Panthers Secure Key Recruits on Successful Early Signing Day

Tagged under: Pennsylvania Colleges, Recruiting

Ryan Thielet | December 5, 2024

The Pitt Panthers enjoyed a successful early signing day, securing 20 recruits, including one player from the WPIAL and another from overseas.

Let’s start with Akram Elnagmi, a 6’6”, 295-pound three-star offensive tackle from England. A product of the NFL Academy’s Loughborough campus, Elnagmi committed to Pitt back in June and remained steadfast despite the ups and downs of the Panthers’ season. His addition is timely, as Pitt’s offensive line faced significant challenges this year.

From England to Orlando, Jullian “JuJu” Anderson brings added depth to Coach Bell’s offense. Although Anderson hails from Orlando, Florida, he played for Blair Academy in New Jersey. The 6’4”, 220-pound wide receiver is a three-star recruit who recorded over 200 receiving yards on just 19 catches this season. Anderson is ranked as ESPN’s No. 29 recruit out of New Jersey.

Staying in Florida, Ja’Kyrian Turner from South Sumter High School is a 5’9”, 170-pound three-star running back. As a senior, Turner averaged 108.7 rushing yards per game, amassing 978 yards and 10 touchdowns on 134 carries (7.3 avg.). He also contributed 111 receiving yards on nine catches (12.3 avg.) and averaged 48 yards on three kickoff returns. His junior year saw similar production, with 533 rushing yards, eight touchdowns, and an impact in the passing game with 203 receiving yards and three scores. Turner is a natural fit for Coach Bell’s system, mirroring the skill set of star running back Desmond Reid as an elusive player who excels in both rushing and receiving.

Pitt uncovered a standout talent in Justin Thompson, a 6’2”, 220-pound three-star outside linebacker from Bowie, MD. Thompson earned All-Washington Catholic Athletic Conference (WCAC) honors in both his junior and senior years. During his final season, he recorded 45 tackles, three tackles for loss, and a forced fumble. Regarded as one of Maryland’s top 40 overall prospects, Thompson adds both skill and potential to the Panthers’ defensive lineup.

On the defensive side, Pitt gains a promising addition in Trevor Sommers, a defensive lineman from Davie, FL. Sommers, who played at St. Thomas Aquinas High School, had an impressive senior year, tallying 45 tackles, 11 tackles for loss, six sacks, and 18 quarterback hurries. His ability to disrupt opposing offenses makes him an asset for the Panthers’ defense in the years to come.

Synkwan Smith marks the sixth commit of the day for Pitt. A 5’9”, 168-pound three-star athlete from Roswell High School in Georgia, Smith exemplifies the kind of under-the-radar talent that Coach Narduzzi and Coach Bell have a knack for discovering. His versatility and athleticism make him a valuable addition to the Panthers’ roster.

Heading to Virginia, three-star athlete Bryce Yates is set to join the Panthers. A versatile player, Yates showcased his talents at both quarterback and wide receiver during high school. In his senior year as a quarterback, he completed 143 of 256 passes (56%) for 2,176 yards, 26 touchdowns, and just six interceptions. He also contributed on the ground, rushing for 388 yards and scoring seven touchdowns. As a junior wide receiver, Yates racked up 1,193 receiving yards and 18 touchdowns on 79 catches, averaging an impressive 15.1 yards per catch. His dynamic skill set adds flexibility and playmaking potential to Pitt’s roster.

The Panthers didn’t have to travel far for this addition, as WPIAL 4A champion Shep Turk from Thomas Jefferson High School stays home. A 6’4” three-star offensive lineman, Turk was named to the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette’s “Fabulous 22” and is ranked as the 14th-best recruit in Pennsylvania. His local roots and impressive resume make him a valuable piece for Pitt’s future offensive line.

Pitt has added another dynamic weapon to its offense with Max Hunt, a 6’4”, 210-pound three-star tight end from Tampa, FL. Hunt showcased his playmaking ability in his senior season with 17 catches for 292 yards and three touchdowns. His size and versatility make him a valuable target in the Panthers’ future passing game.

Pitt continues to tap into Florida’s talent pool with the addition of Tony Kinsler, a three-star wide receiver from Spruce Creek High School. Kinsler is a proven playmaker, recording back-to-back 1,000-yard receiving seasons as a junior and senior. In his final season, he hauled in 66 catches for 1,005 yards and 16 touchdowns, bringing explosive potential to the Panthers’ offense.

Pitt bolsters its secondary with the addition of Cole Woodson, a 6’1” four-star safety from Battlefield High School in Virginia. Woodson’s size, skill, and defensive prowess make him a future key asset for the Panthers as they strengthen their backfield heading into the fall.

