Jordan Whitehead commits to Pitt

We mentioned earlier this week that 2015 CB recruit Jordan Whitehead was expected to make his decision on Friday. The program got some great news in that he committed to the University of Pittsburgh this afternoon in an annoucement at his high school. Despite Pitt not being the believed favorite, he chose the Panthers over a final four that included Penn State, West Virginia, and Ohio State. Whitehead had offers from all over the map some of which included Alabama, Georgia, Michigan State, and Notre Dame.  Needless to say, Whitehead is one of the better prospects in Pennsylvania, and one that was being coveted nationally.

Whitehead is a 5'10" 170 pound cornerback that plays Central Valley High School in nearby Beaver County. He comes from the same high school that produced Robert Foster, who picked against the Panthers in favor of Alabama two years ago in a similar announcement at the school. The Warriors are ranked among the state's top teams in AAA, and Whitehead is the star player leading the way.  He is a two way player in high school, and his versatility is something that can be used in college as well.

Whitehead is ranked as the sixth best prospect in Pennsylvania by Rivals.com, and he is a member of their Top 250 ranking coming in at 248. ESPN has a little more love for the Central Valley standout, as they say he is the 138th best player in the country, and the third best player in PA.  Scout says he is the 168th best, while the 24/7 composite rankings call him the 156th rated player. Across the board, he is rated as a top level prospect with four stars next to his name and with a host of great offers.

Obviously this is a big pick-up for Paul Chryst and his staff. Penn State has recruited Pennsylvania very well this year, but this shows Chryst and company can land good players as well. It is also big in a sense of need as well. Pitt has had some well documented issues with cornerback depth and play this season, Whitehead will have every opportunity to start from day one with the Panthers. He can also be used as a return man, and even some plays in some offensive packages. Whitehead is a big time get, and he helps validate the 2014 recruiting class.  He plans to enroll early, so Pitt fans should be able to catch their first look at him in the blue and gold in the Spring.

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