Pitt continues to make Florida a key part of its recruiting blueprint, and this week was another example of that commitment in action. Running backs coach Lindsey Lamar, a Tampa native, returned to familiar territory as he made the rounds at some of the region’s top high school programs. One of his notable stops was at Tampa Jesuit, where he extended an offer to rising linebacker prospect Tripp Keller.
Keller, a 6-foot-3, 200-pound defender, has been gaining serious traction on the recruiting trail recently, and Pitt is one of several programs jumping into the mix this month. The Panthers' offer comes at a time when Keller’s stock is clearly on the rise, and Pitt’s presence in his recruitment shows they’re staying aggressive in one of the most talent-rich states in the country.
“I liked him,” Keller said of Coach Lamar. “He was a cool guy and easy to relate to. He seemed like someone you’d want to hang out with at the next level.”
That kind of early connection matters. Lamar, who recruits the Tampa area for Pitt, is often the first point of contact for Florida prospects, and his ability to build relationships quickly is a valuable asset for the Panthers. While Keller hasn’t yet spoken with linebackers coach Joe Bowen or defensive coordinator Randy Bates, he made it clear he’s interested in learning more about the program and potentially setting up a visit down the line.
The recruitment is still in its early stages, but this is exactly the kind of groundwork that can pay off later. Pitt has long made Florida a priority, and with Lamar leading the charge in his home state, they’re staying competitive for emerging talent like Keller.