Pitt landed two verbal commitments for its 2017 class Wednesday, bringing the Panthers to eight pledges for coach Pat Narduzzi’s second full recruiting class at the school.

Offensive lineman Owen Drexel and running back Todd Sibley were the latest high school recruits to make the call for the Panthers, with Sibley flipping his verbal commitment from Ohio State to Pitt.

Sibley is rated as a three-star prospect by Rivals.com, while Drexel is unrated.

Both announced decisions on their personal Twitter accounts, with Sibley posting a long note explaining his decision. He thanked the Ohio State coaches and fans for their support before announcing his flip.

“I’ve learned throughout this entire process that this is probably the most selfish decision you’re going to make in your life, and you have to make the right decision,” Sibley wrote. “You can’t do what everyone else wants you to do, you have to do what’s best for you at the end of the day! And I’m finally going to do what’s best for me.”

In addition to the Buckeyes, Sibley also had offers from Akron, Kentucky and Michigan. He is the first running back in Pitt’s 2017 class and third offensive skill player, joining quarterback Kenny Pickett and wide receiver Darian Street.

Drexel, meanwhile, became the first offensive lineman to commit to Pitt’s 2017 class.

“After discussing it with my family and coaches, I’ve decided to commit to the University of Pittsburgh,” Drexel wrote.

Drexel chose Pitt over offers from Air Force, Florida Atlantic, Lafayette and Rutgers, with the Scarlet Knights being the main competition for his services.

Recruits in the 2017 class can sign their National Letters of Intent Feb. 1.

Sam Werner: swerner@post-gazette.com and Twitter @SWernerPG

First Published: June 15, 2016, 7:38 p.m.