Pennsylvania Linebacker Eyes Pitt Offer

Sometimes you’ll hear people say an athlete has the “it factor”. They jump off the screen when you watch film. One such player in my opinion is Waynesboro Senior High School linebacker Forrest Rhyne. He has all the attributes that fit what you’re looking for in a middle linebacker. The ability to quickly process reads and react in a hurry. Once Forrest makes the read he’s flying to the football with bad intentions.
Rhyne was extremely productive in 2015 recording 151 tackles and 33 tackles for loss on the season. This productivity led to him being named Mid-Penn Colonial Division Defensive Player of the Year.
Being a highly productive player possessing good size 6’1″ 225 lbs. the junior has garnered interest from numerous colleges. Pitt being among those schools Forrest was invited to attend Pitt’s junior day held on February 6th. I recently had an opportunity to ask him about his experience and his overall recruitment.

MJ-“What was your jr day experience like at a Pitt?”
FR-“It’s was great! Facilities were amazing had an awesome time!”
MJ-“What was your interaction with the coaching staff like?”
FR-“It was good. There was a few other linebackers there so I only talked to coach Harley for a little, but I talked to other coaches and was told to come to (summer prospect) camp.”
MJ-“Do they project you playing star, mike or money linebacker?”
FR-“Most likely mike, but I will do whatever they ask.”
MJ-“You’re an extremely athletic linebacker and make plays sideline to sideline. Do you participate in other sports?”
FR-“Thank you! I wrestle, but wrestling season is very quick and I train for football through it!”
MJ-“Do you come from an athletic family?”
FR-“My mom played D-ll basketball and threw shotput. My father played basketball. My brother just signed with Bloomsburg as a defensive end and I have twin brothers that are 14 that are extremely athletic.”
MJ-“Besides prospect camp do you plan to return to Pitt?”
FR-“As of right now, no. I need to show them what I can do at camp.”
MJ-“What schools are you currently hearing from the most?”
FR-“Navy and Temple who also want to see me at camp.”
MJ-“What does Pitt rank among your schools of priority?”
FR-“My goal for my college career is to get a free education. Obviously I want to play at the highest level I can, but since Pitt hasn’t offered me then I feel I can’t really rank them, but if they would #1.”
MJ-“What plans do you have for you and your team this season?”
FR-“High expectations. PA moved to 6 classifications instead of 4. We went from 4 to 5, so that will help with playoffs.”
MJ-“Do you know what field of study for college? Any interests yet?”
FR-“Possible criminology or engineering. I still have some researching to do.”
Since I spoke to Forrest he informed me that he’s also unofficially visited Maryland and WVU.
So what makes Forrest Rhyne a system fit for Pitt’s defense? Coaches Narduzzi and Conklin have base defense that scheme and adjustment wise isn’t that complicated. The scheme’s simplicity enables players to play fast and stopping the run is the number one priority. It calls for a mike linebacker who can get downhill in a hurry and make plays in the run game. This is one of the strongest areas of Forrest’s game. Rarely ever taking a negative step he avoids blockers and meets the runner at or behind the line of scrimmage. Nearly 22% of Rhyne’s total tackles were a tackle for loss. He rarely over pursues a ball carrier staying in the inside “hip pocket” playing with inside-out leverage. This aggressive run first mentally would definitely translate to Pitt’s 4-3 over base defense. I expect like Bricen Garner, Chawntez Moss and Bryce Hargrove in the 2016 recruiting cycle that Rhyne will at the latest have a Pitt offer by the end of prospect camp. It’s a position that Pitt as a program has lacked depth and competition in recent memory.
Forrest Rhyne’s junior season highlights.
http://www.hudl.com/athlete/2281078/highlights/297871443