BREAKING: David Green stays at home and commits to Pitt

MORE HEADLINES - Free recruiting article: New commit Marquis Williams was 'tight with Pitt' | Training camp is over: What did we learn? | FREE: Pat Narduzzi on the defense, the running backs, the OL and more | For Pitt coaches, 'body of work' separated Max Browne in QB race | FREE ARTICLE: Top 2017 recruit Paris Ford makes his Pitt debut

David Green became the 14th prospect to commit to Pitt in the 2018 class when he announced his intentions on Thursday via a YouTube video. The Pittsburgh (Pa.) Central Catholic defensive tackle elected to stay at home and play for the Panthers over offers from Power Five programs like Virginia Tech, Minnesota, Rutgers, Syracuse, Iowa State, and West Virginia.

Green is the fifth prospect and fifth lineman from the Pittsburgh area to commit to Pitt, joining fellow WPIAL products Jake Kradel, Blake Zubovic, Noah Palmer, and Devin Danielson. He spoke with Panther-Lair.com ahead of his decision to explain why Pitt was it for him.

“It’s the hometown school and they’re on to something. They’re on their way up, going for the BCS bowl games and all that," Green said. "I’ll feel great at Pitt with coach Partridge and all he has to bring to the table… Just know that by choosing Pitt, I’m 100-percent dedicated to Pitt. I’m going to give every ounce of sweat to them.”

New Pitt defensive line coach Charlie Partridge has taken over Green's recruitment since coming on board with the coaching staff and the bond between the two has become strong over the last several months. Green values his coaching ability and already saw improvement from the brief time he spent with Partridge during the offseason.

“I think my relationship with coach Partridge has grown very strong. I look at him as a coach as like a teacher and mentor," Green said. "He helped me in my game a lot, just from going down to the Pitt camp. I would think he has a lot more to offer.”

Green is a 6-foot-2, 265-pound defensive tackle who should excel as a pass-rusher in Pitt's defensive scheme, where he'll pair alongside Danielson on the interior of the defensive lineman. While the depth chart may not set up well for Green to earn early playing time in his career, that won't change his approach to his freshman season.

“I’m not sure about playing early, but all I know is that I’m going to give it my all and I’m going to work hard to compete for a starting spot," Green said.

One aspect of his recruitment that Green downplayed was the role of Pitt being close to home. He explained that his close bonds with his family allowed him to be comfortable attending school anywhere in the country.

“I have a very strong relationship with my family and it will be nice to stay home, but I knew that if I would have gone away, I would never lose my touch with them. I’ll always keep in touch with all of them, almost every day," Green said.

Pitt now holds the 55th-ranked recruiting class in the country, jumping the SEC's Arkansas Razorbacks and advancing up the ranks. It will be difficult for Pitt to finish in too high of a spot in the rankings with limited spots remaining for scholarships, but the Panthers should still land a handful more players.

Green's senior season of high school football will open on Friday night in Erie (Pa.)'s Veterans Stadium, where he'll square off against Erie Cathedral Prep and Penn State offensive line commit Juice Scruggs, among other standouts. Panther-Lair.com will have live coverage of the event on Friday evening.

Check out junior highlights from Green and several pictures below and stay tuned for more coverage of his commitment: