Pitt commit takes Syracuse visit

Pittsburgh Panthers commitment Kevin Collier out of Churchville (N.Y.) Churchville-Chili took an official visit a couple weeks back to Syracuse. Does this mean the 5-foot-10, 190-pounder is opening up his recruitment and if so why?

"I did open it up, but it's just between Syracuse and Pittsburgh," he said. "Right now, I'm still committed to Pittsburgh, but I'd say it's pretty even between them. I'm starting to look a lot more at the educational aspect and when I go to Pittsburgh on an official I'm really going to look into their academics. I know Syracuse has a great communications program and that's a big deal to me because I can go anywhere to play football, but getting an education varies."

What did the Rivals250 prospect think of his official to Syracuse?

"It went great and I had a good time," he said. "I got reacquainted with some of the coaches, saw what the school had to offer educationally and through football. I got there Friday and they had just finished the weight room and all sorts of great alumni were there for the grand opening. I got to meet Jim Brown. That was really cool and a real honor. Not everyone gets to meet guys like that, but you dream to be able to and it's something else.

"On Saturday, I went to the football game and hung out with some of the players including Lavar Lobdell and Bruce Williams. We talked about basically everything including if I were to come there. It was a lot of fun. Then on Sunday I took a tour of the campus including checking out the housing and met with the coaches. They were all very excited and happy to see me. All of them were great and they're like good friends to me."

Collier was in attendance for the South Florida-Syracuse game.

"I had a great time there and I was hoping they'd pull it off, but things aren't working for them yet," he said. "I know what they're going through and they'll start to get things rolling and better days will come. In the game, I saw that the running backs are pretty good, they just don't have a solid line because all of the guys are pretty much first year starters."

The four-star prospect couldn't quite rate the trip, but he had a very good time.

"I enjoyed myself and got my questions answered," he said. "I rate all my visits high and it was a great chance to see them. I had a great time with the coaches and the university is really cool. I liked being around that atmosphere and I have to say it really did get me thinking about if I were to go to Syracuse."

Collier plans to take an official to Pittsburgh sometime after December 13th.

"I'm still working on planning a date, but I know my mom is busy until then and I want her to come with me."

As for a decision, the No. 18 running back in the country plans to decide on Signing Day.

Churchville-Chili finished the season a couple weeks back at 5-4 after a loss in the semifinals.

"I finished the year with 1,943 yards and 19 touchdowns in nine games," Collier said. "I ended up breaking the Section V rushing record and I was named Division II player of the year.

"I was disappointed our season was cut short and we lost in the sectionals, but I know our program is headed in the right direction. I know my brother will take good care of the program and it's just sad that I'm graduating because I never thought this day would come."