University of Pittsburgh Athletics
Pitt Football Signing Day: Live Updates
12/21/2022 7:00:00 AM | Football
PITTSBURGH—Coach Pat Narduzzi and the Pitt football program can officially welcome Class of 2023 commitments this Wednesday, Dec. 21 on National Letter Day of Intent (NLI) Day for college football.
Stay tuned for updates throughout the day from the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex on the South Side, home of Pitt Football and the Pittsburgh Steelers.
7 a.m.—The morning begins with a wave of new Panthers signing up and finishing their NLI paperwork!
Isaiah Neal, DL, 6-2, 270, Washington, D.C./St. Frances Academy (MD)
A four-year defensive standout for perennial power St. Frances Academy who was selected an Under Armour All-American…compiled an amazing 29 tackles for loss, including 9.5 sacks as a senior…first team All-Metro…led team to a 9-1 record against national competition…rated Maryland's No. 6 overall prospect by Rivals and No. 15 by ESPN…rated Washington D.C.'s No. 13 prospect by 247Sports…played under Coach Messay Hailemariam.
Zion Fowler, WR, 6-0, 190, Jersey City, NJ/St. Peter's Prep
Compiled nearly 1,300 receiving yards over his final two varsity seasons at St. Peter's Prep…Super Football Conference all-star…first team All-United Red Division…as a senior, had 36 receptions for 729 yards (20.3 avg.) and nine touchdowns…his junior season, compiled 31 catches for 562 yards (18.1 avg.) and seven TDs…rated New Jersey's No. 11 overall prospect by 247Sports and No. 18 by ESPN…played under Coach Richard Hansen.
Jesse Anderson, DB, 6-0, 170, Oakland Park, FL/Cardinal Gibbons
Standout wide receiver and safety for perennial Florida power Cardinal Gibbons…during his three-year varsity career, compiled 79 catches for 1,007 yards and 10 touchdowns…as a senior, had 27 catches for 359 yards (13.3 avg.) and four TDs…helped Cardinal Gibbons to an 11-2 record and the Class 2M-Region 3 championship final…over his three seasons, Cardinal Gibbons went a combined 30-5 (.857) and won two state championships…played under Coach Matt DuBuc.
Montravius Lloyd, RB, 5-10, 185, St. Petersburg, FL/Lakewood
Two-way standout at Lakewood Senior who excelled as a runner, receiver and linebacker…compiled 872 all-purpose yards in leading Lakewood to the Florida Class 2M, Region 2 championship…defensively, had 30 tackles, two interceptions and two blocked kicks…as a junior, collected 790 all-purpose yards while totaling 33 stops and eight sacks on defense…team went a combined 19-8 his final two seasons (.704)…played under Coach Cory Moore.
Antonio Camon, DL, 6-2, 245, Brandon, FL/Tampa Bay Tech
Highly productive defensive lineman who collected an impressive 44 tackles for loss over his final two seasons at Tampa Bay Tech…as a senior, compiled 53 tackles, 16 TFLs, nine sacks and an interception…as a junior, piled up 78 stops, 28 TFLs, nine sacks, four fumble recoveries and three blocked kicks…led the Titans to a combined 23-4 record (.852) over his junior and senior seasons…as a junior Tampa Bay Tech went 14-1 and reached the Florida Class 7A championship game…All-Western Conference National Division…rated one of the top 100 overall prospects in Florida by Rivals (No. 84)…played under Coach Jayson Roberts.
Maverick Gracio, DL, 6-4, 230, West Palm Beach, FL/Cardinal Newman
Outstanding pass rusher who collected an amazing 34 sacks over his final two seasons at Cardinal Newman…as a senior, totaled 58 tackles, 22 sacks and two forced fumbles…led team to an 11-1 record and the Florida Class 1M regional final…an all-state and All-Palm Beach County honoree…Cardinal Newman went a combined 20-5 (.800) over his junior and senior years…played under Coach Jack Daniels.
7:30 a.m.—Two exciting transfers are on the board this morning for the Panthers!
