Pitt has developed a strong preferred walk-on program that has led to several outstanding players including Jimmy Morrissey and Cal Adomitis. The latest player to receive a preferred walk-on opportunity with the 2021 ACC Champions is Gage Sullivan (6-foot-4 inches, 192 pounds) from Kirtland High School in Kirtland, OH.
Sullivan has a unique connection to Pitt. His first cousin happens to be mammoth Pitt true freshman offensive lineman Ryan Baer. Baer recently joined the football program in January. “I attended three games at Heinz Field last year,” stated Sullivan. “I played in a seven-on-seven tournament last summer and went to Heinz Field on a bus tour as well. I’ve been in touch with Pitt ever since.”
Sullivan is a towering receiver (6-foot-4 inches tall) capable of running a 4.5 forty. He’s registered 79 career receptions for 1,562 yards and 30 touchdowns. Gage had an outstanding senior season with 42 receptions for 881 yards and 17 touchdowns.
“Coach (Pat) Narduzzi has been my main contact. Every time I’m at Pitt, I love what I see. Every time I’m there it feels like home to me. In general, it’s a perfect fit.”
When asked about his strengths as a receiver, he stated, “I have the ability to get off the ball and my height advantage gives me an advantage against almost every cornerback that’s on the field with me. I have an intensity that I play with the second I step on the football field, and it makes the game a lot more fun for me and everyone else.”
Although Sullivan received a preferred walk-on opportunity with Toledo, his decision will come down to two schools: Pitt or John Carroll University. “It’s going to be a tough decision. Do I go and play for Pitt or head to John Carroll to play with my brother, Mason.” Mason Sullivan was a freshman running back at John Carroll University. He managed to crack the starting lineup as a freshman.
Sullivan plans on deciding sometime next week. “It’s not an easy decision. My father and I are going to sit down and talk it out. We may extend the decision until the end of the month.”
Harry Psaros can be located on Twitter at @PittGuru
