Pat Signal: Buddy Mack commits to Pitt

Pitt head coach Pat Narduzzi hauled in his third recruit in two days on Tuesday night, as Buddy Mack, a safety out of Byrnes High School in Duncan, South Carolina, decommitted from Charlotte and defected to Pitt on the eve of the early signing period. Mack had recently visited Pitt along with fellow 2020 recruits Derek Bermudez, Davonte Brown, Lovie Jenkins and Daniel Moraga. Moraga, a JUCO tight end, committed to Pitt on Monday, as did Florida graduate transfer Lucas Krull.

”First off, I would like to thank [Charlotte head coach Will Healy] and his staff for investing in a student-athlete like me,” Mack wrote in a message posted on Twitter. “I have thought and prayed a lot about this decision. However, after a long talk with my family, I will be decommit ting from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte. With that being said, I want to announce my commitment to the University of Pittsburgh. I want to thank Coach Narduzzi and his staff for giving me an amazing opportunity. Go Panthers!”

The 6’2”, 185-pound safety holds three-star ratings from 247Sports, ESPN and Rivals, and he drew 23 offers during his recruitment. While most of the interest he attracted came from service academies and Group of Five schools like Air Force, Army, Colorado State, Memphis and Temple, he also piqued the interest of Power Five schools like Indiana and West Virginia prior to committing to Pitt.

During his time at Byrnes High School, Mack was part of a winning culture, as his team went 29-9 over the past three seasons. Mack played a central role in Byrnes’ success as a defensive playmaker, as he has recorded at least one interception and at least 20 tackles every season since his sophomore campaign. As a senior, he put on his best performance to date, amassing 40 tackles, two picks, four bass breakups, nine tackles for losses, two sacks and two touchdowns in 11 games.

Mack has the versatile playmaking ability necessary to become a key contributor on Pitt’s budding powerhouse of a defense, and his commitment comes at an opportune time, as Pitt safety Damar Hamlin is set to graduate. That will leave a hole in the team’s defensive backfield at Mack's position, and although there will be competition for playing time, it will be interesting to see how Mack fares.