Donovan McMillon, DB, 6-1, 205, McMurray, PA/Peters Township/Florida
Transfer from Florida with immediate eligibility…played in 25 games for the Gators over the 2021-22 seasons, serving on special teams and as a reserve safety…totaled 30 tackles and one TFL…a product of nearby Peters Township who was one of the WPIAL's most heavily recruited players in recent years…rated a national top-15 safety prospect by Rivals…selected to the Rivals250 (No. 199)…Pennsylvania Football Writers All-Class 5A…Pittsburgh Post-Gazette "Fabulous 22"…played under Coach T.J. Plack at Peters Township, which he led to the WPIAL championship game each of his final two seasons...also a standout prep wrestler who was the WPIAL and PIAA Class 3A runner-up at 182 pounds.
Christian Veilleux, QB, 6-4, 200, Ottawa, Ontario/Bullis School (MD)/Penn State
Transfer from Penn State with immediate eligibility…in two seasons with the Nittany Lions (2021-22), played in five games, completing 23-of-35 passes (66%) for 282 yards and three touchdowns…posted career bests when he came off the bench against Rutgers in 2021 and passed for 235 yards (completing 15 of 24) with three TDs…earned stature as one of the country's top pro-style quarterback prospects at Bullis School in Maryland…named the 2019 Interstate Athletic Conference Offensive Player of the Year after throwing for 2,006 yards and 29 touchdowns as a junior…team did not have a 2020 season due to the pandemic…played under Bullis School head coach Patrick Cilento.
7:45 a.m.—The signings keep coming in and the recruiting board is filling up! It's been a great start to the morning for the Panthers.
Kenny Johnson, WR, 6-1, 195, York, PA/Dallastown
Earned stature as one of Pennsylvania's top wide receiver prospects…posted more than 1,000 receiving yards over his final two seasons…first team All-York-Adams Interscholastic Athletic Association (YAIAA) as a wide receiver and return specialist…Pennsylvania Football Writers All-Class 6A…rated one of Pennsylvania's top 20 overall prospects by Rivals (No. 13), 247Sports (No. 16) and ESPN (No. 18)…also an accomplished basketball player and track and field performer…selected the YAIAA Boys Athlete of the Year for 2021-22…played under Coach Levi Murphy.
Tai Ray, OL, 6-6, 300, Apopka, FL/Apopka
Mammoth offensive tackle prospect who paved the way for an Apopka program that advanced to state championship games each of his final two seasons…three-year varsity starter…first team All-Metro…Orlando Sentinel Central Florida "Super 60"…helped the Blue Darters to a combined 23-7 record (.767) his final two years…Apopka went 11-4 his senior year to earn a berth in the Florida 4M state championship game…as a junior, he helped Apopka to a 12-3 mark and Class 8A runner-up finish…played under Coach Jeff Rolson.
BJ Williams, OL, 6-3, 280, Lawrenceville, GA/Creekside
First team Georgia All-Region 5-5A…helped Creekside to an 10-3 record, including a 7-0 region mark, as a senior…team advanced to the quarterfinals of the Georgia High School Association (GHSA) Class 5A playoffs…paved the way an offense that averaged nearly 250 rushing yards per game…rated one of Georgia's top-100 overall prospects by 247Sports and ESPN…played under Coach Maurice Dixon.
Ryan Carretta, OL, 6-5, 300, Galena, OH/St. Charles Prep
Earned recognition as one of Ohio's top offensive line prospects…selected first team All-Ohio Division II by the Ohio Prep Sportswriters Association (OPSWA) after earning third-team honors as a junior…first team All-Central District…rated Ohio's No. 21 overall prospect by ESPN, No. 29 by 247Sports and No. 32 by Rivals…played under Coach Deke Hocker.
Shadarian Harrison, DB, 6-1, 175, Lakeland, FL/Lakeland
Highly regarded athlete who produced on both sides of the ball during his prep career…as a senior at Lakeland, primarily focused on defense and intercepted five passes as a cornerback…returned two of his INTs for touchdowns and also had a fumble return TD…first team All-Polk County…led Lakeland to a 14-0 record and the Florida Class 4S championship…team finished No. 12 in the USA TODAY Super 25 rankings…played under Coach Bill Castle.
