Dec. 19, 2007

PITTSBURGH - University of Pittsburgh head football coach Dave Wannstedt got off to an early and strong start in the Panthers' recruiting efforts today, signing two prospects to National Letters of Intent.

Wannstedt signed a pair of junior-college transfers, including quarterback Greg Cross (Brunswick, Ga./Fort Scott Community College [Ks.]) and center Robb Houser (Chico, Calif./Butte College). Both players will be enrolled for Pitt's upcoming semester, which begins January 7, and participate in the Panthers' spring football drills.

Cross and Houser will both have junior eligibility beginning with the 2008 season.

Cross is the nation's No. 2 junior-college quarterback according to Rivals.com and one of the country's top 50 JUCO prospects overall. The 6-foot-2, 215-pounder was a first-team All-Jayhawk Conference selection after throwing for 2,564 yards and seven touchdowns this past year. He led Fort Scott to consecutive trips to the Region 6 championship final.

"Given our lack of depth and experience at quarterback this past season, I felt it was important to shore up that position," Wannstedt said. "Greg will bring outstanding competition to the quarterback spot right away as he will be able to participate in the offseason program and spring practice. He had an excellent career at Fort Scott and really turned that program around."

The 6-foot-2, 285-pound Houser was one of the top center prospects in the California junior-college ranks, earning All-NorCal Conference honors. He started two seasons at Butte, helping the Roadrunners rush for nearly 2,000 yards in 11 games this year.

"Robb will help us address an immediate need on our offensive line," Wannstedt said. "Finding a new starter and developing depth at the center position will be a priority this spring so it benefits both Robb and our team that he will be here beginning in January."

Pitt will announce its entire 2008 recruiting class on February 6.