INKED: OT Blake Zubovic signs with Pitt
Belle Vernon (Pa.) offensive tackle Blake Zubovic has signed his National Letter of Intent to continue his athletic and academic career at Pitt. Find out more about Zubovic.
Blake Zubovic became the second player to sign with Pitt’s football program in the 2018 recruiting class on the early National Signing Day, joining his classmates signing today. Zubovic is a 6-foot-5, 310-pound offensive tackle from Belle Vernon (Pa.) and a local prospect who was recruited early by Pitt. Here’s a brief look back at his journey as a recruit and his history with Pitt:
Zubovic is offered by Pitt: Zubovic first popped up on the radar as a recruit when he was offered by Pitt, his very first scholarship and a major one to Pitt. The day before National Signing Day for the 2017 class, Pat Narduzzi made it clear how interested he was in the local Belle Vernon (Pa.) product by taking the time out to begin seriously recruiting and offering a top target in the 2018 recruiting class.
Zubovic commits to Pitt: Although Zubovic's recruitment continued to take off and the impressive offensive lineman picked up offers from programs like Penn State, Michigan State, Virginia Tech, Maryland, and West Virginia, among others, Pitt always remained at the top of his list. The local product took four visits to Pitt between receiving his offer from the Panthers and announcing his commitment in June. Zubovic visited shortly after the 2017 National Signing Day, for a February junior day, for a spring practice, and for the Blue-Gold spring game. Zubovic eventually reached a final five of Pitt, Penn State, Virginia Tech, Michigan State, and Maryland before announcing his decision to stay close to home on June 14th.
In his words: “It just felt like home. It’s really hard to put my finger on it, but it’s just this gut feeling. I can see myself playing there. It’s the whole WPIAL, local player going to Pitt and being successful. It’s more than an idea. I just felt very at home and I love this coaching staff,” Zubovic said. “I like the other recruits and commits that I talk to. I just love Pitt. I’ve always been a fan.”
Zubovic's impact: "What Zubovic shows on tape in the run-heavy scheme he plays in high school is impressive. The young Pittsburgh-area prospect fires off of the football well and usually buries defensive tackles and ends alike before they can do much to create any level of havoc or discomfort for Belle Vernon’s offense. Zubovic is a finisher, a player capable of driving his man several yards off of the football before planting him on his rear."
