Pancotti excited about new commits

Houston Episcopal offensive lineman Giovanni Pancotti was one of the first offensive lineman

-- and one of the first players overall -- to commit to Texas Tech in April. Pancotti

has since remained firm to the Red Raiders and is excited about the three other offensive line commits, Travis Bruffy, Zach Adams, and new commit Bailey Smith

as well.

WHAT'S NEXT?:

Pancotti finished up his high school season about three weeks ago but quickly made the transition to his final season of wrestling where he had to quickly drop from 295 pounds to 285 pounds to make weight.

The three-star prospect plans to take his official visit to Texas Tech, along

with the rest of the program's commits, on Jan. 29, just a few days before signing day. Pancotti is set to receive a visit from future offensive line coach Lee Hays this week and recently got back from a visit to Austin where he got to see his Red Raiders take home the victory in a hostile environment.

IN HIS WORDS:

"He (Bailey Smith) is a good addition. We have some serious size. I mean all of us are 6-foot-7, 6-foot-6 and I know Travis (Bruffy) and Zach (Adams) did real well in the playoffs. As a whole, we have some big shoes to fill on the offensive line when we get up there, but we are bringing some nastiness that is for sure. Us offensive linemen are ready to take on anyone when we get up there. This class as a whole that we have right now makes my commitment that much stronger and the offensive production this year makes me that much more excited."

OUR REACTION:

We've now reached the point in the recruiting cycle where all long-time commits are doing one of two things: Focusing on finishing off a playoff run for a state title or anxiously awaiting signing day as they transition out of high school football. Pancotti is doing the latter with wrestling to keep him busy. He's clearly become a banner spokesperson for Tech's 2016 class, and it's all just a waiting game at this point.

-- Will McKay