T.J. Harvison, RB, 6-1, 180, Carrollton, GA/Bowdon
Prolific running back who compiled more than 2,200 scrimmage yards as a senior…rushed for 2,026 yards and 23 touchdowns on 250 carries (8.1 avg.), while catching 12 passes for 256 yards (21.3 avg.) and two TDs…on defense, collected 48 tackles, four tackles for loss, two forced fumbles and a fumble recovery…led Bowdon to a 14-1 record and the Georgia Class 1A Division II championship…was the title game MVP, rushing for 212 yards and a TD on 29 carries (7.3 avg.)…played under Coach Richard Fendley.
8 a.m.—The coaches are on their phones welcoming the Panthers to the program. Signing Day is always a special day.
Jordan Bass, LB, 6-4, 215, Hampton, VA/Phoebus
Highly coveted Virginia prospect who held more than 20 scholarship offers…excelled as a wide receiver and safety in leading Phoebus to consecutive Class 3 championships…led team to a combined 29-1 record (.967) as a junior and senior, including a 20-game winning streak to close his career…his final year, Phoebus allowed just 4.3 points per game and posted eight shutouts…first team Class 3 All-State…Peninsula District Offensive Player of the Year…first team All-Peninsula District as a wide receiver and defensive back…rated the No. 2 senior prospect in the Virginian-Pilot/Daily Press Top 50…rated the No. 7 overall prospect in Virginia by Rivals, No. 14 by 247Sports and No. 26 by ESPN…played under Coach Jeremy Blunt.
Braylan Lovelace, LB, 6-2, 200, Leechburg, PA/Leechburg
A do-it-all player for Leechburg, leading a resurgence of the Blue Devils program as a running back and middle linebacker…rushed for 4,170 yards on 471 carries (8.9 avg.) for his career…as a senior, netted 1,369 rushing yards and scored 29 total touchdowns…Pittsburgh Post-Gazette "Fabulous 22"…All-Eastern Conference…team advanced to the WPIAL Class A playoffs each of his final two years…the Blue Devils went 9-3 his junior year, making the playoffs for the first time since 1988 and earning their first playoff victory since 1978…became the first Division I football commit from Leechburg since his father, Dave Lovelace, earned a scholarship to Rutgers in 1993…rated Pennsylvania's No. 21 overall prospect by Rivals, No. 23 by 247Sports and No. 27 by ESPN…played under Coach Randy Walters.
Lamar Seymore, WR, 6-1, 180, Miami, FL/Miami Central
A four-time state champion for perennial power Miami Central…as a senior, compiled 34 receptions for 596 yards (17.5 avg.) and nine touchdowns in helping the Rockets to a 14-0 record and the Florida 2M title…team finished fourth in the USA TODAY Super 25 rankings…his junior year, had 27 catches for 504 yards (18.7 avg.) and seven TDs…over his four varsity seasons, Miami Central went a combined 46-6 (.884)…played under Coach Jube Joseph.
Rasheem Biles, LB, 6-1, 195, Pickerington, OH/Pickerington Central
A diverse talent for Pickerington Central, playing running back, wide receiver and defensive back for the Ohio Division I (largest classification) program…senior season was limited to five games due to injury, but still finished with more than 400 all-purpose yards and scored five touchdowns (two on interception returns) to earn All-Central District…as a junior, compiled 74 tackles, eight tackles for loss, three interceptions (two pick sixes) and a fumble recovery…helped Pickerington Central basketball team to a 25-2 record and the state title his junior year…rated one of Ohio's top 40 overall prospects by 247Sports (No. 26), ESPN (No. 33) and Rivals (No. 39)…played under Coach Jay Sharrett.
10 a.m.—The West Coast guys are waking up now and sending in their paperwork! California to Pitt is becoming a new pipeline for the Panthers.
Ty Dieffenbach, QB, 6-6, 210, Calabasas, CA/Agoura
Began his varsity career as a rangy wide receiver but moved to quarterback his sophomore year and threw for 4,153 yards and 48 touchdowns over three seasons…during injury-hindered senior season, passed for 867 yards and nine TDs…his junior year, posted career-high passing numbers with 2,669 yards and 34 touchdowns and earned all-state, all-county and all-league accolades…Los Angeles Daily News All-Area…rated one of the top 100 overall prospects in California by ESPN (No. 95)…played under Coach Dustin Croick.
