Pitt's recruiting momentum did not slow down for the holidays as the Panthers received a verbal commitment yesterday from North Olmstead, Ohio, offensive lineman Matt Rotheram.

Rotheram is the 12th player from the class of 2010 to commit to the Panthers. He is the highest-rated recruit of any in the class thus far.

Rotheram (6 feet 6, 310 pounds) is a four-star prospect, according to Rivals.com, and the recruiting service also ranks him as the ninth-best guard prospect in the country.

He had numerous scholarship offers, including from Wisconsin, Illinois, Purdue, Indiana, LSU, Arizona, Michigan State, Iowa and Cincinnati. He said his three finalists were Purdue, Indiana and Pitt, and once he compared them it was really no contest.

"I was looking for a school that was close to home in which I'd fit into the offense," he said. "Pitt offered me everything I wanted academically, proximity to my house and football as well. I really like the coaching staff, and the pro-style offense is a great fit for me. That was a big selling point. The coaches told me they'd like to try me first at right tackle but I can play inside or outside and I am just thankful for the opportunity."