Pitt put the finishing touches on its football recruiting class yesterday when receiver Tamarcus Porter of Pahokee, Fla., signed a letter of intent.

Porter made a verbal commitment to the Panthers a few weeks ago, but was having second thoughts recently. Wednesday was the first day high school seniors could sign a binding letter of intent with a college, and Porter didn't sign with anyone. He was deciding between Pitt and Wake Forest, and eventually signed with the Panthers.

Porter is Pitt's 26th recruit. The maximum number of recruits in a year is 25, but two of Pitt's recruits -- defensive back Jovanni Chappel and offensive lineman Kevin Hughes -- are enrolled at the university and go on last year's class. Pitt's class is ranked as high as 11th nationally.

Elsewhere in recruiting, Schenley receiver-defensive back Brandon McLaughlin signed with Maine, an NCAA Division I-AA school.

First Published: February 3, 2006, 5:00 a.m.