Pitt Football News

January 10, 2007

Pitt's Revis Declares for NFL Draft

PITTSBURGH—University of Pittsburgh cornerback Darrelle Revis announced today that he will forego his senior season and enter the 2007 National Football League Draft.

Revis, a native of Aliquippa, Pa., and graduate of Aliquippa High School, is considered one of the top cornerback prospects in this year’s draft.

“I am a hometown guy and it has been a dream come true to be able to play for the University of Pittsburgh,” Revis said. “Coming out of high school, I wanted to go to Pitt because of my uncle (former Pitt defensive lineman Sean Gilbert) and because I wanted to play for the hometown college football team. I could not have asked for a better place to go to school or play football. The people at the university have been tremendous and I appreciate everyone who has helped me become a better player and person during my time at Pitt.”

“From the beginning, we wanted to make sure Darrelle had all of the information he needed to make the right decision regarding his future,” Pitt head coach Dave Wannstedt said. “Given the feedback he has received, we support Darrelle in his decision to apply for the NFL Draft. He is an exceptional football player and an even better young man. It has been an honor to be his coach the last two years.

“Having coached in the NFL, I know what teams are looking for and Darrelle has both the necessary tangibles and intangibles. Somebody is going to get one heck of a cornerback in this spring’s draft.”

Revis earned first team All-Big East each of the last two years. He is the first Pitt cornerback to be selected first team all-conference twice since Hank Poteat, now a member of the New York Jets, accomplished the feat in 1998 and 1999.

A semifinalist for the Thorpe Award, Revis scored three touchdowns this past season, including two on interception returns and one on a thrilling 73-yard punt return against West Virginia. His punt return was selected the 2006 “College Football Play of the Year” by ESPN.

Since 2002, Pitt has had five underclassmen declare for the NFL Draft. In addition to Revis, the others include receiver Antonio Bryant (2002), free safety Ramon Walker (2002), receiver Larry Fitzgerald (2004) and receiver Greg Lee (2006).



Source: Pitt Sports Communications Office