Morelli talks about Pitt commitment

Pittsburgh (Pa.) Penn Hills quarterback Anthony Morelli committed to Pitt yesterday. His father, Greg, explains why.

"There were many, many factors but it came down to Anthony feeling wanted the most by the Pitt coaches," said the father of the 6-foot-4, 208-pounder. "They've been recruiting him for three years and he felt they were recruiting him the hardest.

"Other factors included location, the quarterback situation, the fact that he could get down to Pitt in November and start learning the offense and that Pitt is the No. 10 team in the country and on the rise. Anthony feels he can help keep that going."

Anthony and his father were supposed to go check out Notre Dame this upcoming weekend, but the trip was cancelled. Why?

"Notre Dame is looking at bringing in two quarterbacks, Anthony was their No. 1 but they also liked Brian Brohm out of Kentucky," said Greg. "He's not afraid of competition, but he likes the situation at Pitt after Rod Rutherford leaves. He thinks he can compete very early. Notre Dame is a great school, but Pitt has been there from the start and, being a single father who raised Anthony myself, it's a great fit for us."

Morelli's coach, Neil Gordon, also feels that his star pupil will be an excellent fit for the Panthers.

"Anthony is the highest-ranked recruit I've ever coached, but his senior year will determine if he's the best play I've ever coached," said Gordon. "That being said, he is the best talent at quarterback in the country. He's 6-foot-4, weighs 215 pounds, has very good feet, is very strong and he has a rifle for an arm. He has the complete package and will fit into that offense very well."