Mustard.” No one who left PITT moved to a big time program. That included a few 4 stars.

    Like

    1. Good point. That’s true for FB and BB. People gripe about losing this player or that player – but look where they ended up. Maybe they just weren’t P5 material.

      Funny thing, and I’m not discounting what Reed and others have heard, but there’s been a lot of talk from recruits about how all the coaches and players are a family and that everyone is so real and honest and down to earth. Lots of quotes about how the players and coaches get along and accept and welcome everyone. Like I said, I’m not calling BS on the other stories, it’s just crazy that all you are hearing is all this great stuff about the atmosphere. I realize that a lot of that can be put on and faked. But if there’s truly trouble and turmoil, you can only hide so much. Just my observation.

      Like

  80. So Narduzzi gets the balme for the defense and no credit for the Offense?

    Here’s a quote I pinched from the PSN..

    I don’t know if our staff needs reinforcement with what we’re doing here. They know the plan,” said Narduzzi. “I guess it’s the fans that need reinforcement. We have a plan and we’re going to execute it. We know who we’re talking to, who we’re texting, we know who we need to work harder on, that’s recruiting. Pitt football is on the way up.

    “We know who we’re dealing with out there and we know who we like. No one out there, including the players know who we really like. We don’t care about star rankings, I don’t care about stars. We know who we’re evaluating. If you look at our camps

    Like

  81. Just got my Athalon college annual. Yr.end rankings involving Pitt are: #.6 Miami, 11. Penn State,15. Notre Dame,16. V.Tech,31. UCF, 37.WF, 42 Georgia Tech, PITT43 ,Duke 65, Cuse 66, NC 69, Virginia 81. If Pitt loses to all higher ranked teams that gives them a 5/7 season however even Athalon believes in the Pitt upset mystiqe because they rank them with a 6/6season and 4/4 in the ACC for a #4 position in the Coastal. That gives us a firm hold on the middle again.I do think that last year was a bust because of the QB and if that had been different NC, VT, and Cuse would have been Ws and we would have ended 8/4. Less negativty please.H2P

    Like

    1. Preseason rankings are all about rearview mirror prognosticating. Pitt’s QB situation was a terrible burden for this team last year. This season, if Pickett can remain healthy, the QB situation could be a huge asset.
      If Narduzzi is the coach that I believe him to be, he’ll find at least eight wins this season. That’s my standard for calling 2018 a successful season anyhow.

      Like

  82. Txpanther-so u know better than ESPN about tough schedules? Got it. Whatever fits in ur anti-Narduzzi narrative i guess…

    Like

    1. If you are coach, you don’t use ESPN as an excuse to lose. You see every game as winnable. Like I do. But I’ve seen enough of narduzzi and this team to know that Vegas is likely more right than wrong.

      I’m not anti dog. But I’m not impressed with his recruiting after 3.5 years. I’m not impressed with his team finding ways to lose to teams he should beat. Not impressed with closed practices or being against tarping. Just call me unimpressed so far.

      He’ll get another year if that makes you feel better

      Tex

      Like

  83. So do we beg the tough teams not to play us this year? What the hell – they are on the schedule and Narduzzi’s job is to play against them and win those games. if he does not win those games he has failed. Pretty freakin’ simple really.

    Win the game you succeed; lose the game you fail.

    Like

    1. You got it Reed. 6-6 with a crappy bowl loss is failure. 8-4 with a midlevel bowl win is success going 9-4. Anything in between is a passing grade but meh.

      Liked by 1 person

  84. You’re exactly right Reed. Did Narduzzi create this years schedule? I haven’t heard PN complaining one time about the schedule. Although it doesn’t set up well for a coach that’s trying to rectify a mess made by steve.

    Like

  85. What would the Steelers look like without Big Ben? What did Pitt look like without Peterman? What will Pitt look like with Pickett? Stay tuned for the answer to the last question.

    Like

  86. Another thought on the big weekend recruiting. When one position gets a player to commit it takes away a spot for the next one. Brandon George was sitting at home when the dominoes started to fall and called Narduzzi immediately to commit. Nothing like pressure. A couple four stars are going to have to make a decision sooner than later. A few will come and I really don’t give a crap if they do or not. PITT is and will move forward!

    Like

  87. Narduzzi on the Fan radio 93.7 said the plan is in place and the staff know what is needed. They are executing the plan as to who they want and who they believe fits what they are about. He spoke of the weekend was really a planed kind of big swing approach to the recruits and it went exceptionally well. He mentioned the defense is a “we will see” mode and and really didn’t offer any real insight. But his program is moving along nicely and they know who they want and what they want to do and go. Mentioned you can stick ratings as they mean nothing as to what they see and evaluate. He said the fans hang in there and things are coming along. Coach speak but was very positive on the direction the program is headed.

