Pat Signal: Tyler Zelinski commits to Pitt

Tyler Zelinski, a quarterback at Erie Community College in Williamsville, New York, announced on Sunday afternoon that he has committed to the University of Pittsburgh.

The 6’4”, 200-pound signal-caller has secured preferred walk-on status with the Panthers, according to Brian Batko of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. He’s also been told he’ll have an opportunity to earn a scholarship and will be joining the team in January as an early enrollee at Pitt.

During his time at Erie Community College, Zelinski played in nine games as a freshman, completing 54 percent of his passes for 1,756 yards and 16 touchdowns. He also threw 11 picks, but that may be attributable to the fact that he faced significant pressure on a regular basis. In those nine games, he was sacked 34 times for an average of just under four per game.

While there’s been no official word from Pitt regarding the departures of any quarterbacks, the move to bring on Zelinski suggests someone could be on their way out. Kenny Pickett established himself as Pitt’s best option under center after a season of uncertainty and shifting at the position. In the process, he leapfrogged Ben DiNucci, and Thomas MacVittie wasn’t given much of a look. So those two could be candidates for a transfer.

However, if Pitt loses DiNucci or MacVittie, it won’t be without its options. In addition to Zelinski, the Panthers will be bringing in Nick Patti, a three-star quarterback out of St. Joseph Regional High School in Montvale, New Jersey. They also have Jake Zilinskas, who walked on after transferring from John Carroll University, much like Zelinski.