PITTSBURGH (93.7 The Fan) – We saw it with the trio of defensive linemen that committed to Pitt and the lure of following Patrick Jones, Rashad Weaver, back as far as Aaron Donald. The way Pitt plays defense is gaining traction with high school recruits.
The latest to sign with the Panthers switched his commitment from Auburn for a few reasons, one of which is enjoying the scheme and aggressiveness of the Pitt defense.
"I love Damar (Hamlin), Paris (Ford)," said freshman early enrollee PJ O'Brien. "They were some big time players. I attribute my style of game to them. They were one of my role models. They are both going to the NFL. I felt like there was a great chance of being able to play. Get my feet with and contribute to the team."
Pat Narduzzi and defensive coordinator Randy Bates take chances with their play calling. Put corners on islands, allow safeties to make plays and be run stoppers. All of that attracted O'Brien who said he is also a hard-hitter with the ability to get the ball.
Now some Pitt defensive backs are starting to make impacts in the NFL. Jordan Whitehead was a starter for the Super Bowl champs. Avonte Maddux starts for the Eagles, Dane Jackson is climbing the ladder with the Bills. Hamlin and Ford will be drafted.
"It's very huge," O'Brien said. "There's a connection. DBs from Pittsburgh going to the NFL and producing. I know you come in, be successful. You think about going to the NFL. That's my dream."
That dream helped by persistent Panthers assistant head coach Charlie Partridge. He recruits O'Brien's home state of Florida. And has been talking to him since his sophomore season.
"Once I de-committed from Auburn," O'Brien said. "He just chopped it up with me and the connection came back easily."
"Coach Partridge, he was just on me. Also, coach Duzz (Pat Narduzzi). He hit me. It's like family here. Once I got that bond with Coach Duzz and Coach Partridge. That was just love. That tied like a bond between us. It was great. I love it."
He also built a relationship with West Mifflin grad and now his roommate at Pitt, Nahki Johnson.
"Both of us could be a big impact on the Pitt defense," O'Brien said. "Just being an early enrollee and getting to know some more stuff. That way when the other freshmen come in and the season actually starts, we will be ahead."
What sealed it for O'Brien was actually taking a trip to Pittsburgh.
"I had to figure out an option and a home to be at," O'Brien said having offers from, among others, Alabama, Florida State, Florida, Miami, LSU, Oregon, Texas A&M. "When I came up to Pitt it was amazing. Especially the city, people and the coaches. That was huge."
O'Brien admits winter weather has been something to get used to, but he is adapting. He will adapt at where the coaches want him to play as well, safety or corner.
He just wants to play for Pitt and it appears other top high school play-makers are starting to feel the same way.
