Speedy Ohio running back decides on Pitt
Buzz up!By Kevin Gorman, TRIBUNE-REVIEW
Saturday, July 25, 2009
Andre Givens was heavily recruited by Big Ten schools, but the Hubbard (Ohio) running back knew he was destined to play in the Big East.
"The Big Ten has big backs and big lineman. It's not as fast as the Big East Conference," Givens said. "I want to be somewhere that plays fast. I felt Pitt was right."
Givens gave a verbal commitment to the Panthers on Friday, picking Pitt over the likes of fellow Big East programs Cincinnati, Louisville and Syracuse. He had 17 scholarship offers, including Buffalo, Illinois, Indiana, Maryland, Michigan, Michigan State and Wisconsin.
The 5-foot-10, 185-pound Givens, a two-year starter, rushed for 1,433 yards and 18 touchdowns as a junior, averaging 6.6 yards a carry, and is regarded as one of Ohio's top running backs. Rivals.com ranks Givens as the nation's No. 32 tailback prospect; Scout.com ranks him No. 54.
"I'm shifty. I can cut on a dime at top speed," said Givens, who has been timed at 4.46 seconds in the 40-yard dash and at 10.89 seconds in the 100. "I'm getting bigger and stronger and trying to be an all-around back."