Israel Polk, WR, 6-1, 170, Oakland, CA/St. John Bosco
A standout receiver for national powerhouse St. John Bosco…compiled 458 yards on a team-high 26 receptions (17.6 avg.) with eight touchdowns…helped lead the Braves to a 13-1 record and the CIF Southern Section Division I Championship…St. John Bosco was crowned MaxPreps National Champions for the 2022 season and also ranked atop the USA TODAY Super 25…rated one of California's top-100 overall prospects by ESPN and 247Sports…played under Coach Jason Negro.
10:30 a.m.—Let's add a graduate transfer quarterback to the list and a talented freshman defensive back, both Pittsburgh natives!
Phil Jurkovec, QB, 6-5, 215, Pittsburgh, PA/Pine-Richland/Boston College
Boston College graduate transfer with one season of immediate eligibility remaining…in three seasons with the Eagles (2020-22), threw for 5,184 yards on 59% passing (404 of 679) with 35 touchdowns and 17 interceptions…also rushed for nine TDs at Boston College…spent the 2018-19 seasons at Notre Dame, appearing in eight games…completed 12-of-18 passes for 222 yards and two TDs for the Irish…U.S. Army All-American at Pine-Richland, where he threw for 8,202 yards and 71 TDs, completing 68% of his passes…his 11,144 total yards ranked second in WPIAL history…played under Coach Eric Kasperowicz (a Pitt football letterman, 1994-95 and 1997) at Pine-Richland.
Cruce Brookins, DB, 6-2, 180, Pittsburgh, PA/Steel Valley
One of Western Pennsylvania's most dynamic playmakers as a quarterback and defensive back…led Steel Valley to a 12-1 record, the WPIAL Class 2A championship and PIAA playoffs…in the WPIAL title game, rushed for 170 yards on 17 carries (10.0 avg.) and scored three touchdowns in a 34-14 win over Beaver Falls…finished the season with 2,336 yards in total offense, rushing for 1,625 and passing for 711…accounted for 41 touchdowns (33 rushing, seven passing and one punt return)…on defense, compiled 41 tackles, six interceptions and eight total passes defended…Pittsburgh Post-Gazette "Fabulous 22"…rated Pennsylvania's No. 11 overall prospect by 247Sports and No. 24 by Rivals…played under Coach Ray Braszo.
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Stay tuned for updates throughout the day from the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex on the South Side, home of Pitt Football and the Pittsburgh Steelers.
7 a.m.—The morning begins with a wave of new Panthers signing up and finishing their NLI paperwork!
Isaiah Neal, DL, 6-2, 270, Washington, D.C./St. Frances Academy (MD)
A four-year defensive standout for perennial power St. Frances Academy who was selected an Under Armour All-American…compiled an amazing 29 tackles for loss, including 9.5 sacks as a senior…first team All-Metro…led team to a 9-1 record against national competition…rated Maryland's No. 6 overall prospect by Rivals and No. 15 by ESPN…rated Washington D.C.'s No. 13 prospect by 247Sports…played under Coach Messay Hailemariam.
Zion Fowler, WR, 6-0, 190, Jersey City, NJ/St. Peter's Prep
Compiled nearly 1,300 receiving yards over his final two varsity seasons at St. Peter's Prep…Super Football Conference all-star…first team All-United Red Division…as a senior, had 36 receptions for 729 yards (20.3 avg.) and nine touchdowns…his junior season, compiled 31 catches for 562 yards (18.1 avg.) and seven TDs…rated New Jersey's No. 11 overall prospect by 247Sports and No. 18 by ESPN…played under Coach Richard Hansen.
Jesse Anderson, DB, 6-0, 170, Oakland Park, FL/Cardinal Gibbons
Standout wide receiver and safety for perennial Florida power Cardinal Gibbons…during his three-year varsity career, compiled 79 catches for 1,007 yards and 10 touchdowns…as a senior, had 27 catches for 359 yards (13.3 avg.) and four TDs…helped Cardinal Gibbons to an 11-2 record and the Class 2M-Region 3 championship final…over his three seasons, Cardinal Gibbons went a combined 30-5 (.857) and won two state championships…played under Coach Matt DuBuc.
