Pitt lands a big one

Pitt added a big piece to its 2015 recruiting class Friday when four-star Central Valley cornerback prospect Jordan Whitehead announced his commitment to the Panthers.

Whitehead made the announcement at his high school, and he chose Pitt over a final four that also included Ohio State, West Virginia and Penn State. His offer sheet was more extensive, with scholarships from across the country.

As a member of the Rivals250 and the No. 30 cornerback prospect in the nation, Whitehead has been one of Pitt's top priorities since Paul Chryst was hired in December 2011. He is the second-highest rated recruit in Pitt's 2015 recruiting class, according to Rivals.com, behind only Austintown (Oh.) Fitch four-star running back Darrin Hall, who is ranked as the No. 168 prospect nationally. Whitehead is ranked No. 248.

Regardless of ranking, Whitehead is a key recruit for Pitt and Chryst as the Panthers look to add impact players to the defense in general and the secondary in particular. He should have the talent to see the field as a freshman in 2015 and could contribute in a variety of ways. Through five games this season, Whitehead has already scored nine touchdowns; eight have been rushing scores and his latest touchdown came on a 70-yard kickoff return.

The Panthers made their final push when Chryst and offensive coordinator Joe Rudolph - Whitehead's primary recruiter - visited Central Valley last Friday and then attended the team's game at Ambridge that night.

Whitehead is Pitt's 15th recruit in the class of 2015 and the fifth WPIAL prospect to pick the Panthers. He is also the third defensive back, along with Quaker Valley's Dane Jackson and Hallandale Beach (Fla.) Hallandale's Malik Henderson.

Pitt made headway with Whitehead during several extended visits over the last four months. In June, he made a rare overnight unofficial visit, spending two days on campus with the coaches and players. And he took his official visit on the opening weekend of Pitt's 2014 season.

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