Pitt Football Recruiting: Paul Chryst Lands First 2013 Recruit In Scott Orndoff

Paul Chryst landed his first recruit with the pickup of local tight end Scott "Don't call me Paul Orndorff" Orndoff.

Orndoff first committed to Wisconsin last year. Ironically, one of the things he liked at first was that western PA kids were going to Wisconsin. He, like the others, was recruited by new Pitt coach Joe Rudolph and also recruited by Rudolph here. Orndoff recently came to one of Pitt's spring practices with some other potential recruits

Orndoff wasn't one of the highest rated guys (unrated by Rivals), but was a three-star according to Scout and 24/7. Scout also rates him as the 13th best tight end recruit in the nation, while 24/7 says he's the 23rd best.

He's also one of a number of Seton-LaSalle kids and his high school coach says he's a keeper:

"I don't know if we've had the caliber we'll have with this kid. Anyone who uses a tight end in their offense is going to be interested because of his size, speed and strength," Perry said of Orndoff

Orndoff has recently switched to receiver and was previously a quarterback. He's still learning the position and he should post bigger numbers this year as a senior.

He was the first recruit in Wisconsin's 2013 class, but after Chryst and company left, he decided to look elsewhere. At the time, though, he didn't blame Pitt's new head coach:

"It was somewhat of a surprise," Orndorff said. "But I knew Coach Chryst wanted to be a head coach and he found his opportunity at Pitt so he's following his dream and advancing his career. You can't blame him."

The fact that he was a Pittsburgh kid probably made his decision to come back home to follow Chryst that much easier. Another thing to like is that Orndoff had some big time schools after him. According to Rivals, his potential suitors included Michigan, Michigan State, and West Virginia, among others.

How Chryst does with recruiting is still a huge question mark, but this is a solid pickup and a good way to start off 2013.

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