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The recent coaching change has directly affected the 2015 recruiting class already. Paul Chryst was introduced as the head coach of Wisconsin last night, and two committed prospects have already re-opened their recruitments. With any coaching change, some personnel moves seem to inevitably happen, and that process has begun very quickly. Rob Dowdy, a three star linemen from Ohio, and Sekai Lindsay, a three star running back from Florida have officially de-committed from the University of Pittsburgh.
It is very common for high school prospects to explore their options after a coaching change. It is nobody's fault, that's just the state of business in college football these days. A new coach will be hired in the coming weeks, and he will have to scramble to fill a recruiting class, as Pitt fans have seen a lot of these scenarios lately. Sekai Lindsay and Rob Dowdy, or any other prospect has to do what is right for them, and if opening things up and taking a look before signing day is the right thing, so be it. A verbal commitment is not binding, and things are not official until signing day.
Lindsay is a talented back and Rob Dowdy was a big imposing linemen that Paul Chryst loves. Both players are very talented, and perhaps a new coach can get them back on board if he wishes to pursue them. The sooner a hire happens, the better. After the bowl game, the new coach will have exactly one month to sure up a recruiting class, but it appears he will have somewhat of a base to start with. Quadree Henderson, Tre Tipton, Dane Jackson, and even Jordan Whitehead have reaffirmed the commitments to some degree over social media. Unlike the Todd Graham departure, the kids have had at least a week to process and anticipate Chryst's departure. So I do not expect to see everyone to jump ship now, because they have had some time to do it already. Still, more changes will be on the way.
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