In the midst of a wave of commitments, Pitt lost one of the first prospects to join its 2022 class, as defensive lineman Elijah Statham out of Smyrna, Delaware, backed off his verbal pledge on Wednesday. Statham, the brother of Pitt offensive lineman Michael Statham, originally committed to Pitt back on Jan. 11.
The news was first reported by Chris Peak of Panther Lair, but the reason for the move was not provided. And with no statement issued by Statham or Pitt, it is unclear if Statham no longer felt Pitt was a good fit or if the Panthers staff decided to pursue other prospects for what is expected to be a relatively small class.