Pitt Lands First Commitment

The Pitt Panthers have received their first commitment of the 2003 recruiting year.

“Pitt offered me on either Wednesday or Thursday night, I can’t remember,” said 6-foot-4, 232-pound linebacker Chris McKillop from Kiski (Pa.) Area. “I committed right away. I really like Pitt a lot and the coaches have been so nice. It’s also very close to home and the facilities are great.”

McKillop plays linebacker and running back for Kiski Area High School and ran a 4.6-second (hand-timed) 40-yard dash at the recent Metro Index Scouting Camp. Although his impressive size and speed could translate into playing such positions like defensive end or even tight end on offense, McKillop is a linebacker for now.

“They recruited me as an inside linebacker,” he said. “They haven’t mentioned anything else.”

McKillop was recruited by defensive ends coach Curtis Bray and had an offer from Kent State as well. Schools like Boston College, Virginia, South Carolina, UMass and others had visited his high school this spring. He is the first player in quite some time from his school to receive a full ride.

“I’m not sure when the last one was, but it’s a great thrill,” he said. “It’s a solid commitment. I’m still going to a lot of camps this summer including one at Pitt. The only school I would reconsider for would be Notre Dame but they haven’t contacted me at all.”

McKillop is one of the biggest players on his football team.

“I’m bigger than our fullback and some of our linemen,” he laughed. “We’re not a huge school.”