    Like

  88. I can’t respond to someone who comments anonymously. I find it cowardly and weak.

    Narduzzi is 21-15 in the regular season so far. Not great but a little up from 500

    If some of you naysayers could make sense to me I would listen. I hear no sense?

    Do you all realize a couple of fumbles and a silly pass interception by Peterman in the end-zone and PITT wins multiple more games. Yet you all have such a boner against Narduzzi you blame him for Henderson fumbling the ball at the one yard line and the offense not being able to punch the ball in at the 5 inch line on the head coach. Again, you tell on yourselves! You don’t like the man! ike

    Like

  91. Ike there really is very little pressure on the 4 stars since they normally have multiple offers on the table. The only time the 4 stars see pressure is when their offers from the BIGS get pulled. Hence Pitt’s pickup of some very late 4 star signings.

    Like

  92. jrn, PITT is not really total chumps but close. Yet when certain positions begin to fill a player who may be on the edge and considering PITT may get froggy and jump in. What’s important for us all to think about is Narduzzi has set a sort of a pattern of moving on with kids that want to commit and play for PITT. The tight end last year comes to mind.

    Like

  94. Reed – Narduzzi is bringing in transfers because his first true class just finished their red shirt sophomore season and he inherited a roster that had incredibly lopsided recruiting combined with normal attrition.

    His first class didn’t have an OL in it. Thanks, Chryst! There is a reason it takes 4-5 years to judge a coach … it’s a process. This season, his first true class is just entering their red shirt Junior seasons. To reiterate, they were red shirt sophomores last season. That’s how young the team was. That’s why he needs transfers and JUCO’s. That’s a big reason why this team struggled last season.

    If this is happening in year 6, yes there should be concerns. Not in year 4, with only 3 real recruiting classes under his belt, however.

    Speculating about the season and being critical about a season that hasn’t happened yet are different. I still don’t know how speculating that Narduzzi may leave is even relevant or why it was even brought up … and that was my real criticism. If he did, could you really blame him with the incessant pot shots he’s taken the last couple of years?

    I understand people speculate. Folks on this site don’t just speculate, however. It gets very mean spirited and comes across like an agenda. It’s college football. You know, a fun sport. It’s our alma mater, you know a school most of us went to and love. It’s asinine how 35 years of pent up frustration are taken out on a individual team in that 35 year history.

    I know you do your research, Reed. I appreciate it and thank you. I’m not always going to agree with it, however.

    I can run thru about 20 names of successful head coaches who had dip years in year 3. Some in year 4.

    Duzz won 8 games back to back, lost a bunch of players and struggled in year 3. It’s a very common progression. This season, I personally don’t care about the schedule. It is what it is. They play in the ACC. Everyone has a difficult schedule. He has to go out and get this team to overachieve. If he doesn’t, I’ll be critical. Barvo made that point the best. We’ll find out if last season was a fluke or a trend soon enough.

    You may be right and Narduzzi is not a very good head coach. Shocker, but I’m optimistic. I’ve decided to reserve that judgement until year’s 4 and 5. That’s how long it takes to build a foundation for a sustainable program.

    Moribund schools just don’t turnaround their programs overnight. Pitt hired a coach modeling the program after his mentor, Dantonio, at Michigan State. Anyone who was expecting faster results wasn’t paying attention.

    Pitt fans hate the word patience but a 5 year clock starts every time a head coach leaves. Especially, at a program like Pitt that does not have the money or resources to not skip a beat.

    By the way, I could not stand Paul Chryst (still can’t) but I was going to give him 4 or 5 years. I gave him the benefit of the doubt even though it pained me.

    As I’ve said, the teams ranked 20-25 at the end of last season had an average 4 year recruiting ranking in the mid-50’s. A top 10 team, UCF had an average recruiting ranking in the 70’s. After an undefeated season they currently are still ranked in the 70’s.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Tossing I almost can’t come on here because of the constant negativity that goes beyond being critical. You and a few others I know are optimistic folks but reading your thoughts and comments keeps me from bailing for good. I am a realistic fan and I am willing to trust the process. I just don’t get how some commenters here get any enjoyment being a Pitt fan if they are so negative about every aspect of the program. Yes I do understand things are not perfect but keep fighting the good fight for us fans that just want to enjoy Pitt sports and have it be an escape from our daily grind.

      Like

      1. Exactly. The incessant negativity, under the guise of reality, is mind numbing and exhausting. 35 years of futility is being projected on a team in any given season.

