Derry’s Dylan Pitzer gets preferred walk-on offer from Pitt football team

By: Bill Beckner Jr.
Thursday, January 29, 2026 | 9:21 PM

Coaches who have worked with him say Dylan Pitzer might have only scratched the surface of his capabilities as a football player.

The 6-foot-7, 275-pounder at Derry has gained momentum with NCAA Division II offers, with IUP, Clarion and Glenville State extending offers to the two-way lineman.

But a Division I path opened last week when Pitt cast a line at Pitzer, who has an all-state senior season. The Panthers want him as a preferred walk-on.

Pitzer is willing to bet on himself as he is considered a late bloomer by some college scouts.

He did not wrestle this season so he could focus solely on football.

“It is a chance, and that is all I need,” said Pitzer, who would earn a roster spot and have a chance later at a scholarship if he takes the deal. “I saw (the offer) coming because I have been talking (to Pitt) for a couple days.”

Pitzer said he plans to commit Friday or Saturday. National Signing Day is Feb. 6.

“He has D-I aspirations,” Derry coach Mike Arone said. “I’m very proud of him and excited to see what the future brings. I believe he’s going to make someone very happy.”

Nicknamed “Pickle,” Pitzer was the Class 3A Interstate Conference Lineman of the Year and made first-team all-conference as an offensive tackle and defensive end.

He had 67 tackles, 15 hurries, 10 sacks, a safety and blocked field goal.

Pitzer was the 3A finalist for the Bill Fralic Memorial Award given to the WPIAL’s best two-way lineman.

The university of Pittsburgh offered🔵🟡 pic.twitter.com/eR9tfM5VUf

— Dylan Pitzer (@DylanPitzer717) January 30, 2026

Bill Beckner Jr. is a TribLive reporter covering local sports in Westmoreland County. He can be reached at bbeckner@triblive.com.

Tags: Derry Area