Pitt picked up two more commitments Monday when defensive end Zachary Crothers of Hollywood, Fla., joined defensive back Tayshawn Banks of Cincinnati’s Taft High School in the Panthers’ nine-man class of 2024. Both gave coach Pat Narduzzi verbal pledges that they will enroll next year.
I just wanted to say thank you to my coaching staff at Taft. Also, a huge thanks to my mom and dad. With that being said, I will be committing to the University of Pittsburgh.???????? @BatesBacker @CoachTy_1 @CoachDuzzPittFB @TaftNationFB @TaftNation @Statboyent pic.twitter.com/FGOLM2892r
— Tayshawn Banks (@TayshawnBanks) March 27, 2023
The nine verbal commitments represent a fast start for Narduzzi in his ‘24 class. Pitt didn’t receive its first verbal commitment for the class of 2023 until June 3. With nearly nine months to go before the first signing period, Pitt’s class is ranked 12th in the nation — fourth in the ACC — by Rivals.com.
Banks (5-foot-11, 165 pounds) is the second prospect from Ohio, joining defensive tackle Francis Brewu of Thomas Worthington High School. As a junior at Taft last season, Banks intercepted nine passes and returned a kickoff and punt for touchdowns.
A three-star recruit, Banks is ranked 37th overall among all Ohio prospects by Rivals. He has scholarship offers from Michigan, Penn State, Boston College, Georgia Tech, Kentucky, West Virginia and Purdue.
1000% Commited!! #H2P @CoachPartridge @CoachDuzzPittFB @Dameon8 @coach_aaron_89 @Pitt_FB pic.twitter.com/zvlwdWLZBp
— Zachary Crothers (@ZachCrothers5) March 27, 2023
Unranked by Rivals, Crothers (6-4, 235) helped Chaminade Madonna High School to a state title as a junior, recording 24 tackles for a loss and 15 sacks. With offers from Indiana, Minnesota, Oregon State and USF, Crothers is Pitt’s second commitment from Florida, joining four-star wide receiver Ric’Darious Farmer of Cocoa.
