Mike Vukovcan After spending much of the week recruiting in New Jersey and New York, Pitt head coach Pat Narduzzi returned home and spent the morning checking in on two of the best players in the WPIAL.
Narduzzi and Pitt defensive coordinator /WPIAL recruiter Cory Sanders started Friday morning by visiting both Hopewell quarterback James Armstrong along with Imani Christian 4-star athlete Gabe Jenkins.
The morning started with an 8 AM visit to Hopewell High School to talk with HC Matt Mottes. Because he’s only a sophomore, Narduzzi isn’t permitted to speak directly with Armstrong, so he spent time with and talked for over an hour with Mottes about his starter quarterback.
The conversation ranged from benefits of Armstrong staying home and playing for Pitt, “Hometown Hero”, where Armstrong ranked with Pitt on their recruiting board, how much of a priority he is to Pitt, etc.
The 6’3″, 225-pound sophomore received his first Power 4 offer from Pitt during his freshman season and since then, has received offers from Penn State, West Virginia and North Carolina.
Because of his mobility, size and arm strength, Narduzzi and Pitt believe that Armstrong thrive in Kade Bell’s offensive system.
Despite being only a sophomore, Pitt made sure that Hopewell knew that Pitt’s offer is 100% committable at any time. Pitt is hoping that a commitment will come sooner rather than later.
Because of the NIL implications, this decision is huge for Armstrong and his family.
After leaving Beaver County, Narduzzi and Sanders made their way to Imani Christian Academy to speak with 2027 4-star athlete Gabe Jenkins.
The former Penn State commitment is one of the most talented athletes in the WPIAL and someone Sanders would love to keep home and star in his defense.
Jenkins is rated by On3 as one of the Top 200 overall players in the Class of 2027 and the No. 10 junior in Pennsylvania.
Jenkins currently holds an offer list that includes Pitt, Penn State, West Virginia, Nebraska, Michigan State, Central Florida, Auburn, Florida State, Ole Miss, North Carolina, Indiana, Baylor, Syracuse, Kentucky, Maryland, SMU and Florida.
Because of his size (6’2″, 190-pounds) and athleticism, Jenkins is capable of playing linebacker or safety at the next level.
