Two So. Jersey football players say they're headed for Pitt

Two of South Jersey's top senior-to-be football players have made oral commitments to the University of Pittsburgh.

Bill Belton, an Inquirer second-team all-South Jersey quarterback from Winslow Township agreed this weekend to attend Pitt, joining Timber Creek linebacker Quinton Alston, who made his commitment about a week ago.

According to NCAA rules, high school football recruits can't officially sign a letter of intent until Feb. 2.

Belton, one of the most elusive players in the state, said he was recruited to be a slot receiver/running back and a return man at Pitt. The 6-foot-1, 220-pound Alston was recruited as a linebacker.

"I really liked the family atmosphere at Pitt," said Belton, who added that Florida, Oregon, Penn State, South Carolina and Louisville were among the other schools he was considering.

Alston said that Iowa, Purdue and Boston College were among the schools he considered.

"I just think that Pitt is great for me both academically and athletically," Alston said. "I'm also happy that Bill will be my teammate."

   - Marc Narducci