Wannstedt's '06 and '07 Classes Step To The Head of The Table

By David Whipkey   They were considered to be the most ballyhooed recruiting class by Pitt in almost a quarter of a century. Now, it is time for these Panthers to step up and deliver on coach Dave Wannstedt's promise of delivering a championship. In 2006, Wannstedt brought decorated players such as offensive lineman Joe Thomas, all-purpose back Dorin Dickerson, and tight end Nate Byham into the fold. One year later, quarterback Pat Bostick was plucked from Eastern Pennsylvania and inserted into the Pitt lineup. T hey were the linchpins of recruiting classes that were geared towards putting the Panthers back on the map. The time for that imprint to be produced is now. Players such as Thomas, Dickerson, Byham, Bostick, along with defensive back Elijah Fields were wooed by some of the most prominent brand names in college football. The likes of Ohio State and Michigan were tracking Thomas, Dickerson attracted programs such as Southern California and Fl...