The pure speed Tampa Gaither receiver Bryan Hamilton possesses made for something Pittsburgh wanted in its class.
The Panthers got it when the 5-foot-11, 165-pound Hamilton committed at the end of his official visit. He announced his choice today, and cited his relationship with receivers coach JJ Laster as a key reason for his decision.
"He is a very open, honest and competitive guy," Hamilton said. "I think I fit very well in the scheme (and) offense they run."
Hamilton, who also plays basketball at Gaither, ran a 10.66 in the 100 meters in the spring. he showed his big-play ability on the field during a junior season in which he caught 50 passes for 818 yards and eight touchdowns.
In meeting with Pitt's coaches and spending time with the players, he knew he found his home. He said two things jumped out to him during the weekend.
"The bond with the coaches and players where just great," he said. "Also how everything is NFL like because the Pittsburgh Steelers facility is literally a door away.
"The coaches are very open. The players are very open."
Here is what you need to know:
WHAT BRYAN HAMILTON SAYS ABOUT PITT
"I love the city of Pittsburgh because it's a football city and a city of champions," he said. "From Pitt to Steelers to Penguins to Pirates.
WHO ELSE WAS IN THE MIX?
The main competition for Pitt came from Kansas State, which was scheduled to host him for an official visit next weekend. Duke, Wake Forest, Wisconsin also offered but it came down to Pitt and Kansas State. Interestingly, Kansas State offered Jan. 31 and Pitt followed through with one Feb. 3.
WHERE BRYAN HAMILTON RANKS AS A RECRUIT
Hamilton has a 247Sports grade of 86, which makes him the nation's No. 170 receiver and the No. 118 player in Florida. In the industry-generated 247Sports Composite, Hamilton is the No. 163 receiver, and the No. 131 player in Florida.
HOW BRYAN HAMILTON FITS WITH PITT
Hamilton is part of the huge push Pitt's 2026 class received during the last two recruiting weekends, and he is the fourth receiver in the class. Thomasville (Ga.) Thomas County Central's Jaydon Dunbar, Orlando First Academy's Demetrice McCray and Celina (Texas) High's Wyatt Villarreal are also in the class.