Pitt Offers Virginia Defensive End

Over the last couple of weeks, the Pitt coaching staff hasn’t offered scholarships to many players . That ended yesterday when they extended an offer to Grassfield (Va.) defensive end Patrick Jones.

Jones is a player who’s recruitment has really taken off, picking up eight offers since this spring.  Those offers include: Pitt,  Virginia Tech,  Virginia,  NC State,  Wake Forest and Duke. Jones tells me that this summer he’s made visits to Alabama, Virginia Tech and Georgia.

So, what how’d he feel about getting the offer from Pitt yesterday, “I was happy and thankful for the offer and no I wasn’t expecting it”, said Jones.

Jones was honest and told me at this point, he doesn’t know much about the Pitt program except  that Narduzzi is coach and hears they’re an up and coming program.  In case you’re wondering Jones has never been to Pittsburgh but it’s possible he’ll be making a visit soon.

Despite rumors that he’s favoring Va Tech, Jones is keeping his options open and says that he doesn’t have a leader. However, Jones was in Blacksburg, Va this weekend.

Though Jones did tell me what he’s looking for in a school, “A place where I can make an impact right away and make it to the NFL. Also, a school that will give me a good education and that has a high graduation rate (for its players).

Whichever school Jones selects, he’ll be counted on to get to the quarterback. What position that’ll be from is undecided because schools are looking at him as both a defensive end and as a outside linebacker. The pass rusher says that he patterns his game after Vic Beasley and Cameron Wake.

One interesting note about Jones and a big reason he’s receiving so much interest this summer: weight gain.  Since the end of last football season, Jones has added 35 pounds to his frame, currently standing 6-5, 235 lbs.

Jones said he plans on taking some more visits before making a final decision during the football season.