Rivals250 running back Mychale Salahuddin verbally committed to USC, his dream school early in the process but the distance from home started to weigh on his mind. The Washington (D.C.) H.D. Woodson star announced his decision to commit to Pittsburgh during a ceremony at his school, choosing the Panthers over Syracuse.

THE SITUATION…

Salahuddin had always dreamed of playing for USC but he became uncomfortable with going to school so far from home. That led to his decommitment and he started taking a closer look at schools like Maryland, North Carolina, Pittsburgh, and Syracuse. He took official visits to all four schools but things boiled down to Pittsburgh and Syracuse. Those two schools hosted Salahuddin for official visits in January and he used what he learned on those two visits to make his decision.

WHY IT’S BIG FOR PITTSBURGH…

Pitt needed another big time running back to carry the load and Salahuddin is ready to step up to the plate. He is a tough inside runner with good vision and the ability to score from anywhere on the field. Salahuddin is also a great receiver out of the backfield and is a big mismatch against linebackers. As the Panthers try to get more explosive on offense, expect Salahuddin to get plenty of touches.

WHAT’S NEXT FOR THE PROGRAMS THAT MISSED OUT…

Syracuse was hoping to add Salahuddin to the backfield this year to help bring more consistency to the offense but their pitch wasn’t good enough. He felt that he could accomplish more on and off the field at Pittsburgh and can be more successful after his football career is over with the support of the Pitt program. Syracuse will lean on transfer Abdul Adams once he is eligible.