Alston ecstatic over Pitts hire

Though it's too early to tell what kind of impact new Pitt head coach Mike Haywood will have on the recruiting scene in the remaining two months before Signing Day, it's clear that at least one talented prospect is excited to play for him.

Quinton Alston, the three-star linebacker from Sicklerville (N.J.) Timber Creek that committed to Pitt back in June, was upset to hear of Dave Wannstedt's resignation.

On Thursday evening he struck a very different tune in an interview with Rivals.com.

"From what I'm hearing about coach Haywood, I love it," Alston said.

"I've been hearing he's a stern head coach and that's absolutely great for me. Growing up these last four years with a couple of coaches being in the military and having the team very military-based as far as discipline and handling yourself properly, I think that will be great for me going forward with coach Haywood.

"I can't wait to get on the phone with him and hear his passion for the game. I can't wait. I heard he brings a lot of aggression to the defensive side of the ball. That's something I love ... putting pressure on the QB and just constantly going at it.

"Even though I don't play offense his offensive scheme is impressive."

Given all that it should come as no surprise that the 6-foot-1, 218-pound prospect is staying on board with Pitt.

"I'm not going anywhere," he concluded. "Next year I'm going to be a Pitt Panther."