        Liked by 1 person

  98. It takes a while to make an omlette while any moron can crack an egg in a second. Used to teach work simplification. Plan your work—–work your plan! H2P

    Like

  104. In the ACC alone Briton has offers from us, VT, GT,UNC, NCSU, WF, SYR. Along with Florida, Auburn, Ky, MD, South Carolina, Purdue and some others.

    Like

  106. Wow I just read this on PSN and the TE I spoke about a little while ago, EJ banks. He was the tight end that fiddled around too long and lost his schollie but maybe it was more about grades?? I thought he went to West Virginia? If someone wants to link it?

    Like

    1. Ike, I made the same mistake when I saw the article. It’s TJ Banks that went to WVU and he is listed as FB on the WVU roster

      EJ Banks is planning to walk-on to Pitt this coming year after playing this year at a JC in Maryland.

      wwb

      Like

  109. I got to Pitt in 1991, in that time we have won 10 games one time. We have won 8 or more 8 times, in 27 years. Two of those times were in the past three years. I get it, we don’t recruit as well as Penn St and I like most of you wish we did. While I am often wrong in my beliefs I don’t think any head coach in the country could come here tomorrow and recruit as good as Penn St. I believe that Narduzzi does not want to lose games or his job, I also have no idea if any of these kids are any good or will be any good but I also know for a fact that the staff knows better than anyone on this blog does. I hold out hope that impact players will emerge and that Pickett is the real deal. The really funny thing is most people would say I am a pessimistic guy generally, I just don’t think this program is as broken as many here imply. You guys are entitled to feel that way but it does bum me out. I would be thrilled with a winning season this year and frankly I would take 6-6. If this group can do that against this schedule my expectations will be sky high for 2019.

    Like

  110. +1 Pittpride26.

    I seriously could not care less if people criticized Narduzzi or the team, but so much of it here is unwarranted and exaggerated nonsense.

    If Pitt ever starts winning consistently (I use “IF” to satisfy the frowners), I sometimes wonder how many people on this site would complain about the fans that stand up rooting for Pitt the entire game …

    Liked by 1 person

  111. Agreed with the above. I have some thoughts and criticisms of Narduzzi as much as the next guy. I just don’t go searching under rocks to finds them.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Probably because you don’t have to to find tons of them.

      Recruiting – Stinks
      Management of players – Stinks (Lied to Dinucci then lied to Media)
      In-Game Coaching – Stinks
      Hiring of coaches/turnover – Atrocious

      You guys make sure you post about he is on the right path after 5 wins this year.

      And how amazing his recruiting is when his players do nothing in year 4.

      Like

      1. You are easily the most negative fan on here with almost zero substance to back up your opinions. Saying something sucks and coming up with witty insulting nicknames for Pitt coaches and administration is tired and old. I really have no idea why you like or follow Pitt because it pains you to say anything positive. You are certainly entitled to your negative attitude but it destroys any credibility you may have when you actually say something insightful.

        Like

        1. What did I say above that isn’t true?

          Where is a nickname?

          Stallings deserved his nickname. He lost every game he played.

          Like

  113. Yeah there is more negativity from people on here than anywhere by far. And i am a junky that reads everything. some of the nonsense from the “realists” has been mind boggling.

    Liked by 2 people

  116. Oooh. An original “kool aid” chime in from the anonomys crowd.

    How dare you like Pitt! Get off my lawn!!!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. You have zero credibility.

      You loved Stallings hire. You defended him. That worked really well.

      Like

  119. Just got out of the shower, stopped back in and had me a big belly chuckle! I guess it’s about time PITT fans unite and give it back. Don’t you just love the anonymous bullschitt? F’N coward!

    Liked by 1 person

  123. Now we are excited about a CCAC kid who is working on his academics at CCAC and walking on at Pitt.

    What is next Point Park Left Guard coming over?

    Is that a series statement?

    God help this program.

    Like

    1. You may be negative but you know what your talking about. Check out Vincent Davis’s HUDL tape (the offense one) and tell us what you think. This is a request of course.

      Like

    2. Who is excited? It was a silly article about a kid whose dream is to play at Pitt. He hasn’t even gotten accepted by Pitt yet. Smh.

      Like

  125. There was a lot of Shiner Bock delivered this past weekend. Again solid yet unspectacular. Good for tailgating. But wake me up when we get some Belgium beers delivered.

    We’re #29 in the rankings because we have a warehouse full of beer right now after a huge delivery.

    I’m for quality over quantity.

    Va Tech and Miami have some good micro beers in their aisles right now. Those are Pitt’s main competitors in the division.

    10-11 more scholies to give. Can Pitt get at least 4 Belgiums? I say no.

