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January 5, 2008

Cruz goes with Pitt after all

BY MIKE MASTOVICH

This time, Michael Cruz is certain that Pitt is it.

The Bishop McCort senior tight end verbally committed to the University of Pittsburgh to continue his football career under scholarship.

The 6-foot-4, 250-pound Cruz selected the Panthers after receiving more than 20 offers, including interest from Clemson, West Virginia, Florida State, Illinois, Nebraska, Rutgers and Virginia.

Cruz previously committed to Pitt last April but reopened his recruitment less than a week later.

“He visited a number of other quality programs, and after each visit he continued to realize that Pitt is the place for him and he confirmed what he already knew,” Bishop McCort coach Ken Salem said. “Pitt continued talking with us and recruiting him.

“Mike’s extremely pleased to have the opportunity to play at Pitt,” Salem added. “He realizes there are some opportunities there with all the talented people that have been recruited recently. It seems like the program is on the verge of turning the corner. He’s excited about that and he wants to be a part of it.”

Cruz will join a group of Johnstown-area athletes on the Panthers football team.

Greater Johnstown’s LaRod Stephens-Howling recently completed his junior season as a Pitt tailback.

Johnstown’s Scott Corson and Bishop McCort’s Wayne Jones also are at Pitt, and the Trojans’ Antwuan Reed, The Tribune-Democrat’s Offensive player of the Year, has verbally committed to the Panthers.

The official NCAA letter of intent signing date is Feb. 5.

“Pittsburgh only has two tight ends on the current roster,” Salem said. “There might be some opportunities for Mike right away.”

Pittsburgh defensive line coach Greg Gattuso recruited Cruz, who is the 19th-ranked prospect in Pennsylvania by Rivals.com.

At tight end, he made 11 receptions for 242 yards, a 22.0 average, and had five touchdowns.

At defensive end, Cruz made 43 tackles, three sacks and one fumble recovery as a senior.

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