Pat Signal: Rashad Wheeler commits to Pitt

Three-star prospect Rashad Wheeler just announced his commitment to Pitt on live local KDKA news. Wheeler is a highly sought after defensive tackle prospect from nearby Pittsburgh Central Catholic High School. He joins fellow Central Catholic teammate, Bricen Garner, in the 2016 Pitt recruiting class.

Rashad Wheeler checks in at 6'3" 286 pounds and is rated by a three-star prospect by Rivals, Scout, and 24/7. ESPN does not give him a star rating. Wheeler checks in as the 23rd ranked prospect by Rivals. He holds an impressive offer sheet including Penn State, West Virginia, Tennessee, and Maryland among others.

Wheeler helped guide Pittsburgh Central Catholic to an appearance in the WPIAL Championship at Heinz Field in 2014 before falling to Pitt quarterback Ben DiNucci and Pine-Richland. He is one of the main reasons why Central Catholic finds itself ranked among the top high school teams in the entire country heading into this season.

Wheeler becomes the ninth commitment for Pitt's 2016 recruiting class, the third from the WPIAL, and the fifth on the defensive side of the ball. As I mentioned above, he is the second Central Catholic player to join the recruiting class, and that could hold big for the future.  As most Pitt fans know, Damar Hamlin is Central Catholic's best player and probably Pat Narduzzi's top priority for this recruiting class. Having two of his teammates in the fold, the whole #412Crew idea may be starting to take shape.