    BTW – kudos to the Belgium football team today.

    Like

  126. So, just got back from vacation and I always pay attention to how many Pitt Fans I come across in my travels. Wow, it was a rough trip in that regard….Was on a cruise trip Leaving from NYC and with about 2500 passengers onboard my son and I were the only ones wearing Pitt gear. Fortunately I only saw 4-5 with PSU gear and one WVU fan. I did get one Hail to Pitt from another fan. My Pitt highlight from the trip though was talking to a guy in the gym who said Pitt huh. I asked where he was from and he said NJ. I asked if he was a Rutgers fan and he said, not really. I said Pitt has been having a hard time too and he said “At least you beat Penn State”. I thanked him for remembering , he made my day. So not everyone not associated with Pitt has forgotten our upset wins!

    Liked by 2 people

    1. I’m happy ike
      Especially after zero beers for such a long time
      I just like me some better quality
      Theres still some time to get some micro beers or those tasty Belgiums
      Remember we’re competing against other teams in our division
      I could care less about ooc games…except Domers, Nits and Hoopies
      Division games matter
      And Va Tech has 3 4 stars, Miami has 7 4 stars
      And the quality of their 3 stars are better than Pitt’s based on rating and offers
      After 4 years, I would think Narduzzi would be able to deliver better beers
      I am pleased with the southern approach given the decline in WPIAL quality
      I will admit that Shiner is far better than Iron City

      Like

  132. @Upitt – I have a comment waiting moderation regarding Stallings. Nope. Never liked the hire. Rooting for Pitt is different than supporting a scumbag coach.

    Like

    1. When are you going to start? You’ve been all over Lyke since her hire, criticizing her hires, the timing of the hires, and now that Stallings is gone, you’ve gone back to Narduzzi. As the comment above mentioned offer solutions – but try to be reasonable. Football will win 7 or more this year.

      Like

    1. Dream of those rare times when Pitt has risen to the occasion. No matter what becomes of Narduzzi, we’ll always have the penn state win after a 16 year hiatus, the shocker in Death Valley & Picketts 1st start beating the #2 undefeated Hurricanes. Sleep tight.

      Liked by 3 people

  136. “You don’t win football games with 4- or 5-star players,” he said. “You win football games with character and team guys. (tell that to Alabama)

    “I bet we offered (scholarships) to 10-12 kids just from watching them at camp. We’re watching kids run around with great motors, saying, ‘I love that kid. I don’t care how fast he is.’ ” ~ Narduzzi

    Liked by 1 person

    1. I think I just choked on my vomit
      Did he really say that?
      If so, he doesnt know what he’s talking about
      4 and 5 stars win titles and championships
      no team has ever won a BCS championship without a 5 star
      More Talent means more wins
      I guess Narduzzi plans to recruit high character and team first guys and will coach them up?
      Now I just pooped my pants

      Liked by 1 person

  139. You must have a good very good QB. Outside of 2 xfers we have not had that . And who can say we have had defense any time in the past, even as good as average earlier teams. Chryst was building like Narduzzie. Remember he had Hornibrook committed and took him with him. That hole hurt and without Savage and Peterman we really would have been toast. Lighten up guys. Getting some good press on several western pa TV stations on committs and jump in class ranking.

    Liked by 1 person

  140. About time others are stepping up to the plate and calling out these “less than realists” at every turn. This from a poster that has graded Narduzzi at the C level over his first 3 years. Some poor decisions in not playing his most talented recruits simply because of age was one of my biggest concerns. He clearly didn’t have the talent across the board to play with the opposition we faced over the past 3 years particularly on the defensive side of the ball. As was previously posted grading for a new coach should be held in years 4 and 5 when he’s had the chance to establish his plan and hopefully learn from the errors of his ways from his previous seasons.

    Like

  141. Yeah jrnpitt. It gives me hope for this site that people are calling out the haters. They are the minority of Pitt fans fortunately. There are plenty of things to fault Narduzzi with but the hatred and negativity of the #realists is ridiculous and offputting to me.

    Like

  142. This is wwb and I am not the Anonymous posted above @ 6:11 but agree with his message.

    Believe it or not … I liked both Chryst and Narduzzi as coach yet I find myself defending Narduzzi consistently due to what I believe is blatant bias against him by Reed and his allies.

    — Reed consistently has criticized the coaching staff for the bowl loss vs NW …. yet he totally discounts all of the injuries of KEY players during that game. We’re talking about Whitehead, Jarrett, Soto, Conner, Peterman and DJ Johnson, yet Reed and allies apparently think it doesn’t matter

    — Reed also apparently doesn’t think difficulty of schedule doesn’t matter when it comes wins and losses and counters with the (IMO inane) argument that you have to beat whoever is on the schedule. Geeez!

