In 2013, Pitt was hurting and hunting for running backs and was down to two. Enter recruit Chris James from Niles, Illinois, and, based on videos, my own personal favorite recruit from the class of 2014.
Raised by his grandmother, this highly regarded recruit was thought to be too much of a reach for Pitt. According to scouting preferences, he had interest in another school, namely, Michigan State. The name of the coach recruiting him for Michigan State? Pat Narduzzi.
Fortunately for Pitt, James became enthralled with the program and city of Pittsburgh and chose to come to the Panthers. And also, as luck would have it for both him and coach Narduzzi, he is now reunited with his Michigan State recruiter and mentor.
Here is a sample of his outstanding play in high school: http://www.hudl.com/athlete/1144262/highlights/98454380/v2
Note his ability to evade defenders with his footwork, catch the ball well, and turn on the afterburners when he gets loose.
If that isn’t enough, you-tube carries a workout of him that went viral. If you have the opportunity to see the you-tube video, note the distance of his jump from the floor.
There is a lot to look forward to this fall, and one aspect defenses will have to contend with more will be the contrast of Chris James’ screen play potential and “evadability” style to the pounding style of James Conner and Quadree Ollison.
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PittSportsOptimist 