Marco Pecora Class: RS Junior Hometown: Johnstown, Pa. High School: Richland Height / Weight: 5-11 / 195 Position: DB

2011 Scouting Report: Enters his fourth year as a walk-on defensive back at Pitt...will provide depth at free safety and also continue to contribute on special teams, where he has lettered the past two seasons...enjoyed a distinguished year in the classroom and was named to the Big East All-Academic Football Team.

2010: Played in 10 games, serving on special teams and as a backup free safety to earn his second letter.

2009: Played in six games on special teams to letter in his first active season...had two tackles on the year, including stops against Navy and Louisville.

2008: Joined team as a walk-on for training camp and redshirted...impressed on the scout team and was named Pitt's Special Teams Prep Player of the Year.

High School: Finished his career at Richland High as one of the most prolific passers in Pennsylvania history...a four-year starter, Pecora threw for 6,772 yards to rank ninth in state history...threw for 2,267 yards as a senior to lead Richland to a 7-4 record and its first playoff berth in 20 seasons...also was a three-year starter at safety and had a 99-yard interception return for a touchdown his senior year...named to The Associated Press Pennsylvania Class AA All-State Team as an "athlete" selection...played under Coach Brandon Bailey...selected to play in the Lantzy Finest 40 All-Star Game...a four-year letterman in wrestling...captured the Southwest Regional and District 6 Class AA titles (171-pound class) as a senior...placed fifth at the PIAA Class AA Wrestling Championships.

Personal: Marco Vito Pecora, born 2/25/89, is the son of Pat and Tracy Pecora... has two sisters and one brother...father is a legendary wrestling coach at the University of Pittsburgh-Johnstown...history major.