Pitt's Class Of 2001
By Tony DeFazio

The University of Pittsburgh received oral commitments from 26 football players in February 2001. Some were expected to compete for starting jobs right away and did. Others did not even make it to the campus. Some made it to campus but were gone before you knew it.

Of the 26, 21 are still connected to the team. Only six saw playing time as freshmen, although another 13 were either redshirted or will join the team this spring or fall.

Here's a look at Pitt's class of 2001, and where they are now.

o   Abdur Abdullah, FB – The Kiski Prep product was moved to fullback after Dustin Picciotti's injury and redshirted.

o   Craig Akins, DL – The 6-6, 295-pounder decided late in the summer to forego college football and pursue a career in law enforcement.

o   Troy Banner, DL – One of Pitt's top recruits who chose Pitt at the last minute over UCLA. The Penn Hills product worked his way into the line-up around mid-season and was a valuable reserve.

o   Roosevelt Bynes, WR – The lanky freshman from Florida made a big impression early, catching a 56-yard touchdown pass in his fist college game. He played in nine games.

o   Jason Capizzi, OL – The Pine-Richland grad took the fall semester off and added 35 pounds to his 6-foot-9 frame.

o   Joe Dipre, LB – The Erie Cathedral Prep product committed to Kentucky but settled on Pitt after some NCAA violations soured him on the Wildcats. Named by coaches as the outstanding defensive player on the scout team this season.

o   Darren McCray, RB – The speedy back from Florida redshirted with a move to WR is possible.

o   Larry Fitzgerald, WR – After not qualifying academically, the blue-chipper from Minnesota spent the year at Valley Forge Military Academy. At press time, Pitt was battling Ohio State for his services.

o   Marcus Furman, RB – The Connellsville grad asked to be moved to WR in the summer and was set to redshirt, but after early-season struggles was inserted him at tailback against Miami. He finished the season with 248 yards and a 5.8 yards per carry average

o   Erik Gill, TE – The Belle Vernon product redshirted in 2001. Coaches named Gill as the outstanding offensive scout team player.

o   Tyrone Gilliard, DB – Gilliard played in 11 of Pitt's 12 games and was a force on special teams, recording 12 tackles, including one on a fake punt in the win over Virginia Tech.

o   Kevin Harris, DE – The Sharon grad was redshirted.

o   J.J. Horne, DB – A a receiver, linebacker, and defensive back at times last season, but will most likely play on defense in 2002.

o   Mike Jemison, RB – Jemison looked to have a claim to the starting tailback spot until off-field troubles derailed him. Played in eight games.

o   James Johnson, RB – Big physical runner from Washington, D.C., was redshirted.

o   Ray Kirkley, RB – One of the top freshman running backs in the Big East with 645 yards and three touchdowns.

o   Josh Lay, DB – Spent the season at Valley Forge, but enrolled in January and will begin to compete for a starting position this spring.

o   Brandon Miree, RB – Transferred from Alabama early in the semester and sat the season out.

o   Tez Morris, DB – Redshirted.

o   Tim Murphy, TB – Took a medical redshirt last fall.

o   David Reese, WR – Reese did not qualify and is attempting to enroll at Temple this semester.

o   Thomas Smith, DE – Redshirted.

o   Charles Spencer, DL – Redshirted.

o   Joe Stephens, WR - Another speedy WR from Florida who will have a chance to earn time this spring.

o   Woodly Telfort, OL – Big prospect from Florida never qualified academically.

o   Kevin Hazel, WR – Never qualified.

o   Jovanny Ward, DB – Currently, not playing anywhere.