    — Reed has consistently credited the current staff’s 8-win seasons to the former staff’s players …. yet he had consistently blamed Narduzzi’s staff for the defensive failures.

    This has forced me to defend the current coach and make it seem that I had little respect for Chryts,, which is false. If you look back at the Blather, you will see that my only real criticism of PC was his hiring of House as DC and his recruiting classes being slanted heavily towards the offense.

    This current situation is reminiscent of two situations back on the Blather when I defended Wanny against Chas (and Reed) and Tino against most of the other posters. I never once thought that Wanny was the second coming of Bear Bryant or Tino was the 2nd coming of Marino .. yet, I couldn’t believe how both of them were criticized. Both indeed had their faults but neither was as bad as they were made out to be … and I think the current situation with Narduzzi here is very similar.

    wwb

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    1. Agree totally Wbb. Reed obviously has a personal disdain for Narduzzi and won’t cop to it. It’s so obvious. It makes me kinda hate this blog. Reed gives ZERO credit to anything Narduzzi does or says! Is he perfect?, God No, but come on…

      Like

  143. +1 Fellas.

    What drives me crazy is how often posters are criticized for being fans of the program.

    How dare you like Pitt!

    To be clear, Reed does not fall in this group.

    The repetitive bashing and assault from some folks is just exhausting. We get it. You only like Pitt when they’re good. I have no problem with that.

    But to berate fans who root for their school? C’mon.

    Yes, it’s a blog so there will be speculation. I’d also expect a Pitt blog to have Pitt fans.

    Like

  144. It is shocking to me that there is so much vitriol from a small few for Narduzzi given his relative success and the fact he runs a clean program. If we were Alabama or some school that regularly wins and is bursting with fans and money I would understand.

    Like

  145. It does appear that there is little middle ground. But this group of commitments is the first positive news coming out of the program for some time.

    A few weeks ago, I asked how people rated Narduzzi’s performance on a scale of one to five so far and most were plus or minus three, which doesn’t seem to move with the comments.

    I think it is good to hear some positive thoughts after the weekends news. It has been pretty negative for a while.

    I do think a lot of uncertainty about the upcoming season is justified. As far as the long run, time will tell.

    Like

  147. PittMan – well said.

    This past weekend was a success. Period.

    To change the subject…

    How about we talk about the recruits and which ones we like? I personally love the RB. Finally a RB with some moves.

    Stock piling the DLs is always good.

    Let’s get some WRs and OL now.

    Like

  148. Jeff Hart..

    “The repetitive bashing and assault from some folks is just exhausting. We get it. You only like Pitt when they’re good.”

    Would you be willing to list those you feel are in this group? I’m curious.

    Like

    1. My favorite is Doctor Tom who thinks everyone has a miserable life because they are down on many of Pitt’s choices. Comical to me that one can’t be satisfied with tons of the decisions and Narduzzi, Stallings, Etc. Heather has way more work to do. She started slow but made up for it with Capel and firing stallings. Extending Narduzzi in a 5 win season is premature. I want to see his players perform and win. Sorry if he is missing the mark in recruiting while in ACC and getting more moeny and support than any coach ever. If you guys love that then great I don’t ans expect more. Enough of the we can only expect 7-8 win seasons because we dont have the support. We have it now and it is time to land some 4 star talent. Call me whatever you want but calling me a hater is moronic. If it wasn’t for people who demand excellence many would never reach their potential. He won 5 games last year. Yes he won 8 the 2 seasons before. That is awesome for the time and place but it scares me he did it with mustard stains players. It is obvious.

      Like

      1. Question so what did you think of Chryst’s recruiting? Was it on par with current recruiting or better?

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        1. Ghost – I think he recruited terribly for defense. I think his strength was recruiting offense of lineman and he got a few skilled players that ended up being diamonds in the rough for sure. But at the end of the day I think his offense of line was really really strong. He had his fair share of Mac caliber players if he would’ve just recruited better defensively he would’ve had an opportunity to win 9 to 10 games a year. A little bit a luck helped him as well but he sorely lacked a QB like Peterman. Maybe that would change with the kid he has at Wisconsin. The lefty.

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          1. Ghost – He trashed Chryst too. He bashed Dixon. He even was critical of the Capel hire. He really can’t be taken seriously. Fans don’t act the way he does. He’s developed some camaraderie here, which is fine, but if really cared about Pitt he wouldn’t act the way he does. I can’t ever remember him offering up a solution other than blanket, generic, criticisms. Posters have called him out on it too, but he just fires back more nonsense that doesn’t move the conversation forward.

