Blacknall talks GT offer, Pitt visit

It has been a busy few weeks for Saeed Blacknall. The Rivals250 wide receiver from Manalapan (N.J.) traveled to Pittsburgh for the Panthers junior day and picked another offer from Georgia Tech.

"It started when I was talking with Coach Preston," said the 6-foot-3, 205-pound Blacknall. "We formed a good relationship because we email back and forth. He showed my film to all the other coaches and they liked me so they offered me. I really want to see what Georgia Tech has to offer when I go down there for a visit."

Blacknall has also been seeing a lot of interest from a school west of Pittsburgh.

"I'd say Ohio State is recruiting me really hard right now," he said. "They haven't offered yet but they email me a lot and I can definitely tell they are very interested in me. I hope that offer comes in soon.

"I think they will be the next school to offer me, once I go down there to see the campus and meet all the coaches," Blacknall said. "They'd probably offer me once I get to see them in person."

The trip to Pittsburgh was one of Blacknall's first visits and he was very impressed.

"The trip went really well," he said. "As far as getting there it's was a little long, about five or six hours. I wasn't used to that but it was worth it and it won't affect my decision.

"I've never been to Pittsburgh before and I think everything was worth it because I had a lot of fun," said Blacknall. "You always hear about the great players that have played on Heinz field. I got to see a lot of stuff I see on TV, meet a lot of people and a lot of coaches.

"I felt comfortable there but something that really popped out immediately is how the Pittsburgh Panthers are connected with the Pittsburgh Steelers," he said. "They share a lot of things like the weight room, locker room and training area. I feel like that's pretty cool being at college and having relationships with NFL players and you can sit down with them in the dining hall. It's pretty cool to be that close with NFL players and coaches."

With eight offers in hand, Blacknall still has not named any favorites.

"I've only been to Rutgers and Pitt so I can't put any schools in order yet because I haven't been to enough of them yet," he said. "I can tell you I really liked Pitt a lot and the relationships I started with all the coaches and everyone this weekend made me feel comfortable and welcoming."

Blacknall helped Manalapan to an 11-1 record last season.