By Jerry DiPaola

Published: Sunday, January 6, 2013, 7:50 p.m.
Updated: Saturday, January 12, 2013

• Clairton wide receiver Tyler Boyd's decision to make a verbal commitment to Pitt during the U.S. Army All-American Bowl gives the Panthers two of the top four players from the WPIAL, including Belle Vernon offensive lineman Dorian Johnson. The other two players — Central Valley wide receiver Robert Foster and North Allegheny offensive lineman Patrick Kugler — have committed to Alabama and Michigan. Although the commitments are not binding until letter-of-intent day Feb. 6, Boyd's announcement gives Pitt an edge on procuring the offensive play-maker it so desperately needs.

• Pitt's total of 22 commitments, including seven from the WPIAL or City League and two from Class A PIAA champion Clairton, could grow to 29 in the next month. Boyd, of course, has said he hopes to visit Michigan State and Tennessee this month. He is joined in Pitt's tentative Class of 2013 by Clairton teammate Titus Howard. Pitt also has offered a scholarship to Clairton's Terrish Webb, a star of the Bears' postseason run.

• The Panthers did lose a prospect they were hoping would commit to them when Jaleel Hytchye, a cornerback from Cincinnati's La Salle High School, said Saturday he will enroll at Kentucky.

• The loss to Ole Miss was Pitt's most lopsided defeat since losing to Cincinnati, 34-10, on Sept. 6.

• Nearly unnoticed in the Pitt loss was the play of wide receiver Devin Street, who caught seven passes for 83 yards and a touchdown. Street tied a Compass Bowl record, held by five others.

• Pitt is 12-17 all-time in bowl games, including 2-3 during its current five-game postseason streak.

­— Jerry DiPaola

1. Pitt gets commits from QB, local RB
2. Pitt lands commitment from 3-star safety
3. Bethel Park offensive lineman Grimm picks Pitt
4. Drug charges dropped against former Pitt football player
5. Pitt’s Robinson a finalist for USA Basketball Under-19 team

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