It what may be a surprise move to some, four-star tight end Tyler Petite elected to verbally commit to Duke over USC this morning. It’s one of the biggest pulls for the Blue Devils, perhaps their biggest individual haul ever, and a testament to the remarkable rebuilding job that David Cutcliffe has been able to do in Durham.
Here’s some of the Twitter reaction to Petite’s commitment, from both the media and fans. Let’s start with the pundits:
Excited to finally announce my commitment to Duke University! Thanks to all who helped along the way! #dukegang2015
— Tyler Petite (@TylerPetite) July 2, 2014
Moraga (Calif.) Campolindo tight end Tyler Petite commits to Dude over #USC Wednesday. Shocker right there.
— Gerard Martinez (@gmartlive) July 2, 2014
Petite decision definitely the first stunner in recruiting for Steve Sarkisian and staff since they arrived at #USC.
— Gerard Martinez (@gmartlive) July 2, 2014
Many felt #USC was the team to beat for Petite, just camped last week, but huge pickup for the Blue Devils
— Greg Biggins (@GregBiggins) July 2, 2014
Petite is a guy that #USC could have really used. No doubt that losing him to Duke will sting a little. Great talent
— Thanos (@FightOnTwist) July 2, 2014
Duke is a program on the rise. This really doesn't shock me as much as it may shock others.
— Thanos (@FightOnTwist) July 2, 2014
#Duke has a very sharp staff of recruiters that transformed that program. TE Tyler Petite may be the highest ranked guy they've landed yet.
— Bruce Feldman (@BruceFeldmanCFB) July 2, 2014
TE Tyler Petite picks Duke. He's a high-level player, in the vein of Kyle Rudolph/Coby Fleener. Great get for the Blue Devils.
— Chris Huston (@HeismanPundit) July 2, 2014
Duke beating USC for recruits now. RT @GregBiggins: Moraga (Calif) Campolindo TE Tyler Petite just announced he’ll play at #Duke
— Bryan Fischer (@BryanDFischer) July 2, 2014
TE Tyler Petite did say David Cutcliffe was a great man and praised the program but I think he surprised people with choice #Duke #USC
— Adam Gorney (@adamgorney) July 2, 2014
#Duke landing a 4-star recruit over #USC. In football. American football.
— ChopChat.com (@ChopChat_) July 2, 2014
And here’s what the fans are saying:
Shocked but Duke on the rise RT @ReignofTroy: What say you, Trojans fans? Got a reaction to Tyler Petite picking Duke over #USC?
— CK 10 (@Katdaddy23) July 2, 2014
@ReignofTroy Best of luck to him. #USC could have used him, but you can't have them all.
— No Use for A Name (@mikeufc) July 2, 2014
Highly regarded TE Tyrone Wheatley Jr. also has #USC in his top 5. Losing out on Petite just means the staff moves onto the next. #FightOn
— No Use for A Name (@mikeufc) July 2, 2014
@ReignofTroy not in the PAC12 or ND so good luck to him.
— LAKERS & DODGERS 2020 CHAMPS (@wsbeans) July 2, 2014
@ReignofTroy dam!...need a TE this class, oh well, Goodluck to him....we fight on!!!!
— louis ibarra jr (@sweetloui41) July 2, 2014
Tyler Pettite chose Duke over USC. Disappointing but that just means I need to find a new tight end to flail over #JCF #BryceDixon #USC
— Alicia de Artola (@PenguinOfTroy) July 2, 2014
Seriously though huge opportunity for young TEs at USC. Sark got most out of Seferian-Jenkins and lack of depth means immediate playing time
— Alicia de Artola (@PenguinOfTroy) July 2, 2014