Pitt recruitment report: 4-star target Yasin Willis to make ‘big announcement’ Saturday

On Saturday, Pitt fans and coaches alike will hope to see things turn around as one of the most notable names to visit campus this summer, Yasin Willis, is expected to announce his collegiate destination.
“Big announcement Saturday,” Willis tweeted last weekend, “stay tuned!”
While Pitt already has a running back in its 2024 class, the Panthers would undoubtedly accept Willis into the group. Rivals rates Willis, a four-star prospect, as the No. 1 player in New Jersey and the No. 16 running back in the country for the Class of 2024. The 6-foot-1, 218-pound tailback is also ranked as the No. 187 player nationally for the Class of 2024, which would make him Pitt’s highest-profile commit, should he give his verbal to the Panthers.
Last fall at St. Joseph Regional High School, Willis rushed for 1,133 yards and 17 touchdowns on 189 carries. The Montvale, N.J., native is expected to play his senior season for St. Joseph Regional, as well.
Although Willis has not announced his final few schools of choice, he did make three official visits this summer. Rutgers was the first team to host the four-star on June 2. Willis made his official visit to Pitt the following week on June 8. His third and final official visit was to Michigan on June 23. Willis also announced last month that he received an offer from Alabama but hasn’t expressed any public interest in the Crimson Tide.
Should Willis verbally commit to Pitt, he’d be the first high school prospect to do so since the Panthers landed three-star offensive lineman Moritz Schmoranzer on June 30. Willis would be the fourth four-star in Pitt’s 2024 class, joining defensive tackle Jahsear Whittington, wide receiver Ric'Darious Farmer and linebacker Cameron Lindsey.
Pitt’s 2024 class, which currently includes 20 total verbal commitments, entered this week rated No. 25 in the country by Rivals. On Wednesday at the 2023 ACC Kickoff, Narduzzi told the Post-Gazette that he was “happy” with where the Panthers 2024 class was but would be “happier with less commitments.”
“It’s about quality for me,” Narduzzi said, “but I’m happy with where we are.”
Perhaps the addition of a “quality” running back would make the Panthers head coach even happier.