WPIAL Recruiting: USC’s Blair Commits to Pitt

By: HSSN Staff
Sunday, July 28, 2013 | 11:23 AM

This 'Cat may be changing colors, but he's not changing his stripes. The great comeback story of Upper St. Clair senior Rori Blair continued when he announced he would be going from the Upper St. Clair Panthers this fall to the Pitt Panthers next fall. Blair made a verbal commitment to the University of Pittsburgh on Friday after his family met with Pitt head coach Paul Chryst.

The decision for the 6-3, 225-pound tight end/defensive end continues an incredible comeback that began with a near death experience 15 months ago.

In April of 2012 near the end of his junior year, Blair suffered a stroke. Days later, complications caused his heart to stop, forcing doctors to use CPR to bring him back.Blair spent one month in a hospital and another month in a rehabilitation center and he missed his senior season.

Blair was cleared by doctors this spring to continue his football career and the WPIAL granted Blair another season of eligibility based on WPIAL and PIAA criteria for eligibility.

Blair, who selected Pitt over offers from West Virginia and Kent State, will likely play defensive end in college.

Tags: Upper St. Clair