Rotheram chooses Pitt

Four-star offensive lineman Matt Rotheram has committed to Pittsburgh. The 6-foot-6 prospect made his college choice known on Sunday, giving the Panthers twelve commitments in the class of 2010, and their ninth since June 25th.

"It fit everything I was looking for and it is only two hours from home," Rotheram said.

On July 1st, Rotheram narrowed his list of choices to three schools- Pittsburgh, Purdue, and Indiana.

"I think it was that Pittsburgh's offense is a better fit for me," Rotheram said. "Purdue and Indiana run the spread, and Pitt's offense is a better fit. I think I will be much more successful in a pro-style offense."

Rotheram is Pittsburgh's first commitment from Ohio in the class of 2010. The Panthers did not sign an Ohio prospect in the class of 2009.

"I am not really sure who Pittsburgh has offered in Ohio, so I am not sure how much I will be helping with recruiting in Ohio. I know they have offered Eric Franklin, I know they have a great center in Brandon Sacco. So, we want make sure they get some good offensive linemen so they have a great class."

Sunday also happens to be Rotheram's 17th birthday.

"The idea of committing on my birthday crossed my mind a couple of times earlier this summer," Rotheram said. "It was not until three weeks ago that I decided to make a commitment on my birthday."

Rotheram made his commitment to Head Coach Dave Wannstedt.

"He was pretty excited, I didn't expect the type of reaction of had. I also talked the offensive line coach, Tony Wise, and he yelled 'Are you kidding?' They were pretty excited."