Highly rated quarterback/defensive back Terrell Chestnut of Pottsgrove High School announced Thursday that he would join Pitt football's class of 2011.

Chestnut had more than 30 scholarship offers, among them Pitt, Penn State, West Virginia and Michigan. In his mind there was no contest.

"I've known for a while," Chestnut said of his decision to join the Panthers. "I just wanted to get it over with."

Chestnut, ranked a four-star recruit by some scouting services, rushed for 995 yards, scored 19 touchdowns and led Pottsgrove to its first PIAA District 1 Class AAA title last season.

He visited Pitt officially in June and the South Side facility, coupled with heavy recruiting, sealed the deal for him.

"I just felt very comfortable at Pitt," Chestnut said.

He will pursue studies in premed.

The athletic, dual-threat quarterback and defensive back, is Pitt's second four-star recruit in the past two days and its fourth this summer.

Running back Jameel Poteat of Bishop McDevitt High School in Harrisburg committed to Pitt Wednesday. Wide receiver Bill Belton from Atco, N.J., and defensive tackle Marquise Wright from Paramus, N.J., committed in June.

Chestnut likely will be asked to make the transition from quarterback to full-time cornerback as a Panther, but his high school coach, Rick Pennypacker, doesn't see that being an issue. "Not one bit," he said. "He's a hitter; he will hit you."

Chestnut received praise from Pennypacker for having outstanding character qualities. He said Chestnut knows how to command respect in the huddle as well as outside of it.

"If you ask anybody at the school who they respect the most, 90 percent of them will say Terrell Chestnut," he said. "He's the kind of player that will be the leader of your team."

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