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            1. Dixon deserved his share of critism. So did Chryst. I never said a word about Capel. Go get a life Tossing.

              Like

              1. But I think you kind of prove Tossings points a lot of blanket he sucks and he deserves blame with not a lot of substance. Your answer above about Chryst’s recruiting was actually substantive, if you had more of that maybe the optimists on here wouldn’t totally dismiss your opinion. For whatever agenda or points you think Tossing makes on here he at least backs up his thoughts with a good amount of substance. I have agreed and disagreed with what he has to say but I respect his opinion a lot more then people who hammer home one constant negative opinion and don’t really tell me why. TX Panther is pretty negative on here but he does provide substance to what he says so I am willing to listen to some of his views on Pitt even though they may differ greatly from mine.

                Like

          2. Ok that being said if Narduzzi won 8 games his first two years with that crop of players I believe it is inconsistent to say that he is a terrible coach. After all he did above average with the below average players he was given. You may not like Narduzzi but you have to give him a little credit. Yes I will admit that last year he was below average but I am willing to give him a chance because the team was young and lacked a good player at the most important position of QB. Again you point out above how important that is. If Pitt does not win at least 7 games this year and even more in 2019 then I will start listening to the negativity but until then I still think it is TBD on what kind of coach Narduzzi is.

            Like

    2. That was me … Anyone who has been on the Blather and now the POV know who that group is. I wouldn’t classify you as one, if that’s what you’re implying. Disagreeing and attacking are two different positions to take. I’m fine with a dissenting POV … Just bring something new to the table.

      Like

      1. I was referring to this, but thanks for your clarification as well..

        “Jeff Hart
        June 19, 2018 at 7:39 am
        +1 Fellas.

        What drives me crazy is how often posters are criticized for being fans of the program.

        How dare you like Pitt!

        To be clear, Reed does not fall in this group.

        The repetitive bashing and assault from some folks is just exhausting. We get it. You only like Pitt when they’re good. I have no problem with that.

        But to berate fans who root for their school? C’mon.

        Yes, it’s a blog so there will be speculation. I’d also expect a Pitt blog to have Pitt fans.”

        Mr. Hart.. would you please list those of whom you’re speaking?

        Like

  149. Went to the Pirate game last night. First place team, hot summer night, made a Pitt game seem like a standing room only event. People hate being sold a bill of goods. Eventually they turn on you. Happened to Pitt b-ball, happened to the Buccos. On field performance and what have you done for me lately. Pirates couple that with bad mouthing fans for not showing up and blaming them for lack of revenue to spend on team.

    I remain surprised 35-40k show up for most games. Product has mostly been average for 40 years or so. Loyal core, no expansion of base. Marketing!

    Like

  150. There are about 10 more scholies to give

    if Pitt is to compete against Va Tech and Miami in the Division, they need half the remaining class to be 4 stars

    Can Pitt get 5 4 star players? I doubt it.

    So that means you either think these 3 stars are diamonds in the rough, Pitt’s staff will coach them up, Florida stars are different, or stars dont matter

    Among the 11 recruits thus far, only 3 are 5.7 grades which are borderline 4’s. Last year Pitt got 8 of these guys

    I dont see many other P-5 schools offering these kids. When a bunch of kids from Florida are not picking up offers from FL, FL St and Miami, it tells me they arent diamonds in the rough…they are just 3 stars

    So Pitt has hauled in some solid but unspectacular players. Some might make an impact over time but most are not projected based on their star

    I dont have any problem with getting solid 3 stars and focusing on the South. My problem is that Narduzzi has a difficult time getting 4 star players who are elite recruits and difference makers to come to Pitt

    Pitt needs 4-6 four stars each year to be competitive in the Division unless of course you think coaching players up will succeed.

    Like

    1. Again, unless they are local, there is little reason for a 4-star to attend Pitt when he has a host of more attractive offers. Look below, this was just posted last night by a 4-star DL from Cincy ….. why would he come here?

      Jowon M. Briggs@briggsjowon0
      9h9 hours ago
      Here’s my top ten as of now
      (alphabetically organized)
      Alabama
      Kentucky
      Miami (OH)
      Michigan State
      Ohio State
      Penn State
      Pittsburgh
      Rutgers
      Tennessee
      Virginia

      hey, at least he knows how to alphabetize

      wwb

      Like

  151. Speaking of 4 stars, look at Hubbard’s offer sheet. Rivals gave him 4 stars, look at what the coaches think. The coaches do not believe he’s a 4 star player with that offer sheet.

