Pitt Crystal Ball Predictions – Pittsburgh Sports Now (blog)
Pat Narduzzi currently has 9 verbal commitments for this Class of 2017 with the latest being LB Albert Tucker from Ft. Lauderdale, Florida.
The question I get most from Pitt fans is who’s going to commit to Pitt? Tonight, I’ve decided to try and give you must best educated guess on 6 players that I believe will eventually commit to the Panthers.
I want to be very clear that I have no inside information with these predictions and am just making an educated guess. Please, don’t take this as gospel or crucify me if I’m wrong.
So, here goes with my guess on 6 future Pitt commitments:
1) Dontavius Butler, WR, Plantation (FL): I’ve watched a lot of tape on Butler and I really think he’s eventually going to be a big-time player for Pitt. He’s a big (6-2, 200), physical receiver but is also a play-maker. Panther fans are going to like Butler.
Dontavius Butler – Photo courtesy of Dontavius Butler
2) Connor Heyward, WR, Suwanee, GA: Unlike his brother Cam, I believe Pitt is going to be successful in landing this talented athlete. I get the sense that Pitt hopes Heyward commits soon but from what I hear, he’s not totally ready yet. Coach Narduzzi and Coach Sherman have done a great job recruiting Heyward and also have made a huge impression with his family. The Heyward’s TRUST Pitt and Pat Narduzzi.
Connor Heyward at Pitt – Photo courtesy of Connor Heyward
3) Gabe Houy, OT, Upper St. Clair: Like his former teammate Brandon Ford last year, I believe this local product will commit to the hometown school. Last time I spoke with Houy, he was deciding between Pitt and Maryland. I wouldn’t be surprised if he selected Pitt fairly soon.
4) Donovan Jeter, DT, Beaver Falls: Although he’s being recruited by every major program in the country, in the end, I just see Jeter staying home and being a leader of this Pitt defense. The biggest factor in Jeter staying home is his relationship with Narduzzi. The talented defensive lineman knows that Narduzzi and his defensive scheme can get him to the next level.
Donovan Jeter with Pat Narduzzi at Pitt Junior Day
5) Johnny Jordan, C, Washington DC: Jordan is a player that could be a future leader of John Peterson’s offensive line. He’s big, physical and nasty. Pitt has made recruiting DC and Virginia a priority and it will result in a commitment.
Johnny Jordan with Pat Narduzzi – Photo courtesy of Johnny Jordan
6) TyJuan Garbutt, DE, Fredericksburg, VA: Pitt was the first school to offer Garbutt a scholarship and because of that and his relationship with Narduzzi and Rob Harley, I’m predicting this big time talent says “Pitt is It.”
