Pitt Football Recruiting: Tennessee Transfer Dewayne Hendrix commits to Pitt

A clear focus for Pat Narduzzi and his staff so far on the recruiting trail has been to replenish the talent on the defensive side of the ball. While he made an impact in the 2015 class, he's looked to add even more. Tennessee defensive end transfer Dewayne Hendrix will be a part of that new depth

I would thank all the schools that showed interested in me. I am eager to begin the next stage of my college career at Pitt !!!

— Blessed (@blessed_1947) April 27, 2015

Hendrix played as a true freshmen last year behind starter Derek Barnett, who rarely if ever left the field. Hendrix noted when he announced his transfer that he felt he may have rushed into his commitment to Tennessee and would take his take time picking his next destination.

In his interview with Chris Peak of Pantherlair, Hendrix noted his interest in Pitt came from incoming quarterback transfer Nathan Peterman joining Pitt at the end of January. Peterman told him how much he enjoyed the campus and the staff, and suggested Hendrix visit. Hendrix eventually visited Northern Illinois and Iowa State as well. He picked Pitt last night announcing it on twitter a couple minutes after Coach Narduzzi sent out a Pat Signal.

In his initial recruitment, Hendrix had offers from numerous high level programs including Florida, Michigan State, Mississippi, Mississippi State, Ohio State, Nebraska, Penn State, and many more. He was a top 100 Rivals recruit at #78, and was the #5 defensive end in the 2014 class.

Hendrix will have to sit out 2015, but will have three years of eligibility after that. This is a great pickup, and I personally think he'll be a future starter at defensive end.

On a side note, there has been quite a bit of rumbling lately about Narduzzi and the staff's recruiting. Obviously no other commitments have popped up, but people are indeed taking notice and there is a little bit of a buzz. Recruits who were not previously considering Pitt now are. Hopefully Narduzzi is able to convince them and others to make a pledge to Pitt.

Anyway, welcome to Pitt, Dewayne.