Lake Fong, Post-Gazette Pitt's Greg Lee will forgo his senior season and opt for the NFL draft. Click photo for larger image.

Pitt football coach Dave Wannstedt formally announced yesterday personnel moves that had been known for weeks.

The biggest of those moves involves junior wide receiver Greg Lee, who will forgo his senior season and opt for the NFL draft.

Freshman running back Rashad Jennings transferred to Liberty University in Virginia and reserve tight end Robbie Agnone to Delaware. Receiver Terrell Allen is enrolled at Pitt but will transfer to Gardner-Webb or Coastal Carolina.

The Panthers also welcomed freshman Jovani Chappel, who graduated high school a semester early. Chappel, from Trotwood-Madison High School in Ohio, will participate in spring drills and compete for the starting corner spot left vacant by Josh Lay.

Wannstedt said, while he would like every player to remain in the program, he understands his players' decisions to leave and respects them. That doesn't mean he agrees with every decision, particularly that of Lee's.

"I want to recruit potential first-round draft picks every year," he said. "The more guys that make the NFL, the better for our program and for recruiting. But in Greg's situation, I'd like to see him stay because I think he could have helped himself with another year. I think it really would have been good for his opportunities. I spoke with his dad and he also wanted him to stay, but sometimes there is more involved than it would seem.

"More time would have certainly helped him, but I wish him the best and hope he succeeds."

When it first became known that Lee was heading to the NFL, there were reports that Wannstedt had a confrontation with Lee's agent, Michael Huyghue, about the situation. Wannstedt said that his interaction with Huyghue was not confrontational, but certainly wasn't cordial either.

"I'm not really going to comment on that stuff," Wannstedt said. "It was a difference of opinion. I'm going to take care of my guys, the players that committed to Pitt. It is my job to help them achieve their dreams. And I want them all to better themselves, but if I think they need more time, I couldn't in good conscience sit back and not voice my opinion.

"I know what it takes to play in the NFL and I've been around enough to know that I can help my players if they listen to good advice and put themselves in the best situation to succeed.

"Losing Greg and Rashad hurts, but it doesn't change one thing about our preparation for the season. All it means is that all of the young running backs and receivers are going to get a bigger opportunity this year. They are all one step closer to the field."

Jennings transferred because he wanted to go to a school closer to his home in Virginia. His father is battling diabetes and Jennings does not want to leave all the responsibility for taking care of his father with the rest of his family.

Agnone is headed for a place where he'll get more playing time. Allen has had some off-field struggles and is in search of a fresh start.

Wannstedt said that although the Panthers have begun their offseason workouts, his top priority is finishing off his first full recruiting class.

"We just had a big recruiting weekend and we have two more scheduled before signing day," Wannstedt said. "We are right on track with where we need to be with all of the kids we have committed and the ones we are still trying to get."

Pitt's remaining targets include two WPIAL players -- Duquesne wide receiver Elijah Fields and Trinity tackle Andy Miller -- defensive back Aaron Berry from Bishop McDevitt in Harrisburg, defensive ends Geno Atkins (Fort Lauderdale, Fla.), McKenzie Mathews (Syracuse, N.Y.) and Audie Augustine (Oakland Park, Fla.), wide receiver Tamarcus Porter (Pahokee, Fla.), quarterback Thaddeus Lewis (Hialeah, Fla.) and Perry wide receiver Aundre Wright.