Just like in 2006, Dave Wannstedt is focusing his recruiting efforts on keeping talent at home and that has worked again as the Panthers head coach landed his first commitment of 2007 yesterday from the Pittsburgh area in Keystone Oaks offensive guard Chris Jacobson. The 6-foot-3, 284-pounder visited campus over the weekend and decided to commit to the coaches over an offer from West Virginia.

"My family and I went down and met with coach Wannstedt and talked with him for an hour and a half. Then I told him I was committing on the spot," he said. "All the coaches were really excited about my decision and shook my hand. I'm really glad to be done with the process because it takes a lot of pressure off and I can focus on my senior year."

A handful of factors played into Jacobson's decision.

"I like that it's my hometown school and I know that I want my family and coaches to be a part of my college education," he said. "I also like the fact that they are recruiting very well and have wonderful facilities. On my visit, I fell in love with everything about them including the coaches who are great too.

"I like coach Wannstedt a lot because he used to coach in the NFL and is just an awesome guy. He is real interesting and easy to talk to."

Jacobson confirmed that he is committed to Pittsburgh no matter what.

"I can't wait to play at Heinz Field in front of all the Pittsburgh fans," he said. "It's going to be a great thing and I'm really looking forward to it. I can't wait to be a Panther!"

Over the next year the lineman prospect plans to attend every Pittsburgh home game to watch his new team.

"I really want to see how the team does this year and I'm going to keep a close eye on their offensive line schemes."

This spring Jacobson has plans to attend the Nike Camp at Penn State along with a summer camp at Pittsburgh.