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Over the weekend, Chris told you about some big commits that Pitt was still targeting in advance of National Signing Day. One of those was defensive lineman Amir Watts and the Panthers got some great news in that he has committed to the program:
Happy to say I've stopped my recruiting process and committed to the University of Pittsburgh ! #H2P #GoPanthers pic.twitter.com/iKCMe5pmw5
— Mr.Watts (@AmirWatts345) January 25, 2016
Watts is a good get to say the least. He is a four-star defensive tackle per Rivals and had a slew of P5 offers, including Penn State, Nebraska, Missouri, and about ten more. Beating out the Nittany Lions is obviously the big one there but it's worth pointing out that Pitt also snagged him from Big Ten country as Watts is out of Chicago. Getting someone of his caliber is a big deal no matter where he comes from. But for the Panthers to go that far away from home and pull a four-star recruit is impressive.
A few months ago, the defensive lineman was actually committed to Western Michigan. His stock rose and after receiving some bigger offers, Watts decommitted.
Watts will help bolster a defensive line that could use some help. One of my five offseason questions for the Panthers heading into next year was how they can bolster a line that loses KK Mosley-Smith, Mark Scarpinato, and Darryl Render. Watts is the kind of guy that can come in and potentially play immediately. The talent appears to be there and he's already got some size at 6'3", 260 pounds. You never know how things will work out so guaranteeing he plays right away is a bad idea. But you generally will get a handful of guys capable of playing as a true freshman and Watts could be one of those.
Pitt can't sleep here and still has work to do as we approach National Signing Day. But Watts' addition is a big one and gives head coach Pat Narduzzi another key get for 2016.
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