A Storm is “Brewu”-ing for the Pittsburgh Panthers

Thomas Worthington’s very own, junior Francis Brewu, has committed to play Division I football at the University of Pittsburgh. Brewu’s recruiting has been a months-long process, getting his first offer from Ohio University on December 6, 2022. Since then he has racked up 17 total offers. However, Brewu sees Pitt differently than the other 16 schools that offered him a full-ride to play college football.

“The big factor was the people I would be around,” Brewu says.

Brewu has been in talks with the coaches for months and fostered interpersonal relationships during his visits. Connecting with those around him was made easier when the defensive line position coach, Charlie Partridge, is of the highest caliber.

“He is the best in the business– the best in D1 college football,” says Brewu. “He has a great record of sending guys to the NFL. He coached JJ and TJ Watt, and many others. This ups my chances at also making it to the league.”

The University of Pittsburgh has recently produced elite talent at Brewu’s position in 2022 ACC Defensive Player of the Year Calijah Kancey, and three-time NFL Defensive Player of the Year, Aaron Donald.

“This program makes the most sense for me to accomplish my goals,” Brewu said.

The ride-or-die supporters of Pitt are also a huge draw for Brewu.

“The fan base is great. They have around 60 thousand fans at every home game,” Brewu says.

This amount of support at each game only adds to the electricity of the school’s sizable stadium. This amount of attention will help to prepare him for the bright lights and large crowds of the NFL he hopes to see someday. Before Brewu is ready to move on to Pitt, he must play out his senior season at Thomas Worthington. Brewu plays Defensive Tackle and is an all-around athlete. He possesses elite strength the school has never seen before – able to rep a staggering 225 pounds for 25 reps on the bench. Reggie White, one of the greatest defensive linemen of all time, was only able to bench 225 for 18. Brewu uses this strength game in and game out on the field. Brewu thinks about his role as a competitor and his might in comparison to other players on the field.

“I just think about embarrassing the guy in front of me,” Brewu laughs. 

Even though Brewu is excited to move onto the next level and further his football career, he will miss his roots here in Worthington.

“I will miss being home in the place I grew up in and also the community–playing with the boys I grew up with,” Brewu reflects.

Brewu thanks the people that have helped him along the way and everyone who has pushed him to achieve greatness – ultimately landing him at the University of Pittsburgh.

“I am excited to continue to dominate on a new field,” Brewu said.