First offer comes for LB Sunseri

Following a move south this semester, linebacker Vinnie Sunseri pulled his first scholarship last week. The offer has special meaning to the 6-foot-0, 213-pounder as his father played at the school and brother is currently there.

"I got the offer from Pittsburgh the day before Signing Day," he said. "It was amazing, a dream come true. It's awesome too. My brother is going there and is a redshirt sophomore, my dad went there.

"I had no idea it was coming. I got a text from my coach telling me to call their coaches. When I did, they told me they offered. I was speechless. I wanted to say thank you, but I couldn't even put it into words."

According to Sunseri, the Panthers were very impressed with his film.

"They said they loved my film," he said. "They went on to say that they don't offer anybody unless the coaches unanimously agree and find a fit into their scheme. They think I can fit into that weakside linebacker spot in the 4-3. It sounds perfect so far."

Although he's visited numerous times before, Sunseri plans to head back to the area soon.

"My grandfather is getting the Heritage Award and we're celebrating it in Pittsburgh around March 20th," he said. "When I'm up there I'm going to see my brother and see the school more."

Sunseri noted one thing about the offer that is big and that is the fact he'll have the opportunity to play with his brother at the next level.

"My brother and I always thought about playing with each other, but we're two and a half years apart," he said. "We've never been able to be on the same team at the same time. It's real big to have that opportunity, but I'm not saying I'm going to Pittsburgh. I've got awhile to go and I want to look at who else is looking at me. I'm wide open and looking at everybody."

Currently a handful of other colleges are showing interest including Alabama, Wake Forest and Kentucky.

"I really like Wake Forest and I'm trying to go up there on a visit," he said. "I recently went on a visit to Alabama for their junior day on January 31st. It was awesome. They have a great school and great facilities. They've got a bad linebacker coach too. I have to go there and go into camp, show them what I can do."

Sunseri and his family made a move south this semester down from Waxhaw, North Carolina to Tuscaloosa, Alabama.

Before the move, Sunseri finished his time in Charlotte with a big junior season where he posted 107 tackles, 15 for loss and five interceptions on his way to Charlotte defensive player of the year and conference MVP.