WR Shanahan makes his pick

At the end of his official visit over the weekend, North Huntingdon (Pa.) Norwin wide receiver Mike Shanahan made his decision. The 6-foot-4, 197-pounder decided to stay close to home to play for the Panthers.

"I committed on Sunday morning to Pittsburgh," he said. "I talked to Coach Wannstedt and Coach Cavanaugh. They were both really excited.

"They told me they wanted me and Jonathan Baldwin as their wide receivers. It definitely made me feel good that they wanted me to be one of their top guys."

Shanahan had been debating between football and basketball throughout the recruiting process. What finally made him select the Panthers for football?

"Overall, on my visits I had a real good time and was very comfortable with everything," he said. "They were kind of my top choice going into the trip. The visit solidified that.

"I was really impressed with all the people surrounding the program, the coaches, players and all the academic support. I have a really good relationship with Coach Cavanaugh and Hill. They have been in contact with me since day one and our relationship has gotten better and better."

The three-star prospect is relieved to be done with the process.

"It definitely feels good to have everything over with," he said. "Now I'm focused on our basketball season and happy with my decision."

Have the coaches discussed Shanahan's chances for playing?

"They said it's just hard to tell right now," he said. "It all depends how well I learn the playbook and how I perform in practice before the season. If I'm one of the top guys I'll play, if not I'll redshirt."

Meanwhile, is the No. 33 prospect in Pennsylvania looking to play basketball at Pitt too?

"I'm not sure," he said. "I'm going there as a football player first and if it works out then I'll try it. I spoke to the football coaches about that and they said they wouldn't mind as long as I'm contributing to the team. I haven't talked to the basketball coaches. I'm probably going to do that pretty soon."