2013 Commitment: TE Devon Edwards
Pitt added another tight end to its 2013 recruiting haul last week when Eastmoor (Ohio) product Devon Edwards gave the Panthers coaching staff his verbal commitment.
Edwards (6-foot-6, 240 pounds) is listed as a two-star on both Rivals and Scout. He is the third tight end of the class, joining Scott Orndoff and Jaymar Parrish, two WPIAL products. His commitment brings Pitt's 2013 class to 19.
Like most guys that have given their verbal commitments to Paul Chryst, Edwards had a very strong rapport with the staff that ultimately led him to make his commitment. Edwards was also one of several recruits to visit for the Virginia Tech game last month.
"He and his mom felt comfortable with the staff," said James Miranda, Edwards' high school coach. "Just sharing what their commitment was going to be to him, I think he had a great visit and I think."
Offensive coordinator/tight ends coach Joe Rudolph was Edwards' primary recruiter.
"He spoke from experiences he had in the past and guys that he’s moved on to the league at Wisconsin," Miranda said. "He was real helpful. He shared video and all kinds of tutorial stuff with us. He’s real good guy, down to earth and grounded. And he made it sincere that he though Devon would be a great fit."
Miranda spoke very highly of Edwards' upside and athleticism. While he didn't rack up a ton of catches on offense, he said Edwards has good hands for his size. He also pointed to one play Edwards made on defense, when he picked off the quarterback rushing off the edge and took it 75 yards the other way for a touchdown.
"Big kind, tremendous hands, outstanding catching ability," Miranda said. "He’s a team leader for us, a captain, which just speaks to his character and his work ethic. He’s the type of kid that you just wish you had more of them come around.
"I think he still has room to grow, but you’re talking about a kid who has great size and great hands."
Edwards also had offers from Boston College, Cincinnati, Nebraska and West Virginia, among others. Here are some YouTube highlights from his junior season: