National Signing Day was a solid one for Pat Narduzzi as Pitt football landed three local recruits and two four-star prospects from Virginia.
Pitt's victories keep piling up this week after Kenny Pickett announced his return Tuesday, shaping the program in the right direction after its 6-5 record in 2020.
In addition to Pitt's three recruits from Pittsburgh came another from Central Valley. Pitt's four recruits from Virginia also were substantial, bringing in a versatile group of athletes.
"Our coaches did a heck of a job and I can't thank those guys enough," Narduzzi said Wednesday. "The class has a ton of variety, very versatile. We got guys that can play in a lot of different positions and you recruit them at one position and who knows what they will end up being when they get here. But we had 11 on offense. We got 10 on defense."
Among Pitt's 2021 class are four defensive linemen, each of them being either three-star or four-star prospects. This continues Narduzzi's strong reputation of recruiting and developing talented defensive fronts.
Here's a breakdown of all the recruits in the class:
PENNSYLVANIA
Nankhi Johnson, DE, Pittsburgh, West Mifflin
Defensive end that earned Rivals' ranking as Pennsylvania's No. 7 prospect. Despite his injury riddled senior season, Johnson earned praise for his junior season when he recorded eight sacks and four forced fumbles.
Elliot Donald, DT, Pittsburgh, Central Catholic
Ranked as the country's eight-best defensive tackle and Pennsylvania's No. 5 overall prospect. Recorded 11 sacks as a junior and a major factor in Central Catholic winning the WPIAL Class 6A championship and an appearance in the PIAA championship game. Also doesn't hurt that he's Aaron Donald's nephew.
Dorien Ford, DT, Pittsburgh, Baldwin
Originally a fullback, Ford converted to play both offensive and defensive line as a four-year starter. Ranked by Rivals as Pennsylvania's No. 12 prospect and the No. 26 defensive tackle in the country, Ford doubles up Narduzzi's 2021 defensive tackles from Pennsylvania.
Stephon Hall, DB, Monaca, Central Valley
Defensive back that played multiple roles as a returner, running back and a wide receiver. Earned Rivals' No. 25 among Pennsylvania prospects. Had 14 pass breakups as a defensive back and 13 touchdowns between rushing and returning.
Gavin Bartholomew, TE, Schuylkill Haven, Blue Mountain
Versatile tight end who also filled in as a quarterback at times, Bartholomew caught 27 passes for 527 yards and five touchdowns as a junior and threw four touchdowns while rushing for three more as a senior.
VIRGINIA
Rodney Hammond, RB, Virginia Beach, Booker T. Washington
A running back ranked as Virginia's No. 14 prospect by Rivals, Hammond is a four-star recruit with exceptional playmaker abilities. He rushed for over 1,500 yards and 18 touchdowns as a junior, while also recording six interceptions as a defensive back. Though small at 5-foot-9, 175 lbs., Hammond projects as a highly explosive offensive weapon.
Naquan Brown, DE, Virginia Beach, Ocean Lakes
Brown following through on his commitment from earlier this month isn't a surprise, and he furthers Pitt's victories in Virginia. Here's my full breakdown of his film.
Myles Alston, WR, Virginia Beach, Ocean Lakes
Chose Pitt among 20 total offers as a receiver with 17 receptions for 212 yards and a touchdown as a junior. His team couldn't play during his senior year due to COVID-19, but he still ranked as Virginia's No. 19 recruit. Teammate with Brown as both played receiver for Ocean Lakes.
Malik Newton, RB, Norfolk, Lake Taylor
Ranked as Virginia's No. 9 prospect by Rivals, Newton posted amazing numbers as a junior with 2,060 yards and 32 rushing touchdowns before his team couldn't play due to COVID-19. Bigger back than Hammond at 5-foot-11, 225 lbs. that could double as dual threat at running back should both develop together.
Javon McIntyre, DB, Bear, Del., Imhotep Charter, Pa.
No. 14 Pennsylvania prospect by Rivals, McIntyre is one of the highest ranked safeties in the state. He led his team to Philadelphia's Class 4A City Championship and a berth in the PIAA playoffs. His team didn't play this year due to COVID-19, but he recorded 53 tackles and returned a fumble for a touchdown.
MICHIGAN
Kyle Fugedi, OL Livonia, Franklin
Three-year starter ranked as Rivals' No. 30 prospect in Michigan, Fugedi was a major factor in his school totaling 6,811 rushing yards between 2018-2020.
Terrence Enos, OL Redford, Cass Technical
Ranked as Michigan's No. 17 prospect and respected offensive tackle that could double with Fugedi as much needed reinforcements for Pitt's offensive line.
OHIO
Tamarion Crumpley, DB, Cincinnati, Windley Woods
Ranked as Ohio's No. 31 prospect by Rivals, Crumpley was one of his state's top cornerback prospects and led his team to a 9-1 record with a playoff berth.
Terrence Rankl, OL, Massillon, Massillon Washington
Ohio's No. 21 prospect by Rivals, he was a key part in Massillon making three straight state championship games. He's ranked as one of the top-50 offensive tackles in the country.
GEORGIA
Khalil Anderson, DB, Atlanta, Riverwood
Major playmaker in the secondary with eight interceptions in his final two seasons, he also scored five touchdowns between defense and special teams. Anderson ranked as a top-25 cornerback by 247 Sports No. 24 prospect in Georgia by Rivals.
Preston Lavant, LB, Cordele, Crisp County
Three-year starter with 250 career tackles, including 53 tackles in his senior season that also included six tackles for loss, an interception and a blocked punt. Ranked among Georgia's top-100 prospects by Rivals.
MARYLAND
Jayden Bradley, WR, Baltimore, DeMatha Catholic
Athletic receiver with impressive height at 6-foot-3, Bradley converted from being a quarterback to a receiver in his junior season. His team didn't play due to COVID-19 this season, but he's still Rival's No. 21 prospect for Maryland.
FLORIDA
Jake Renda, TE, IMG Acadmey (Fla.)
Converted to tight end after playing quarterback for three seasons, Renda still ranked as the country's No. 27 by ESPN.
Noah Biglow, DB, Wesley Chapel, Armwood
He was injured for his senior season, but Biglow was an playmaking cornerback as a junior. He recorded six interceptions, eight pass breakups and two fumble recoveries that season.
TEXAS
Nate Yarnell, QB, Austin, Lake Travis
Injured during his senior season, Yarnell made his best impressions when he filled in at quarterback as a junior, throwing for 1,501 yards and 17 touchdowns. He was ranked as a top-25 pro-style quarterback by 247 Sports.
UTAH
Trey Anderson, OL, Eagle Mountain, Levi
Anderson played both offensive tackle and tight end and earned a ranking as Utah's No. 16 prospect by 247 Sports. Was also a two-time Utah state champion in the shot put.