Montravius Lloyd, RB, 5-10, 185, St. Petersburg, FL/Lakewood
Two-way standout at Lakewood Senior who excelled as a runner, receiver and linebacker…compiled 872 all-purpose yards in leading Lakewood to the Florida Class 2M, Region 2 championship…defensively, had 30 tackles, two interceptions and two blocked kicks…as a junior, collected 790 all-purpose yards while totaling 33 stops and eight sacks on defense…team went a combined 19-8 his final two seasons (.704)…played under Coach Cory Moore.
Antonio Camon, DL, 6-2, 245, Brandon, FL/Tampa Bay Tech
Highly productive defensive lineman who collected an impressive 44 tackles for loss over his final two seasons at Tampa Bay Tech…as a senior, compiled 53 tackles, 16 TFLs, nine sacks and an interception…as a junior, piled up 78 stops, 28 TFLs, nine sacks, four fumble recoveries and three blocked kicks…led the Titans to a combined 23-4 record (.852) over his junior and senior seasons…as a junior Tampa Bay Tech went 14-1 and reached the Florida Class 7A championship game…All-Western Conference National Division…rated one of the top 100 overall prospects in Florida by Rivals (No. 84)…played under Coach Jayson Roberts.
Maverick Gracio, DL, 6-4, 230, West Palm Beach, FL/Cardinal Newman
Outstanding pass rusher who collected an amazing 34 sacks over his final two seasons at Cardinal Newman…as a senior, totaled 58 tackles, 22 sacks and two forced fumbles…led team to an 11-1 record and the Florida Class 1M regional final…an all-state and All-Palm Beach County honoree…Cardinal Newman went a combined 20-5 (.800) over his junior and senior years…played under Coach Jack Daniels.
7:30 a.m.—Two exciting transfers are on the board this morning for the Panthers!
Donovan McMillon, DB, 6-1, 205, McMurray, PA/Peters Township/Florida
Transfer from Florida with immediate eligibility…played in 25 games for the Gators over the 2021-22 seasons, serving on special teams and as a reserve safety…totaled 30 tackles and one TFL…a product of nearby Peters Township who was one of the WPIAL's most heavily recruited players in recent years…rated a national top-15 safety prospect by Rivals…selected to the Rivals250 (No. 199)…Pennsylvania Football Writers All-Class 5A…Pittsburgh Post-Gazette "Fabulous 22"…played under Coach T.J. Plack at Peters Township, which he led to the WPIAL championship game each of his final two seasons...also a standout prep wrestler who was the WPIAL and PIAA Class 3A runner-up at 182 pounds.
Christian Veilleux, QB, 6-4, 200, Ottawa, Ontario/Bullis School (MD)/Penn State
Transfer from Penn State with immediate eligibility…in two seasons with the Nittany Lions (2021-22), played in five games, completing 23-of-35 passes (66%) for 282 yards and three touchdowns…posted career bests when he came off the bench against Rutgers in 2021 and passed for 235 yards (completing 15 of 24) with three TDs…earned stature as one of the country's top pro-style quarterback prospects at Bullis School in Maryland…named the 2019 Interstate Athletic Conference Offensive Player of the Year after throwing for 2,006 yards and 29 touchdowns as a junior…team did not have a 2020 season due to the pandemic…played under Bullis School head coach Patrick Cilento.
7:45 a.m.—The signings keep coming in and the recruiting board is filling up! It's been a great start to the morning for the Panthers.
Kenny Johnson, WR, 6-1, 195, York, PA/Dallastown
Earned stature as one of Pennsylvania's top wide receiver prospects…posted more than 1,000 receiving yards over his final two seasons…first team All-York-Adams Interscholastic Athletic Association (YAIAA) as a wide receiver and return specialist…Pennsylvania Football Writers All-Class 6A…rated one of Pennsylvania's top 20 overall prospects by Rivals (No. 13), 247Sports (No. 16) and ESPN (No. 18)…also an accomplished basketball player and track and field performer…selected the YAIAA Boys Athlete of the Year for 2021-22…played under Coach Levi Murphy.
