Pitt received a signing day commitment from a fast rising defensive end from Clearwater Academy International in Clearwater, Florida. Habakkuk Baldonado is a 6’5” 230 pound Defensive End that originally hails from Italy, but came to the United States and turned into one of the more intriguing prospects Pitt has landed in quite some time.
Welcome to the family, @abba1999!! #L1TS8URGH #H2P pic.twitter.com/ZoeYPzAtbj
— Pat Narduzzi (@CoachDuzzPittFB) February 7, 2018
Baldonado chose Pitt over Michigan State and Central Florida, and was also pursued by Nebraska as well. He is a bit on the raw side as far as being a polished college prospect, but the speed and power to become a good player are certainly there. He did not have any offers going into this season and became a hot commodity in the last month or so.
Baldonado checks in as a three-star by Rivals, ESPN, and 247. He is also the first player from his high school program to sign to play for a division one program, which was mentioned during his announcement live stream. According to Maxpreps, he finished the year with 30.5 sacks and 45 tackles for loss, which are pretty ridiculous numbers to say the least.
Pitt now has four defensive ends signed this class, which is telling on a number of levels. It is a position that really needs bodies and talent, and it looks like they were able to address that during this cycle. Also committed are John Morgan, Noah Palmer, and Kaymar Mimes.
Pitt should be looking at one other commitment for today. Stay tuned to Cardiac Hill for more updates.