Ricketts Transfers To Pitt

Pittsburgh (KDKA)- Pitt head football coach Todd Graham has landed another transfer student. Tom Ricketts, a North Allegheny graduate and former four-star recruit, has left Penn State after just one season to join the Panthers.

Ricketts was the No. 19 ranked offensive tackle in the class of 2010, but was red-shirted his freshman year at Penn State. A broken hand and tonsilitis further damaged his time with the team, forcing him to miss the team's trip to the Outback Bowl.

Ricketts told Pantherlair.com's Chris Peak his decision to go to Penn State was premature.

"I made a decision to go to Penn State when I was 17, and I think I didn't know what to expect and maybe it was a rash decision. But now I'm excited to come back to Pitt and play here."

Ricketts went on to say he wanted a good three years to play and did not think he could do so at Penn State.

Due to NCAA rules, Ricketts will be ineligible to play for the Panthers until the 2012 season. But, he said he will use the time to get stronger and acclimate to the new system.

"I'm coming in as a tackle, and after I sit out one year and work with [strength and conditioning coach Shawn Griswold], I'll probably put on another 10 or 15 [pounds]. But, I can play guard or tackle, so I'll go wherever they need me."

Ricketts is the fifth transfer student to join Pitt this offseason, joining cornerback Cullen Christian, safety Ray Vinopal, wide receiver Brendon Felder and running back Zach Brown.