Its Pitt for Nix

The Pittsburgh Panthers targeted three top linebackers in the Western portion of the state of Pennsylvania this year. Now, with their latest commitment, they are 2 for 3. Pittsburgh (Pa.) Thomas Jefferson linebacker Nate Nix joined Monroeville (Pa.) Gateway linebacker Dan Loheyde as a Pitt commitment.

"I grew up a big Pitt fan, because they were the local team and I loved to cheer for them," said the 6-foot-3, 205-pounder. "The coaches are great there and I felt a part of the team already so I committed. Pitt offered me two months ago and I thought I would hold off for awhile and see what my options were, but after I talked with the coaches more and more, it was an easy decision."

Nix will play outside linebacker at Pitt.

"They said they like my ability to drop in coverage and the way I react," he said. "I need to add some weight, but that will come in time."

Nix was recruited by Pitt coaches Bob Junko and Curtis Bray and really likes coach Wannstedt.

"Coach Wannstedt is a good guy, he treats people well," he said. "Getting a chance to play where I always wanted to play for a great coach is a dream."

Nix did a little bit of everything last season as a fullback and linebacker. He rushed 169 times for 868 yards and four touchdowns while hauling in 13 passes for 107 yards and eight scores on offense. On defense, he made 125 tackles (51 unassisted) and had two interceptions. He chose Pitt over Iowa, Purdue and others.

"My coach handled a lot of the recruiting for me so I don't know who else offered," he said. "It didn't matter in the end."

His head coach, Bill Cherpak, is a former Pitt lineman.

"It helped to have my coach as a Pitt grad," he said. "He was able to answer a lot of questions for me."

Pittsburgh (Pa.) Woodland Hills linebacker Greg Webster is another Pitt target at linebacker.

"I don't know him, but if Pitt wants me to help recruit players, I will," he said. "I know Dorin Dickerson from many of the camps we've gone to together and would love to see him at Pitt as well."