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The 2013 recruiting class is not quite finished yet and Pitt can still add (or lose) some prospects before signing day on February 6. Still, the way college football recruiting works, the next class is beginning to take shape. The unofficial kickoff to the 2014 recruiting class will be this weekend as Pitt will host its annual Junior Day. Most of the prospects will be on hand for the big basketball game with Syracuse.
It is no secret that Western Pennsylvania is looking to be loaded next season with a number of high level prospects. Pitt appears to be in the thick of the race for most of them. Shai McKenzie of Washington looks to be a national level recruit as a running back, and will be a high priority for this staff. Dravon Henry already has assumed the role of the next great Aliquippa star. He will be Pitt's primary Safety prospect. Troy Apke (WR) and Alex Bookser (OL) are two very good players from Mt. Lebanon, where current Pitt assistant, Chris Haering, used to be the head coach. Mike Grimm may be the next big time offensive linemen from the Pittsburgh area, and his 6-7 320-pound frame certainly fits the mold of a Paul Chryst style linemen.
These are just to name a few of the players the WPIAL has to offer this season. Gateway has a number of big time prospects as well along with some Beaver county schools, including Balckhawk quarterback and Pitt commitment Chandler Kincade. Paul Chryst and his staff were able to land some solid players from the WPIAL this season, but could do some real damage next season. The 2014 recruits are very talented and they are there for the taking. Chryst and his staff have also looked heavily into Ohio, Virginia, and New Jersey for 2014. It is a long process ahead, but Pitt is already making strides to really upgrade the talent level of the roster.
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