    Like

    1. I actually saw this kid play in a scrimmage last year … his teammate is the son of one of my best friends. The knock against him is his footspeed and he plays against a lower level of competition (2A I believe)

      But he was upgraded probably because he worked out very well at various camps. He’s from Sharpsvile just north of Sharon and it wouldn’t bother me one bit if he committed to Pitt.

      wwb

      Like

  152. TX – Pitt is not getting five 4 star players. For one, the WPIAL doesn’t have any this season. That’s why Pitt is hoping some of these Florida 3 stars are PA 4 stars … but I’m willing to bet they end up with one or two. Hoping is the operative word … and I get that.

    What Reed posted on the previous Florida players really doesn’t matter much. The coaching changes nullify any real data on what those kids potential would have been with any coaching continuity.

    The way the program is being built, success is going to be gradual and that’s always been the message from Narduzzi. “I’m building a program not a team”.

    The culture had to be completely gutted … in the entire athletic department.

    To be honest, you’re only as good as your leadership and Lykke is just entering her 2nd year. Pitt’s problems were more deeply rooted than the players and coaches. It was an institutional problem that had permeated since the 80’s. It’s not easy or quick to fix. Football teams aren’t built overnight. They just aren’t.

    Narduzzi is taking a methodic approach to this. It was never presented any other way. I don’t understand the vitriol directed at him when he has two 8 win seasons under his belt. Last season was not good but a dip really should have been anticipated when looking at the exodus of players and how young the replacement players were.

    His players, last season, were only red shirt sophomores. You can’t win with red shirt sophomores. It’s why Pitt went 5-7. This season they’ll be red shirt juniors, so Pitt better improve. Next season they’ll be red shirt seniors and Pitt better be peaking.

    We’ll know over the course of the next two season what kind of coach Narduzzi really is. Everything preceding this year, even the big wins, is just noise. Duzz has shown potential and he’s also raised concerns. One of those two will win out over the next two seasons. He’ll either take Pitt up a level or crash and burn. Let’s see what happens first.

    These next two season are what Duzz was building towards.

    Regarding the recruiting, I don’t know how many time I have to point out that teams ranked 20-25 in last year’s final poll had an avg recruiting ranking in the mid-50’s. That group is the group of teams that overachieved. That’s what Pitt has to do.

    Too much is made of the recruiting tho. For the Coastal, Pitt is recruiting just fine to be competitive.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. But are they recruiting well enough to win and dominate. The big gorillas are the Hokies and canes. And then you’d probably play the noles or clemscum in the championship.

      There are four stars in Ohio, Maryland, Virginia and jersey. Not too far. All talent rich states. No reason why Pitt can’t land five of these guys a year.

      Tex

      Like

      1. Tex – No but they have to haven’t done anything to recruit well enough to dominate, yet. They’re aren’t going from 0-60 MPH. First things first. A top 25 finish, then they can worry about being a top 15 team. Team’s 16-20 on the last poll avg’d in the high 20’s for a recruiting class on 4 year rolling average. Pitt’s in the mid-30’s. Once they become a top 25 program the leaps are a little easier until you start talking top 10. Top 10 teams have top 10 recruiting classes. Teams 11-25 is more variable. Pitt is closer to a top 20 team than a lot of people realize recruiting just like they are. If they started adding four 4 stars a class, they could potentially be competing for a 11-15 final ranking spot. That will happen with success. First, Narduzzi has to show he’s a good coach and overachieve.

        Like

  153. I just want you all to be clear on how I get along and feel about Reed. I love the guy… So I sent him an email and explained my whole story/problem I’m having at this time. Then we talked on the phone the day of the golf outing. He wanted to go out of his way and pick me up. Later the next week he called me and I talked to him and his wife. (I’ll leave her name out but thank you for taking the time to talk with me) He checked in on me by a phone call a few days ago and made sure I was ok and and then text later that I just need to call, email or text him if I needed any help he could be my house in 4 hours. This is the Commander we all know and love.

    Sorry Reed but I just had to tell the world… ike

    Like

  155. None of the names that many listed. Have no real clue on who. But sometimes recruits say no only to forestall the announcement. As to Pitt David Hale ESPN ACC reporter thinks Pitt wins 8 games this year. Take it for what it is worth. all the angst over recruitng and how Miami and VTech are ahead of the curve. Yet Pitt beat the Canes and came with a half a yard of winning at Tech with a Div 2 QB.

    Like

  156. Joe, your Bucco experience says it all. Fans just want to know that the team is trying and is making decisions based on trying to win. When the Pirates dump a salary, they are kicking the fans who buy the tickets in the groin. Every Pirates fan knows there is no organizational commitment to winning. This is why Pitt needs to launch a marketing and PR campaign that will convince potential fans that things have changed and they are committed to winning. Then the ticket buyers and donors will come back.

