Belton speaks to Pitt assistant

Four-star athlete Bill Belton was shocked when he heard the news of Pitt head coach Dave Wannstedt's departure earlier today, but he hasn't had much time to sit around and think about things.

That's because his phone has been ringing off the hook.

Coaches from Cincinnati, Rutgers, West Virginia and Northwestern have already called to express interest and see where he stands on things.

"I couldn't even tell you how many calls I got from schools," Belton said on Tuesday evening. "I'm definitely still committed to Pitt and I'm basically taking it slow and seeing how it goes. I'm waiting for more information and waiting to see what's going on. I was in shock when it happened and I was definitely upset about it. I've just told them I'm taking it slow."

Belton has also spoken to one of Pitt's assistant coaches.

"I talked to coach (Jeff) Hafley tonight. He was supposed to come for an in-home visit tonight but they had to go back for a staff meeting. They're going to inform me on anything they hear. Usually when head coaches go the staff goes to and basically that's what I'm worried about.

"The staff played a big role in my recruitment with them. They were a great coaching staff and they were great people. I liked that about them.

"If the staff goes then I might just have to reevaluate everything."

The 5-foot-9, 191-pound athlete from Atco (N.J.) Winslow Township is ranked the No. 8 prospect in New Jersey and is a member of the Rivals250.