Tai Ray, OL, 6-6, 300, Apopka, FL/Apopka
Mammoth offensive tackle prospect who paved the way for an Apopka program that advanced to state championship games each of his final two seasons…three-year varsity starter…first team All-Metro…Orlando Sentinel Central Florida "Super 60"…helped the Blue Darters to a combined 23-7 record (.767) his final two years…Apopka went 11-4 his senior year to earn a berth in the Florida 4M state championship game…as a junior, he helped Apopka to a 12-3 mark and Class 8A runner-up finish…played under Coach Jeff Rolson.
BJ Williams, OL, 6-3, 280, Lawrenceville, GA/Creekside
First team Georgia All-Region 5-5A…helped Creekside to an 10-3 record, including a 7-0 region mark, as a senior…team advanced to the quarterfinals of the Georgia High School Association (GHSA) Class 5A playoffs…paved the way an offense that averaged nearly 250 rushing yards per game…rated one of Georgia's top-100 overall prospects by 247Sports and ESPN…played under Coach Maurice Dixon.
Ryan Carretta, OL, 6-5, 300, Galena, OH/St. Charles Prep
Earned recognition as one of Ohio's top offensive line prospects…selected first team All-Ohio Division II by the Ohio Prep Sportswriters Association (OPSWA) after earning third-team honors as a junior…first team All-Central District…rated Ohio's No. 21 overall prospect by ESPN, No. 29 by 247Sports and No. 32 by Rivals…played under Coach Deke Hocker.
Shadarian Harrison, DB, 6-1, 175, Lakeland, FL/Lakeland
Highly regarded athlete who produced on both sides of the ball during his prep career…as a senior at Lakeland, primarily focused on defense and intercepted five passes as a cornerback…returned two of his INTs for touchdowns and also had a fumble return TD…first team All-Polk County…led Lakeland to a 14-0 record and the Florida Class 4S championship…team finished No. 12 in the USA TODAY Super 25 rankings…played under Coach Bill Castle.
T.J. Harvison, RB, 6-1, 180, Carrollton, GA/Bowdon
Prolific running back who compiled more than 2,200 scrimmage yards as a senior…rushed for 2,026 yards and 23 touchdowns on 250 carries (8.1 avg.), while catching 12 passes for 256 yards (21.3 avg.) and two TDs…on defense, collected 48 tackles, four tackles for loss, two forced fumbles and a fumble recovery…led Bowdon to a 14-1 record and the Georgia Class 1A Division II championship…was the title game MVP, rushing for 212 yards and a TD on 29 carries (7.3 avg.)…played under Coach Richard Fendley.
8 a.m.—The coaches are on their phones welcoming the Panthers to the program. Signing Day is always a special day.
Jordan Bass, LB, 6-4, 215, Hampton, VA/Phoebus
Highly coveted Virginia prospect who held more than 20 scholarship offers…excelled as a wide receiver and safety in leading Phoebus to consecutive Class 3 championships…led team to a combined 29-1 record (.967) as a junior and senior, including a 20-game winning streak to close his career…his final year, Phoebus allowed just 4.3 points per game and posted eight shutouts…first team Class 3 All-State…Peninsula District Offensive Player of the Year…first team All-Peninsula District as a wide receiver and defensive back…rated the No. 2 senior prospect in the Virginian-Pilot/Daily Press Top 50…rated the No. 7 overall prospect in Virginia by Rivals, No. 14 by 247Sports and No. 26 by ESPN…played under Coach Jeremy Blunt.
Braylan Lovelace, LB, 6-2, 200, Leechburg, PA/Leechburg
A do-it-all player for Leechburg, leading a resurgence of the Blue Devils program as a running back and middle linebacker…rushed for 4,170 yards on 471 carries (8.9 avg.) for his career…as a senior, netted 1,369 rushing yards and scored 29 total touchdowns…Pittsburgh Post-Gazette "Fabulous 22"…All-Eastern Conference…team advanced to the WPIAL Class A playoffs each of his final two years…the Blue Devils went 9-3 his junior year, making the playoffs for the first time since 1988 and earning their first playoff victory since 1978…became the first Division I football commit from Leechburg since his father, Dave Lovelace, earned a scholarship to Rutgers in 1993…rated Pennsylvania's No. 21 overall prospect by Rivals, No. 23 by 247Sports and No. 27 by ESPN…played under Coach Randy Walters.
