Will Puhl Get Offer From Pitt?

The Pitt coaching staff has scholarship offers out to WPIAL players such as Damar Hamlin, Khaleke Hudson, Aaron Mathews and Therran Coleman. Will they soon extend an offer to another local player?

Woodland Hills tight end Stephen Puhl is a talented player who’s hoping he hears from the Pitt coaches soon.

“I really like the school and the program.  It would be great to fight for your hometown’s honor on the football field. Football is in our blood here in Pittsburgh and I wouldn’t be prouder to help bring another championship home”, said Puhl.

Some recruiting experts are surprised that Puhl hasn’t received much attention from D-1 schools and Puhl had a theory for that. “Since I transferred from Franklin Regional, my sophomore film is gone”, said Puhl. “The only film I had was from Woodland Hills last year. I’m sure Pitt wants to make sure I’m a good fit for their team.”

So do you think that local offer is coming soon?

“It’s in God’s hands. I can only control my actions and feelings and need to stay focused on that. It does motivate me every time I see another TE receive an offer no matter where the offer is from. It motivates me to work harder, run an additional route, to lift one more rep and to watch more film”, said Puhl.

As of today, Puhl currently holds offers from Lehigh, Air Force, Robert Morris, Yale, Penn, Columbia and Cornell.

“At this point, I’ve been blessed to receive offers from some of the top academic schools in the country. To me, that’s a testament to my work on and off the field. When schools like that tell you that you fit their program it’s a big win”, said Puhl.

Puhl describes himself as a hybrid tight end. One who can line up in front of a defensive end and run him into the ground then on the next play flex out and run past the corner for a touchdown.

According to Puhl, “My film doesn’t speak too much on my abilities in the passing game because of our strong running game. Woodland Hills has always been a running team, Rob Gronkowski only had 8 receptions his senior year here.”

As is the case with almost every recruit I’ve spoken with, Pitt coach Pat Narduzzi has made an impression on him.

“Coach Narduzzi is the real deal.  He speaks about the importance of family…His kids are at the events working so they can spend time together.” Puhl went on to say, “Family is important to him and I respect how he makes time for his family because family is just as important to me, thus making him a great guy to look up to.”

The other thing that stands out to Puhl about Narduzzi is how he’s changed the image of the Pitt football program.

“Lots of energy.  The practices are more energetic than last year and the whole staff is very passionate with what they do. I have noticed a lot more kids are being drawn to Pitt and want to go there because of Coach Narduzzi”, said Puhl.

Pitt isn’t the only school Puhl has his eye on.  He attended a camp at Penn State and was called the best tight end there by Penn State assistant coach Donovan.

He also visited Ohio State on June 16th and met Urban Meyer, who closely watched a few of his position drill workouts. Puhl told me that he’ll be going back to Columbus for a visit and to attend a game.

Puhl’s focus now is on his upcoming senior season which he hopes will be a good one.

“We are definitely one of the top teams in the state and are looking to bring back the first state title to this historic program.”