2015 QB Alex Malzone talks about PITT offer
Pitt enters the 2014 season with paper thin depth at quarterback. There’s a strong possibility head coach Paul Chryst will add two quarterbacks to their current recruiting class. One of the first players to be offered a scholarship is strong armed Brother Rice (MI) quarterback Alex Malzone (6-foot-2 inches, 205 pounds).
Malzone received scholarship offers from Pitt, Akron, Bowling Green, Central Michigan, Wake Forest, Old Dominion and Toledo. He had a prolific junior year. Alex was 20-for-24 passing for 263 yards and scored four touchdowns to win the 2013 state title game.
“I visited Pitt the week before letter of intent day with my father. Head coach (Paul) Chryst told me they were very impressed with me and he wanted to evaluate my film a little longer,” stated Malzone. “I received a call from Coach Chryst a few weeks ago and he told me they were going to offer me a scholarship. He thinks I’m a great fit for their offense and he likes my leadership abilities.”
“I usually was in contact with Brooks Bollinger but he decided to leave focus on his family. Coach Chryst would be my position coach.”
Malzone was asked if Bollinger’s departure would affect his decision, he stated, “No, I really like Coach Chryst. He’s a great coach, very easy to talk to and a straightforward guy. His resume speaks for himself. You can’t ignore what he did with a quarterback like Russell Wilson.”
Alex was asked to describe his strengths at the quarterback position, he replied, “I have great arm strength. I can make any throw that’s required on the football field. I understand the game. I have a high football IQ. It helps me make my reads and make changes at the line.”
“Most of all, I’m a competitor and winner. I’m a three time state champion. I like to think of myself as a true leader.”
Although Malzone has been labeled a true ‘Pro-Style quarterback’, he likes to think he brings a big more to the position. “Yes, I’m a pass first guy. I have a strong arm and I’ll usually find the open receiver,” he said. “If the pocket breaks down, I believe I’m strong enough of an athlete to run for the first down as well.”
Malzone hopes to complete the recruiting process by the middle to late May. He stated that Michigan, Michigan State, North Carolina State, Tennessee, Illinois, Cincinnati and Ohio State continue to stay in close contact.
“Pitt is high on my list. My father and I really liked our visit there. I felt very comfortable. Their early offer shows they believe in abilities as well. I’m high on the Panthers.”
