We've all seen the projections - Pitt could quite easily have a top 25 football recruiting class when it's all said and done. But beyond the depth and beyond the stars, there's another good reason to like this group that Paul Chryst has put together:
He's filled several positions of need.
Perhaps no unit was more in need of help than the offensive line. The group has been weak for the past few years and despite churning out some decent individual players, the unit has never been all that strong in recent years. That should change as Pitt has secured the most offensive linemen in a class (five) since 2003. Just as important is that Chryst picked up a legitimate star in the heralded Dorian Johnson. Upgrading the line will not only mean added protection for the quarterbacks, but will also open up holes for Rushel Shell and company.
Another area in need of some help was wide receiver. Now, this one's a bit tricky since we're still not sure where Tyler Boyd will end up. But Chryst secured a verbal from him earlier this year and if he sticks, the receiving corps will get a nice boost. Pitt will get back Devin Street since he decided to return for his senior year, but the unit loses Mike Shanahan and Cam Saddler. Throw in running back Ray Graham and Pitt will be without three of their top four receivers last year. But in addition to Boyd, Pitt added three other receivers to the mix to help stock up a bit.
There's also quarterback. Yes, Pitt has redshirt freshman Chad Voytik, expected by many to be the quarterback of the future. But part of the knock against the Panthers the past few years is that there was no legitimate competition for Tino Sunseri. If Voytik doesn't work out, the Panthers have a backup plan with Tra'Von Chapman. Chapman gives Chryst a bit of insurance under center and even if Voytik is as good as expected, there's a chance that he could be even better.
It's hard not to be excited about Chryst's 2013 class.