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Aliquippa's Revis picks Pitt
Kevin Gorman can be reached via e-mail or 412-320-7812.
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A 6-foot, 175-pounder who plays receiver-defensive back in football and point guard in basketball, Revis said he agreed to accept a football scholarship with the intention of joining the basketball team as a preferred walk-on.
"That's great that I have this opportunity come my way, to play at the top level like I think I can," said Revis, a nephew of former Panthers star defensive lineman Sean Gilbert. "I'm going to contribute to both."
Revis had options in both sports, with scholarship offers from Connecticut, Kansas, Michigan State, Penn State and West Virginia in football and Duquesne, St. Bonaventure and Western Kentucky in basketball.
Revis made an official visit to Pitt this past weekend, where he was hosted by quarterback Tyler Palko and met with football coach Walt Harris and basketball coach Jamie Dixon to discuss the possibility of playing both sports.
Revis was named the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review Football Player of the Year after leading the Quips to WPIAL and PIAA Class AA crowns. He set a Class AA record and tied the PIAA mark with five touchdowns in the state final.
Playing everywhere from quarterback to tailback to receiver on offense and returning kicks and punts, Revis accounted for 1,427 yards and 12 touchdowns this season.
Revis, however, was coveted as a cover cornerback. He has been compared favorably to former Aliquippa stars Ty Law, now with the New England Patriots, and Pitt junior Josh Lay at the position.
Revis also is entertaining the idea of playing receiver.
"Pitt recruited me as a defensive back, but they asked me a number of times what position I wanted to play," Revis said. "I told them I didn't care. If they need help (at receiver), I'll be glad to do that. Whatever I can do."
Revis is hoping to make an early contribution at point guard in basketball, where the Panthers return sophomore Carl Krauser and signed Ronald Ramone of New York City during the early signing period. Revis led the Quips to the 2003 WPIAL basketball title, scoring 26.2 points per game.
Although Revis was tempted when UConn coaches visited his home last Wednesday, he decided to stick with Pitt.
"There was nothing wrong with UConn," Revis said. "They've got one of the top basketball programs in the country, and their football team is on the rise -- but I'm a local guy. It's close to home. I have family here, and that's where I want to be."
