There are always a couple of milestones for a new coach at a program. Obviously the first is getting hired, the 2nd is probably getting their staff finalized, and the next big one is getting their first commit. It is confirmation that someone is willing to buy what the new coach is selling, and Pitt HC Jeff Capel has just hit that milestone as 2018 G Trey McGowens has committed to Pitt

McGowens is a consensus 4* and top 100 player for the 2019 class currently, but as noted above, will reclassify to the 2018 class. McGowens has chosen Pitt over reported offers from Clemson, Minnesota, Ole Miss, St John’s (his other four finalists), North Carolina State, Baylor, Wake Forrest, Kansas State, Oklahoma State, Providence, Seton Hall, TCU, Tennessee, Virginia Tech, and others.

McGowens not only committing but reclassifying to 2018 is the best case scenario as Capel really needed a PG for the upcoming season with the official departure of Marcus Carr. A good way to replace a guy like Carr is drop a 4*, top 100 player in his place.

This is a big, big pickup for Capel. Capel came to Pitt with the reputation of being a dynamic and extremely effective recruiter, and getting a top 100 player to commit a month after his hiring is a heck of a way to back up that reputation. The good news is that Capel has more spots to fill for next year, and the first commit always helps lead to others. Hopefully Capel can build on the momentum and bring in others as well.

You can check out some highlights from McGowens below