PITTSBURGH — Pitt Coach Dave Wannstedt signed 25 players Wednesday, including several highly rated players like West Allegheny running back/receiver Dorin Dickerson and Franklin tight end Nate Byham.

The Panthers, coming off a disappointing 5-6 record in Wannstedt's first season, still managed to sign a full 25-player recruiting class that was rated 16th by ESPN and 21st by Rivals.com. The Panthers' recruiting class was considered the best in the Big East by most scouting services.

"Our goal here is to build a top-10 football program at the University of Pittsburgh," Wannstedt said. "For us to reach that level, it's important that our first full recruiting class provides a strong foundation for future success, both on and off the field. So, that's what we tried to do."

Dickerson scored 36 touchdowns as a senior — 30 rushing and six receiving. He rushed for 1,429 yards with a 7.9-yard average and caught 22 passes for 423 yards as The Associated Press Class AAA Player of the Year in Pennsylvania.

Byham had 45 catches for 883 yards and nine touchdowns, and was The Associated Press Class AA player of the year in Pennsylvania.

Pitt signed 14 Pennsylvania players, including 10 from the WPIAL, where Wannstedt promised to regain a foothold recruiting the top players in southwestern Pennsylvania.

Along with top talents Dickerson and Byham, Pitt signed Franklin Regional defensive lineman John Malecki, Thomas Jefferson linebacker Nate Nix, Duquesne wideout Elijah Fields and Baldwin defensive lineman Jason Pinkston. Wannstedt starred at Baldwin, and signed another of that school's defensive linemen, Justin Hargrove.

St. Edward, Ohio, offensive lineman Joe Thomas, Churchville-Chili, N.Y., running back Kevin Collier, offensive lineman Jeff Otah from Valley Forge Military Academy, Erie Community College defensive back Lowell Robinson and Christian Brothers Academy, N.Y. defensive lineman McKenzie Mathews were key out-of-state signees.

"I think the kids are just excited about Pitt football," Pitt recruiting coordinator Greg Gattuso said. "Some remember back to when Pitt was great, and their parents certainly do. I think they feel we can go there again."

Of the 14 Pennsylvania players, 11 earned first-team all-state status this past season. Dickerson, Byham and Pinkston were ranked among the nation's top 100 recruits.

Florida defensive back Ricky Gary was a first-team all-state performer, while defensive back Jovani Chappel and Thomas earned the same honor from New York. Otah and Robinson were All-Americans at the junior-college level.

Chappel and offensive lineman Kevin Hughes from Northern Highlands High School in New Jersey already enrolled at Pitt in January and can work out with the team this spring while retaining freshman status in the fall.