LaRod Stephens makes it official ( PITT) is it !!!!
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THE CHOPS
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LaRod Stephens makes it official ( PITT) is it !!!!
Stephens makes it official...
LaRod Stephens made Pitt his first choice months ago.
The record-breaking Greater Johnstown High School tailback made the Panthers his official selection on Wednesday, signing a letter of intent to play N.C.A.A. Division I football under full scholarship at the University of Pittsburgh.
Stephens and Trojans teammate Josh Miller, a linebacker who inked a letter with Division II power IUP, each signed during a ceremony at the Johnstown auditorium as dozens of fellow students, coaches, support staff, administrators and family watched. Both players received scholarships.
"Pitt was still my No. #1 choice because of the location and the education," said Stephens, who had verbally committed to the Panthers but briefly reconsidered after Pitt coach Walt Harris departed for Stanford last month. "Once I talked to coach (Dave) Wannstedt, I felt better about my decision. It sounds like they're going to fit me into their plans next season."
Stephens was both a (first-team) Associated Press All-State running back and Tribune-Democrat Offensive Player of the Year the past two seasons.
The speedy back had 4,597 career rushing yards and "57" rushing touchdowns. He gained 1,875 yards the past season with the District #6 Class (AAA) champion Trojans after breaking the school's single-season record with 2,226 yards as a junior.
"It was great playing with all my teammates at Johnstown," Stephens said. "I love being a Trojan. Playing close to home at Pitt is great. I know I will have the support of my friends, teammates and family.
"(Recruiting's) a hard process to go through," the Trojans' all-time leading career rusher said. "There was some doubt (about Pitt) when they went through the coaching change. I looked at Toledo as a backup plan."
New Panthers head coach Wannstedt visited Johnstown High last week, speaking with Trojans coach Bob Arcurio, a gesture that further cemented Stephens' belief in the Panthers.
"He's a good person," Stephens said of the former Miami Dolphins and Chicago Bears coach. "It wasn't like he said, 'I used to be a NFL coach.' He was a regular person."
Stephens is the son of Rod Howling and Stephanie Stephens-Howling of Johnstown.
Miller made 73 tackles, four sacks, an interception and two fumble recoveries as a senior captain. His career numbers include 164 tackles. He is the son of Allison Miller of Johnstown.
"I feel great now that I'm signed," Miller said. "I'm happy to go to IUP, get my education and play football. I picked IUP for the criminology program. It's close to home and my mother and fans from Johnstown can watch me play."
"THE CHOPS".
LaRod Stephens made Pitt his first choice months ago.
The record-breaking Greater Johnstown High School tailback made the Panthers his official selection on Wednesday, signing a letter of intent to play N.C.A.A. Division I football under full scholarship at the University of Pittsburgh.
Stephens and Trojans teammate Josh Miller, a linebacker who inked a letter with Division II power IUP, each signed during a ceremony at the Johnstown auditorium as dozens of fellow students, coaches, support staff, administrators and family watched. Both players received scholarships.
"Pitt was still my No. #1 choice because of the location and the education," said Stephens, who had verbally committed to the Panthers but briefly reconsidered after Pitt coach Walt Harris departed for Stanford last month. "Once I talked to coach (Dave) Wannstedt, I felt better about my decision. It sounds like they're going to fit me into their plans next season."
Stephens was both a (first-team) Associated Press All-State running back and Tribune-Democrat Offensive Player of the Year the past two seasons.
The speedy back had 4,597 career rushing yards and "57" rushing touchdowns. He gained 1,875 yards the past season with the District #6 Class (AAA) champion Trojans after breaking the school's single-season record with 2,226 yards as a junior.
"It was great playing with all my teammates at Johnstown," Stephens said. "I love being a Trojan. Playing close to home at Pitt is great. I know I will have the support of my friends, teammates and family.
"(Recruiting's) a hard process to go through," the Trojans' all-time leading career rusher said. "There was some doubt (about Pitt) when they went through the coaching change. I looked at Toledo as a backup plan."
New Panthers head coach Wannstedt visited Johnstown High last week, speaking with Trojans coach Bob Arcurio, a gesture that further cemented Stephens' belief in the Panthers.
"He's a good person," Stephens said of the former Miami Dolphins and Chicago Bears coach. "It wasn't like he said, 'I used to be a NFL coach.' He was a regular person."
Stephens is the son of Rod Howling and Stephanie Stephens-Howling of Johnstown.
Miller made 73 tackles, four sacks, an interception and two fumble recoveries as a senior captain. His career numbers include 164 tackles. He is the son of Allison Miller of Johnstown.
"I feel great now that I'm signed," Miller said. "I'm happy to go to IUP, get my education and play football. I picked IUP for the criminology program. It's close to home and my mother and fans from Johnstown can watch me play."
"THE CHOPS".