The University of Pittsburgh has a deep tradition when it comes to producing great defensive linemen.

Hugh Green was a three-time All-American, Chris Doleman made his mark in the NFL and Ricky Jackson, who will be inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame this weekend, are just a few.

Chas Alecxih is hoping to be the next.

Yet despite being a two-way starter at Penn Manor, where he earned first-team L-L League all-star honors and made the Class AAAA all-state team, upon graduation he was not offered a scholarship by Pitt.

Instead, Panthers coach Dave Wannstedt was up front and told him they didn't have any aid available but wanted Alecxih to play in the Steel City.

"If they say they want you, they really do," Alecxih said. "It was hard for me to believe at the time … but it was the truth, which shows the type of family atmosphere here.

"I've talked to friends at other schools and its a lot different here then it is there. The coaches and players care about you no matter who you are."

Alecxih, a 6-5, 280-pound junior, also got some advice from a person who knew all too well what was he was going through, then-Pittsburgh Steeler Dan Kreider. The former Manheim Central standout was an undrafted free agent, the NFL's version of a walk-on.

"I think he told me I would eventually be a guard," Alecxih said with a laugh. "But he told me to keep the faith, that it is a whole different game up there and to just keep working hard."

Today, his story pretty much represents the ideals upon which which Pittsburgh is built. A blue-collar work ethic along with determination has gotten Alecxih where he is today.

He was redshirted his first year, and although he still was without scholarship, played four games his second year and earned a letter. His work ethic opened eyes so much, that prior to the start of last season, he earned raves from his position coach Greg Gattuso, as well as a scholarship.

"The best word I can use for Chas is 'slippery.' He finds ways to get his hands on ball-carriers and passes and quarterbacks, and he does it against the first team, second team," Gattuso said during camp. "It doesn't matter who you put him out there against. He wiggles and bends and finds ways to make plays. It gives him a chance."

Alecxih did not disappoint. In 12 games as the top reserve tackle, he compiled 12 tackles, five for loss, had four sacks and a blocked kick. This year he is slated to be a starter.

"It's really hard to describe in words. It's something when I first came in was my goal,' Alecxih said. "I've worked my whole life for this point, put in the hours and a lot of sacrifice to get here and now it's about proving it now."

Pitt has suddenly gone from being an afterthought to being a BCS contender. No small factor in that rise is the defensive unit, which led the nation in sacks last year with 47.

Yet despite that fact, much of the focus is on the offense and tailback Dion Lewis, who finished with 1,799 yards and 17 touchdowns and is a top contender for the Heisman Trophy.

"We know when you play on the D-line we are not going to be the guy on the front cover," Alecxih said. "But we play as big a role if not a bigger role than everyone else. We know as linemen you have to stand out to get credit, and that's more motivation. We are a family here, no one is selfish, and the goal is to win championships."