Pitt Football Recruiting: Grading Every Commitment

New Pitt football coach Paul Chryst got a late start on recruiting, but fared decently. A group of 16 recruits are headed to Pittsburgh preparing to begin their careers as Panthers.

Rivals.com ranked Pitt's 2012 class as the 45th best in the nation, but the third best class in in the Big East Conference behind only Rutgers (24th) and Louisville (39th).

So while the Panthers came out of National Signing Day in decent shape, let's see how they rank individually.

Here's a look at the grades for every Pitt commitment in the Class of 2012.

2-Star Recruits

Three of the Panthers 16 commits were ranked as 2-star guys by scout.com.

It's a good thing there were only three, so the overall talent of the class should be pretty decent.

Included in the 2-star guys are linebacker Devon Porchia (Baltimore, MD.); offensive lineman Gabe Roberts (New London, WI.); and linebacker Mike Caprara (Pittsburgh, PA.).

If they get anything from these guys, consider it a bonus.

Overall Grade: D

Trenton Coles, DB, Clairton, PA

Coles was a threat on both sides of the ball in high school, but sustained a knee injury in this season's state championship game.

He's the 34th rated recruit in the state on Pennsylvania and the 158th ranked defensive back according to scout.com.

Overall Grade: C-

Ryan Lewis, DB, Sammamish, Washington

Lewis led Washington in rushing and was rated the 13th best prospect in the state.

He has family ties to Pitt—he's the nephew of former Pitt cornerback Tim Lewis (1979-82) and the cousin of former Pitt linebacker Tristan Roberts (2007-11).

He will switch to the secondary where he's only ranked 123rd at his position according to Scout.

Overall Grade: C-

Chris Davis, WR, Youngstown, OH

Pitt landed both Davis brothers, both 3-star recruits according to Scout.

Chris is probably the lesser talented of the two, but still has speed. He caught a combined 50 passes during his junior and senior seasons.

He stands only 5'9" so the Panthers will have to find ways to utilize his speed in other ways.

Overall Grade: C-

Demitrious Davis, WR, Youngstown, OH.

He was a highly-rated recruit in the state of Ohio before a knee injury limited him to only three games during his senior season.

Davis was a decorated quarterback, but will switch to wide receiver where the Panthers desperately need weapons. He's an athlete, so he will have a chance to make an impact.

Overall Grade: C

Terrell Jackson

Jackson became one of the top defensive lineman in the state of Ohio. As a senior, Pardner recorded 55 tackles, eight interceptions and three touchdowns.

He ended up as one of the top 45 prospects in the state of Ohio according to Scout.

Pitt has a need up front, but Jackson isn't big enough to play the interior; however, he could have an impact as a pass-rusher.

Overall Grade: B-

Jahmahl Pardner, DB, Rochester NY

Pardner was one of the top recruits in the state of New York, ranking as the sixth best prospect in the state by Scout.

He's a guy that has a knack for getting to the ball and could become a nice safety. He also has punt returning skills.

As a senior, Pardner recorded 55 tackles, eight interceptions, three fumble recoveries and three touchdowns.

Overall Grade: B

Darryl Render, DL, Brook Park, Ohio

Render was one of the better defensive end prospects in the Midwest and was rated the No. 27 prospect in Ohio according to Scout.

Overall Grade: B

Adam Bisnowaty, OL, Pittsburgh,PA

Bisnowaty was a legitimate national recruit, the sixth best recruit in the state of Pennsylvania according to Scout, and he has the ability to be a dominant offensive lineman.

He is very powerful and dominant at the point of attack, and he projects as a guard at the collegiate level.

Pitt needs quality linemen badly and Bisnowaty is all they really have to show from this class. He should be a good one, though.

Overall Grade: B+

Bam Bradley, DB, Trotwood, Oho

Bradley is a big play safety who can find the football. He's a playmaker who should find his way onto the field sooner rather than later.

He's the younger brother of Pitt redshirt freshman linebacker Nicholas Grigsby.

Overall Grade: B+

JP Holtz, TE, Pittsburgh, PA

Holtz is a Top 10 tight end according to Scout. He is a versatile player who likes to hit people and is athletic enough to catch the football.

In Chryst's new offensive scheme, the tight end could once again play a big role.

Overall Grade: B+

Deaysean Rippy, S, Pittsburgh, PA

Rippy is a highly-rated prospect out of the state of Pennsylvania.

Rippy is an exceptional and versatile athlete that is explosive off the edge in pursuit or when blitzing the quarterback. He is tough against the run and can play inside or outside, but he is also as good in coverage as defensive backs.

He was a dominant high school linebacker, but many schools viewed him as a safety.

He's a natural athlete and an impact-type of player.

Overall Grade: A-

Chad Voytik, QB, Cleveland, TN

Pitt needed a legit quarterback prospect badly and landed one early in Voytik.

He was named to the “Elite 11,” which honors the nation’s top high school quarterbacks. He was rated the nation’s No. 4 “pro-style” quarterback by Rivals and the No. 1 overall prospect in Tennessee by Rivals and No. 3 by Scout.

Scout's Chad Simmons offered up the following report on Voytik.

"

Voytik is a true game-manager who can throw and run. He gets rid of the ball quickly, he throws with very good accuracy, and he spins the ball well. He is a true consistent passer. He is barely six feet tall, so he seeing over the offensive line could be an issue. He can throw on the move and him rolling outside the pocket may give him better passing lanes. He brings good mobility, good pocket awareness, and smarts.

"

The only question remaining is: How soon will Chryst get him on the field?

Overall Grade: A

Rushel Shell, RB, Pittsburgh, PA

Shell is the biggest piece of the Class of 2012 after he rushed for a state-record 9,078 yards on 1,107 carries (8.2 avg). He scored 110 career touchdowns—the most in WPIAL history—and set a national record with 39 consecutive 100-yard games, eclipsing former Oklahoma Sooners great Billy Sims’ mark of 38 set in 1975.

Shell was one of the highest ranked players in the country as according to Pitt's press release.

"

One of the country’s most sought-after running backs…rated the nation’s No. 3 running back and No. 26 overall prospect on the ESPNU 150 list…rated the country’s No. 4 running back by Scout and No. 6 by Rivals…rated the nation’s No. 10 overall prospect by Tom Lemming…USA TODAY first team All-USA…Sports Illustrated and ESPNHS All-American…finished his career as the most prolific rusher in Pennsylvania history…

"

Shell is a Scout 5-star guy and according to Bob Lictenfels scouting report.

"

Shell is a rare back that can do it all and he does. The bad thing is, since he plays on defense and special teams, we rarely see him at full strength. Wait until he gets to college and can focus solely on being an every down back. He is a franchise back that every team wants. He can run inside or outside. He is very patient and has outstanding vision. He has a thick build which allows him to be able to tote the rock 20+ carries.

"

Overall Grade: A+