Florida has long been one of Pitt's recruiting priorities, but its pipeline to the Panthers was in jeopardy of being shut off when Miami left the Big East Conference for the Atlantic Coast Conference.
The addition of the University of South Florida to the Big East has kept the recruiting base intact, and Pitt hopes to benefit this season from two trips to the Sunshine State.
The first comes Friday, when Pitt (5-1) plays Central Florida (2-3) at 8 p.m. at the Citrus Bowl. The Panthers are counting on the visibility of playing a nationally televised game on ESPN to make an impression on prospects.
"It's important for our recruiting, with the number of players that are down there," Pitt coach Dave Wannstedt said. "That's the only area that we really recruit outside of a five-hour drive from the Cathedral (of Learning). This gives us some exposure in the middle part of the state and nationally."
Wannstedt's presence alone helps the Panthers in Florida. As a former head coach of the Miami Dolphins from 2000-04 and the defensive coordinator on the University of Miami's 1987 national champions, he is a recognizable figure throughout the state.
Playing in Florida also helps the Panthers, who can now promise prospects at least one trip home every other year. Such a schedule can provide a sense of security for families who are sending their sons far from home.
"When a kid's torn, maybe going back and forth, and he knows we're going to come down a couple times and play, it helps," Wannstedt said. "It's not going to be a determining factor, but when you're making your list of positives, it's a positive."
With 20 scholarship players from Florida on Pitt's roster - and Wannstedt said all of them will travel to UCF - the Panthers are scrambling for tickets for family and friends.
"I think that helps a lot of guys that are coming up here from Florida, just because it gives them an opportunity to go back home and play in front of people they've been around and see family," said senior linebacker H.B. Blades, of Plantation. "It gives them an opportunity to come see us play because they only get to see us on TV. It's one of the few opportunities to get to see us in person."
Pitt won't be able to use this Florida trip for recruiting purposes because it's a Friday night game and conflicts with high school football games. Under NCAA rules, the Panthers also aren't permitted to invite prospects to away games. Coaches will, however, make sure to use the lure of returning home as a recruiting tool.
"I think the biggest benefit is when you're sitting in a young man's home that you're recruiting and saying, 'We're going to have a chance to come back and play in your home state,'" said Pitt defensive ends/special teams coach Charlie Partridge, a Plantation, Fla., native who recruits the state for the Panthers. "That's important for that young man and that family. It's not always easy for them to get up here for every game. This year, they know there's two games they can drive to."
Partridge recruits Broward and Palm Beach counties and the Space Coast. Receivers coach Aubrey Hill, a Miami native who played at the University of Florida, handles Dade County, Naples and Tampa recruiting.
The Panthers already have verbal commitments from three Florida players - Lantana Santaluces tight end Nick Krupa, Weston Cypress Bay cornerback Buddy Jackson and Hollywood Chaminade-Madonna running back Xavier Stinson - and are hoping to add more in the Class of 2007.
"Without a shadow of a doubt, the program's No. 1 priority is Pennsylvania first and Western Pennsylvania," Partridge said, "but we're looking to get three or four kids every year from the state of Florida because there's a lot of Division I-caliber athletes down there."
The chance to play against former teammates and players from rival high schools on Central Florida's roster has Pitt players pumped about their trip to Orlando and the opportunity to prove going North has its benefits.
"It's their home, but it's a homecoming to us," said sophomore defensive tackle Rashaad Duncan, of Belle Glade. "We're Florida boys, too. Most of the boys back home say, 'Y'all went up North, so you're not Florida boys anymore.' We (haven't) changed. We're still Florida boys, and we're going to show them we still play like it."
Additional Information:
Homeward bound
Florida has served as recruiting pipeline for Pitt, which has 20 scholarship players from the Sunshine State. Here is a look at where those Panthers are from:H.B. Blades, Sr., LBHometown: Plantation
Jemeel Brady, Jr., SHometown: Miami
Reggie Carter, Sr., CBHometown: Naples
Kelvin Chandler, So., CBHometown: Fort Lauderdale
Joe Clermond, Jr., DEHometown: Tampa
Conredge Collins, So., FBHometown: Miami
Kennard Cox, Jr., CBHometown: Miami
Dexter Davidson, Fr., QBHometown: Boca Raton
Steve Dell, Fr., LBHometown: Fort Lauderdale
Rashaad Duncan, So.Hometown: DTBelle Glade
Ricky Gary, Fr.CBHometown: Pahokee
Jared Martin, Fr., DTHometown: Davie
Gus Mustakas, So., DTHometown: Cooper City
Cedric McGee, Fr., WRHometown: Fort Lauderdale
Marcel Pestano, So., WRHometown: Lehigh Acres
T.J. Porter, Fr., WRHometown: Pahokee
Greg Romeus, Fr., DEHometown: Coral Springs
Charles Sallet, Sr., DEHometown: Tampa
Clint Session, Sr., LBHometown: Pampano Beach
Darrell Strong, Jr., TEHometown: Fort Lauderdale
