Pitt coach Pat Narduzzi, who lost one transfer wide receiver when D.J. Turner opted to enter the NFL Draft, picked up a commitment from another Friday when Melquise Stovall announced his plans to enroll this year.
Stovall (5-foot-9, 190 pounds) played the past two seasons at Hawaii under wide receivers coach Brennan Marion, who recently was hired for the same position at Pitt. As a graduate senior, he will be eligible immediately.
You bet on me when no one would for that I’m forever grateful. It’s unconditional with you OG. @BrennanMarion4 ??? pic.twitter.com/kYhBznguEK
— Melquise Stovall (@MelquiseS) December 31, 2020
Stovall could have returned to Hawaii, but he said it was time to find a new opportunity.
“It ultimately came down to trying to get into a better situation where I would be better utilized,” he said. “I think I can play running back and slot receiver, just as well as wideout. They have some voids that I can fill in the return game as well.”
During the recruiting process, Pitt coaches compared him to Turner, Stovall said. Turner has a similar build at 5-foot-9 and contributed as a receiver and return man last season.
Stovall said he chose Pitt for several reasons, including the ability to continue his relationship with Marion.
“If you look at the numbers,” Stovall said, “they’ve proven to put guys in the (NFL) just as well getting guys their degrees.”
He added, “It’s nice to have coach Marion as a coach, though.”
At Hawaii, Stovall recorded a total of 39 receptions for 480 yards and four touchdowns. All of his scores occurred during the 2019 season, including a two-touchdown game against No. 14 Boise State.
As a freshman at Cal in 2016, he caught 42 passes for 415 yards and three touchdowns. The following season a leg injury kept him out of all but one game. He also played at Riverside City (Calif.) College in 2018.
“It was nothing short of a blessing,” he said of playing at three schools. “I’m grateful for my experience. It taught me a lot. Every school has been a great experience. I’ve had my ups and downs at every school that I’m grateful for.”
I’d like to thank @CoachDuzzPittFB @BrennanMarion4 @CoachWhipPitt @graham_wilbert for believing & taking a chance on me ! I will be furthering my academic & athletic career at the University of Pittsburgh! HAIL TO PITT?? pic.twitter.com/6vD8v59b6w
— Melquise Stovall (@MelquiseS) March 26, 2021
The addition of Stovall, who was a four-star recruit and scored 88 touchdowns at Paraclete (Calif.) High School, offers several options in the passing game for Pitt offensive coordinator Mark Whipple and quarterback Kenny Pickett.
Even after losing Turner, five of Pitt’s top six pass catchers from last season — wide receivers Jordan Addison, Shocky Jacques-Louis, Jared Wayne and Taysir Mack and running back Vincent Davis — return. Plus, tight end Lucas Krull is healthy after missing most of last season with a knee injury.
Stovall said he plans to travel to Pittsburgh in May and enroll in Pitt’s first summer session.
Get all the latest on Pitt football and all things Panthers athletics.
