Pitt Panthers Football: Top Commitments for 2011

As the Todd Graham era was ushered in, the new Pitt head coach had to get right to work on the recruiting trail. Some of former Head Coach Dave Wannstedt's former recruits remain, but not many.

The Panthers saw their class rank drop considerably after Wannstedt's dismissal.

So now that Graham has lasted a full week on the job, let's take a look at the Panthers top 10 commitments for 2011.

8. Zenel Demhasaj, OL

Zenel Demhasaj, OL. Garden City, New York.

Demhasaj is a 6'7'', 322 lb offensive lineman, who played junior college ball at Nassau. He's big and has played both tackle and center, but will likely be a tackle for the Panthers.

Demhasaj is a 2-star recruit and will always be the first recruit Graham ever had as the Pitt head coach.

7. Khaynin Mosley-Smith, DT

Khaynin Mosley-Smith, DT. Milford Academy, New Berlin,  NY.

Mosely-Smith is considered a 3-star recruit. He started his high school career locally at Woodland Hills High School, before playing this past season at Milford Academy.

He stands 6'1'', 275 lbs, and was one of Wannstedt's recruits who didn't jump off the ship when Michael Haywood was originally hired.

6. Jeremiah Bryson, RB

Jeremiah Bryson, RB.  Smyrna High School, Smyrna, Tennessee.

Bryson offered up a soft verbal to the Panthers. He's met with Graham and the new coaching staff and looks to still be on board. He's a 2-star recruit who likely doesn't have the speed to be a feature back in the Big East.

5. Justin Olack, WR

Justin Olack, WR. Washington High School, Massilon, Ohio.

Olack is fast. He will provide the Panthers with a receiver that has top-end speed and can run away from most defenders.

At 6'4'', he is a big target with good hands. Olack should fit in well with Graham's no-huddle, fast-paced attack.

Olack is listed as a 3-star recruit by Scout.com and has given the Panthers a soft verbal commitment.

4. Max Issaka, DE

Max Issaka, DE. Woodbridge High School, Woodbridge, NJ.

Issaka clocks in as the 23rd best defensive end, according to Rivals.com. As well as being the 14th ranked prospect in the state of New Jersey, Issaka has a chance to keep up the tradition of good Pitt pass-rushing defensive ends.

Issaka is only 6'4'', 240 lbs, but should be able to fit in as a weak-side pass rusher.

3. Sam Collura, TE

Sam Collura, TE. DeMatha Catholic High School, Hyattsville, Maryland.

Collura is another that gave Pitt a soft verbal. He's 6'4'', so he could become a big target for Pitt quarterbacks to throw to, especially in the red zone.

He's a 3-star recruit who ranks 40th among tight ends according to Scout.com.

2. Artie Rowell, C

Artie Rowell, C. Central Dauphin High School, Harrisburg, PA.

Rowell is a 3-star recruit that is viewed as an offensive lineman with good, quick feet that should be able to handle Graham's no-huddle system.

Rowell stands 6'3'', 280 lbs and is the 14th-ranked center in the country according to Scout.com.

1. Lafayette Pitts, CB

Lafayette Pitts, CB. Woodland Hills High School, Pittsburgh, PA.

Pitts offered the Panthers a soft verbal and at the moment is their only 4-star recruit. He's currently the 12th-rated corner on the board according to Scout.com, but with his speed he could be used as a running back where he also excelled in high school.

He's a great athlete who will find a position somewhere.