Shifino Ready To Compete at Pitt
The University of Pittsburgh recently added fifteen scholarship athletes on national letter of intent day. There’s a local athlete that wasn’t officially part of the 2015 class, but he has high expectations of earning a football scholarship. “That’s my goal, I want to work hard and earn a scholarship,” stated Pittsburgh (PA) Penn Hills tight end / defensive end DeAndre Shifino (6-foot-4 inches, 225 pounds). Shifino, a multi-sport standout, will join the Pitt football team as a preferred walk-on.
DeAndre was a 3-year varsity football starter and a 4-year starter in basketball. He was named a captain for both teams this season. Shifino is a member of Student Council, National Honors Society and Penn Hills Role Models Program. He holds a 3.7 GPA and plans to major in Accounting and Sports Management.
“I started talking with Pitt about two months ago. (Pitt Director of Player Personnel) Dan Kabala was my main contact. He stayed on staff after Coach (Pat) Narduzzi was named head coach,” he said. “I have mostly played tight end in high school. On defense, I played a hybrid defensive end / outside linebacker. I don’t know which side of the ball I’ll end up on at Pitt.”
Shifino is open to playing on either side of the ball for the Panthers, but his future head coach has a preference. “I spoke with Coach Narduzzi. He likes me more at defensive end. He told me I have a great chance to come in, complete early at that position and earn a scholarship.”
“I really think Pitt made a great choice with Coach Narduzzi. I like his mindset. When we spoke, he talked about winning ACC and national championships. I like hearing that.”
Shifino is taking his opportunity with Pitt seriously. He’s regularly training at the Pittsburgh Indoor Sports Arena with former Pitt and NFL standout Darnell Dinkins. “We go through a mix of agility training and conditioning with weights. I want to be in the best shape of my life when I get to Pitt,” he said. DeAndre is capable of running a 4.6 forty-yard dash.
When asked about his strengths on the football field, he stated, “My speed is a big asset at both positions. On offense, I’m a mismatch for linebackers in the slot. I can block as well. On defense, I can rush the passer. I’m long, fast and athletic.”
DeAndre was asked why he chose to join the Pitt football team. He immediately replied, “Pittsburgh is my hometown. Pitt is my hometown school. It means a lot to me to play for my hometown school and have my family watch me play as well.”
DreamBackfield.com’s Harry G. Psaros can be found on Twitter at @PittGuru
