The biggest recruiting win of the Pat Narduzzi era happened Friday afternoon when Hubbard (Ohio) High Top247 athlete George Hill announced his verbal to Pittsburgh.

Narduzzi personally recruited Hill himself.

Hill chose the Panthers over his other finalists Michigan State, Nebraska and Wisconsin.

“I think it’s a good fit for George because I think the atmosphere that Coach Narduzzi and his staff can provide for him not only as an athlete but as a student would be very beneficial to him,” Hubbard high coach Brian Hoffman said. “Coach Narduzzi is on the rise in terms of the coaching game. You see in one year they’ve had enough swing in the program and they’re starting to get top recruits at the University of Pittsburgh.”

None bigger than Hill who is ranked by 247Sports as the nation’s No. 7 athlete, No. 6 recruit in Ohio and No. 124 player overall.

The 6-foot, 205-pound Hill is a defensive back recruit for the Panthers that will also get an opportunity to lineup at running back and receiver.

“Obviously he has a gear while running other people do not,” Hoffman said. “He has the capability of making explosive plays for your offense. By the same token he has the skill set to line up and lock somebody down on the defensive side.”

As a senior Hill rushed 109 times for 1,006 yards and 12 touchdowns, adding another 13 receptions for 111 yards and a score. He had 23 tackles and an interception and forced fumble on defense.

Michigan State was considered the favorite after Hill decommitted from Ohio State in the fall, but Pitt was always listed as a contender and the Panthers had him in for his official this past weekend.

“Coach Narduzzi has done an outstanding job representing his program and representing himself with George and I feel it’s a good fit,” Hoffman said.