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The Pittsburgh Panthers’ victory over the West Virginia Mountaineers is still sending ripples throughout college football. Not only is the upset fueling the argument that college football needs a playoff system, but is also making Pitt a legitimate destination for blue-chip recruits. Two three star recruits and two four star recruits have already made verbal commitments while the Panthers are still holding out for an elusive five star specimen.

The two three star recruits are Norwin WR Mike Shanahan (not to be confused with the Denver Broncos’ coach) and Pittsburgh Central Catholic QB Tino Sunseri (whose father is a Carolina Panthers coach). Shanahan (left) is a 6-5 two-sport athlete who should develop into an excellent deep threat after averaging 20 yards per catch in high school. After signing, he stated, “I want to be part of the turnaround at Pitt.” He will be joining a young, promising receiving corp that regains star Derek Kinder after an ACL injury kept him out all of last season. Sunseri (right) had formally verbally committed to Louisville ,but an uncertain coaching situation appears to have changed his mind. His father, Sal, a former All-American at Pitt, almost certainly had a role in his decision. Sunseri, listed as a “pro style quarterback” by Rivals.com, is an accurate and strong-armed passer who, though not a clone of Pat White, can burn a defense with his speed if given the opportunity. He will likely be in open competition with senior Bill Stull, potential-filled sophomore Pat Bostick, recently committed freshman Zack Stoudt (whose father Cliff played for the Steelers), and Greg Cross, a JUCO transfer who also committed today.

Gateway RB/CB Cameron Saddler and Aliquippa WR/TE Jonathan Baldwin are the two recently committed four star recruits. Saddler (left), who was recently featured in ESPN Magazine alongside his teammate and cousin Shayne Hale (to be discussed shortly), had all but registered for the fall semester at the University of Virginia before suddenly changing directions and committing to Pitt almost immediately after their win over the Mountaineers. He told ESPN, “Virginia was the leader for about four months. When coach [Dave] Wannstedt came to my house, it changed everything. He made such a big impression on me and my mom. He let me know where I really stood and talked to me about how I would really fit into the offense.”  He is a shifty runner and a very solid tackler, but his real talent is as a kick returner, where he has the ability to take any given kick to the house. Saddler was recruited to play receiver, but given coach Dave Wannstedt’s emphasis on a speedy defense and an already crowded group of wideouts, Saddler will likely find his place on defense and special teams, similar to junior Dorin Dickerson. However, Saddler’s biggest contribution may come as a recruiter for other WPIAL players. “I’m going to be Greg Gattuso Jr.,” he said, referencing Pitt’s recruiting coordinator. Baldwin (right) is a excellent receiver/tight end who has both soft hands and blocking skills. He was also recruited as a wideout, but he may very well be forced into tight end, as the incumbent at the position, Darrell Strong, will be graduating and both Nate Byham and John Pelusi won’t be at 100% going into spring drills. However, once the other two are back at full strength, Pitt will either have a trio of young, skilled tight ends or another exceptional receiver.

This is an unbelievable recruiting class as it currently stands (Rivals.com ranks it at #14), but the addition of one player could be the cherry on top. Shayne Hale (left), a coveted five star recruit, has recently reintroduced Pitt into his very narrow list of prospective school. Previously, his top two schools were Michigan and Ohio State, although the Wolverines have dropped out of the running after the retirement of coach Lloyd Carr. Taking their place in the recruiting process was Pitt, who have had several variables fall in their favor. Hale attended the Backyard Brawl, taking his official visit to West Virginia to view what may be the turning point for Pittsburgh football. As previously mentioned, he is Saddler’s cousin and teammate and the two have repeatedly mentioned the possibility of following each other to the next level. Back in August, Saddler went so far as to say, “I’d say there’s about a 90 percent chance we’ll go to the same place.” Both Scouts and Rivals recruiting services label Pitt as a close second to Ohio State. Hale has until February 6th to make his decision. Lets hope he makes the right one.

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