    When the recruiting coordinator leaves, and they then bring in mediocre classes, fans rightfully become skeptical about why he left and is there a commitment to paying good salaries and winning.

    Like

  157. Lot of bullshit on here since I last looked. You all should quit playing junior psychologists, you are not good at it.

    Here’s the truth…

    I give Pat Narduzzi all the credit in the world for his work off the field of play. I know a bit more than most commenters on here about personnel decisions he has made in that arena and agree with each and everything he’s done. That might not mean anything to you but it is as important as wins and losses to me.

    I constantly give Narduzzi credit for bringing in Nate Peterman and have been very vocal about that and every time I say that he ‘won with Chryst’s players’ I also always, every time, mention the fact that it was his QB that helped made the offense what it was.

    I fully understand PN inherited crap defensive players but it took him three full years to get rid of Josh Conklin – which was absolutely ridiculous as we had some of the worst defenses in the nation. Conklin should have been gone in the middle of 2016 and Narduzzi should have either taken over the duties himself as some coaches do or fleeted a staff coach up. In essence he blew what could have been one of the best seasons in Pitt’s recent history.

    When I criticize Narduzzi I always explain why – sometimes in great detail. I have never once criticized his game day coaching and have given him great credit for those big three wins… it wasn’t me you heard say that Miami was ‘down’ or anything of the sort. Also you have never once heard me say Narduzzi should be fired either after this season or even next – I have said that if he replicates 2017 he needs to be on a very hot seat though.

    I do not think his recruiting has been very good at all over the last two classes – but if you remember I praised his first class when 2016’s LOI Day rolled around. But his 2017 and 2018 classes have been subpar in my opinion and that is really going to hurt us this season and going forward.

    His reliance on transfers is setting the program backwards IMO not moving it forward. With every transfer he has gotten all have been average at best to horrid save Peterman and Lopes.

    I criticize Narduzzi for not being a risk taker and paying the price for it (See Conklin above). When your defense is giving up 40 ppg to your first three Power 5 opponents in ’16 then you have absolutely nothing to lose in making a change… instead we went into ACC play with just about the worst situation we could possibly have on defense – and gave up 39 points to VT and 51 (!) points to Miami in those two losses. PN Should have taken the risk there, made the change in DCs and then maybe w’ed have had a better defense in “17 and not lost seven games.

    Bottom line is I do not put Narduzzi on a pedestal as some Pitt fans do – I see him as just another guy who coaches football – he’s no smarter or dumber than anyone else but because we pay money to pay his salary he’s open game for criticism when warranted. If you don’t feel that way good for you – you were probably the fans who – like I mentioned above thought – Browne was going to lead us to 8, 9 or 10 victories last year – when all indications over the summer showed that would never happen.

    I do not blindly believe what he says just like I don’t blindly believe what anyone says except for my wife. I am not awestruck by anyone on this earth and I sure as hell don’t believe the saying ‘Well, he’s the coach so he obviously knows best” that I’ve read on here – that’s freakin stupidity on the fans part.

    Finally – honest to God and I’m very serious about this – if this blog bothers you so much then get the hell off of it for your own mental health. I swear, you guys take this way more seriously than I do. Hell, after working Search and Rescue Planning for all those years do you really think I invest my psychic energy in Pitt football… it’s a friggin game folks and Narduzzi is just playing the friggin game. There’s no life or death involved, just wins, losses and what is supposed to be fun.

    You know what the tiger said to the monkey who he just gave a ride to on his back over a swollen river… when after he got to land then turned around and bit the monkey?

    “You knew I was a tiger before you jumped on”

    You all knew exactly what you were going to get from me on here if you ever read The Blather and over the first few months of this blog. If it bothers you – and apparently it really does some people – then take a break or read Pitt stuff elsewhere. But if you expect me to not give my honest opinions about any subject whatsoever then you are truly in the wrong place.

    Liked by 1 person

  158. Reed, my small input here. I don’t think you have been near the target lately as you’re thinking. There has been a heavy upscale of negativity and why can’t POVer’s express their own opinions of not appreciating them? I hope you read what I’m posting here closely.

    I also see a cross over of blather animosity going on and I really do not appreciate that at all. I do not like the blather because of the lack of personality there and I only posted a few times there. I try and respect everyone’s opinions but when some respond it’s called sniping. BS!

    Truthfully Reed, sometimes I really deep down in my head and heart feel like I’m reading the anti PITT POV. Sorry, that’s how I fell tonight… your true friend ike.

    Like

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