Lamar Seymore, WR, 6-1, 180, Miami, FL/Miami Central
A four-time state champion for perennial power Miami Central…as a senior, compiled 34 receptions for 596 yards (17.5 avg.) and nine touchdowns in helping the Rockets to a 14-0 record and the Florida 2M title…team finished fourth in the USA TODAY Super 25 rankings…his junior year, had 27 catches for 504 yards (18.7 avg.) and seven TDs…over his four varsity seasons, Miami Central went a combined 46-6 (.884)…played under Coach Jube Joseph.
Rasheem Biles, LB, 6-1, 195, Pickerington, OH/Pickerington Central
A diverse talent for Pickerington Central, playing running back, wide receiver and defensive back for the Ohio Division I (largest classification) program…senior season was limited to five games due to injury, but still finished with more than 400 all-purpose yards and scored five touchdowns (two on interception returns) to earn All-Central District…as a junior, compiled 74 tackles, eight tackles for loss, three interceptions (two pick sixes) and a fumble recovery…helped Pickerington Central basketball team to a 25-2 record and the state title his junior year…rated one of Ohio's top 40 overall prospects by 247Sports (No. 26), ESPN (No. 33) and Rivals (No. 39)…played under Coach Jay Sharrett.
10 a.m.—The West Coast guys are waking up now and sending in their paperwork! California to Pitt is becoming a new pipeline for the Panthers.
Ty Dieffenbach, QB, 6-6, 210, Calabasas, CA/Agoura
Began his varsity career as a rangy wide receiver but moved to quarterback his sophomore year and threw for 4,153 yards and 48 touchdowns over three seasons…during injury-hindered senior season, passed for 867 yards and nine TDs…his junior year, posted career-high passing numbers with 2,669 yards and 34 touchdowns and earned all-state, all-county and all-league accolades…Los Angeles Daily News All-Area…rated one of the top 100 overall prospects in California by ESPN (No. 95)…played under Coach Dustin Croick.
Israel Polk, WR, 6-1, 170, Oakland, CA/St. John Bosco
A standout receiver for national powerhouse St. John Bosco…compiled 458 yards on a team-high 26 receptions (17.6 avg.) with eight touchdowns…helped lead the Braves to a 13-1 record and the CIF Southern Section Division I Championship…St. John Bosco was crowned MaxPreps National Champions for the 2022 season and also ranked atop the USA TODAY Super 25…rated one of California's top-100 overall prospects by ESPN and 247Sports…played under Coach Jason Negro.
10:30 a.m.—Let's add a graduate transfer quarterback to the list and a talented freshman defensive back, both Pittsburgh natives!
Phil Jurkovec, QB, 6-5, 215, Pittsburgh, PA/Pine-Richland/Boston College
Boston College graduate transfer with one season of immediate eligibility remaining…in three seasons with the Eagles (2020-22), threw for 5,184 yards on 59% passing (404 of 679) with 35 touchdowns and 17 interceptions…also rushed for nine TDs at Boston College…spent the 2018-19 seasons at Notre Dame, appearing in eight games…completed 12-of-18 passes for 222 yards and two TDs for the Irish…U.S. Army All-American at Pine-Richland, where he threw for 8,202 yards and 71 TDs, completing 68% of his passes…his 11,144 total yards ranked second in WPIAL history…played under Coach Eric Kasperowicz (a Pitt football letterman, 1994-95 and 1997) at Pine-Richland.
Cruce Brookins, DB, 6-2, 180, Pittsburgh, PA/Steel Valley
One of Western Pennsylvania's most dynamic playmakers as a quarterback and defensive back…led Steel Valley to a 12-1 record, the WPIAL Class 2A championship and PIAA playoffs…in the WPIAL title game, rushed for 170 yards on 17 carries (10.0 avg.) and scored three touchdowns in a 34-14 win over Beaver Falls…finished the season with 2,336 yards in total offense, rushing for 1,625 and passing for 711…accounted for 41 touchdowns (33 rushing, seven passing and one punt return)…on defense, compiled 41 tackles, six interceptions and eight total passes defended…Pittsburgh Post-Gazette "Fabulous 22"…rated Pennsylvania's No. 11 overall prospect by 247Sports and No. 24 by Rivals…played under Coach Ray Braszo.
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