Pitt continues to strengthen its defense with the addition of Pennsylvania native Shawn Lee Jr. Hailing from Harrisburg, PA, Lee was a standout defensive back in 2023. After a postgraduate season at Milford Academy, he’s set to join the Panthers. Lee earned the honor of being named to the Pennsylvania Football Writers All-Class 6A team as an athlete.  His arrival is expected to provide a significant boost to Pitt’s secondary for years to come.

Pitt strengthens its linebacker corps with the addition of Emmanuel Taylor, a 6’1”, 200-pound three-star linebacker from Virginia Beach. Taylor had an outstanding senior season, recording over 120 tackles, including 32 tackles for loss. His ability to make plays all over the field will be a great asset to the Panthers’ defense, especially as the linebacker room continues to rise in prominence. Taylor will have time to learn as he joins a resurging unit that took on a shark mentality, making key plays throughout the season.

Pitt keeps bolstering its linebacker room with the addition of Denim Cook, a 6’3” three-star linebacker from Columbus, OH, who attended Bishop Hartley High School. Cook’s size and athleticism will provide a strong complement to Emmanuel Taylor, adding depth and versatility to the Panthers’ linebacker corps. His potential to make an impact on defense makes him an exciting addition to Pitt’s defensive future.

Pitt adds another dynamic running back to its roster in Jaylin “JBO” Brown, a standout from Cardinal Newman High School in West Palm Beach, FL. The 5’11”, 195-pound three-star running back had an impressive senior season, rushing for 1,098 yards and 16 touchdowns on 132 carries. Brown also contributed in the passing game, recording 13 receptions for 166 yards (12.8 avg.) and a touchdown. His versatility and playmaking ability will be a valuable addition to the Panthers’ backfield that already lost two players with one graduating and one hitting the transfer portal.

Pitt adds to its impressive recruiting class with the addition of quarterback Mason Heintschel. A 6’2”, 200-pound signal-caller, Heintschel had a standout career, amassing 7,322 yards and 79 touchdowns. He led his team to a 2024 NLL Cardinal Division championship, throwing for 2,444 yards and 35 touchdowns on 88 of 272 passing while also rushing for 770 yards and six touchdowns. A two-time Northern Lakes League Offensive Player of the Year, Heintschel brings both passing and running ability, making him a versatile addition to Pitt’s offense.

Pitt lands a major recruit in offensive tackle Jordan Fields, a four-star standout from Houston, TX. Standing at 6’4” and 270 pounds, Fields is a dominant force on the offensive line. He hails from North Shore High School, a team ranked in the USA TODAY Super 25, and is ranked among the nation’s top 50 linemen. Despite offers from schools like Houston, Kansas, SMU, and Toledo, Fields chose to bring his winning mentality and skill set to Pitt, where he will strengthen the Panthers’ offensive line for years to come.

Pitt adds depth to its offensive line with the addition of Torian Chester, a 6’4”, 325-pound prospect from Albany, GA. Chester’s size and strength will provide a significant boost to the interior of the Panthers’ offensive line, helping to solidify the unit for the future. His physicality and presence in the trenches make him an exciting addition to Pitt’s offensive front.

Joshua Guerrier, a 5’10” defensive back from Ocoee, FL, is a perfect fit for Pitt’s defense. In his senior year, Guerrier racked up 60 tackles, six tackles for loss, two sacks, and three interceptions. His ability to make plays in both the passing and running game will add depth and playmaking ability to the Panthers’ secondary.

Pitt adds another four-star recruit to its defensive backfield with Mason “Money Man” Alexander, a safety from Indianapolis, IN. Alexander had an impressive high school career, recording 52 tackles and one interception in his senior season, and 39 tackles with three interceptions as a junior. His playmaking ability and strong presence in the secondary will make him a valuable addition to the Panthers’ defense.

Pitt closed out the day with a big surprise by flipping FAU commit Cameron Sapp, a 5’10”, 165-pound three-star wide receiver from Miami. In his senior season, Sapp recorded 44 catches for 607 yards (13.8 avg.) and 8 touchdowns. His ability to make plays downfield and scoring potential will add a dynamic element to Pitt’s receiving corps.

It was a successful Early Signing Day for the Panthers, as they addressed key needs and added depth to several positions. Coach Kade Bell expressed his excitement over the addition of quarterback Mason Heintschel, praising his ability as “a dangerous pocket passer and good decision-maker.” This recruitment, along with several others, sets Pitt up for continued success in the future, strengthening both their offense and defense.

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