Mikey Vernon’s junior season in the Tampa area turned heads for all the right reasons. The 5-foot-9, 160-pound wide receiver out of Tampa Jesuit was electric with the ball in his hands, racking up over 1,300 all-purpose yards and finding the end zone 14 times in 2025. Now, as he gets set to finish his high school career at Armwood, Vernon’s explosiveness and versatility are drawing serious attention - including from the Pitt Panthers.
One of the first to take notice was Pitt assistant coach Lindsey Lamar. While working his Florida recruiting territory last week, Lamar made a stop at Armwood High School and didn’t leave empty-handed - he extended an offer to Vernon, a 2027 prospect whose speed jumps off the screen.
“I was in school and got called out of class,” Vernon said of how he found out about the offer. “I went to go talk to Coach and had a nice conversation with him. We talked about my film and stuff like that, and he said he loved my film and pointed out specific plays that really caught his eye.”
That kind of attention to detail matters to Vernon. He came away impressed not just by the offer, but by Lamar himself.
“He’s a great coach. He’s a very cool guy, very chill guy,” Vernon said. “It feels like he knows what he’s doing and he’s just a great coach to be around.”
Vernon’s game is built on speed and adaptability - the kind of traits that make him a threat in open space and a nightmare for defenses trying to keep up. On film, he showcases quick acceleration, sharp cuts, and the ability to make defenders miss. Whether he’s lining up outside, in the slot, or contributing in the return game, Vernon has a knack for creating big plays.
Pitt’s interest in Florida talent is well documented. The Panthers recruit the Sunshine State hard, and that familiarity is already playing in Vernon’s favor.
He’s well aware of some of the names already tied to the program, including 2026 signees Bryan Hamilton and Kentrail McRae. That existing connection gives Vernon a bit of a head start when it comes to understanding the culture and expectations at Pitt.
With one more high school season ahead of him - this time at Armwood - Vernon has a chance to further elevate his stock. But with offers like Pitt already in hand, the secret’s out: Mikey Vernon is a name to watch in the 2027 class.