The Pat Signal has gone up again.
With Pitt riding a tidal wave of momentum, the Panthers have nabbed their second transfer of the offseason, DE Dewayne Hendrix from Tennessee.
When Pat Narduzzi first came in the offense was loaded with talent with Tyler Boyd, Chad Voytik, and James "the hammer" Conner but the defensive cupboard was practically bare. Rebuilding that side of the ball has become his top priority and has done a good job of that so far, keeping 5-star cornerback Jordan Whitehead committed and picking up several defensive recruits along the way to round out the 2015 class and has even started going after the 2016 class.
With that being said, Hendrix is a good pickup. He played as a true freshman last year behind starting DE Derek Barnett and had a solid first season. He was ranked the #5 overall defensive end in the 2014 recruiting class and got offers from high-caliber schools such as Ohio State, Florida, and Michigan State (the school Narduzzi left).
There were several connections Hendrix had at Pitt that might have contributed to his transfer. For one, having Narduzzi here helped. He personally went after him when he was at MSU and having the relationship and already knowing the fire and intensity he brings certainly helped. This is also the second former Vol that has come on board this offseason, with the first being QB Nathan Peterman. Hendrix said in an interview with Rivals that Peterman played a part in this as well.
Hendrix will have to sit out the 2015 season, but will be ready to go next year. Welcome aboard Dewayne and H2P!
Also, I will begin covering Pitt athletics on here, along with Matt, and will occasionally do Penguins.
