Long snapper Byron Floyd joins Pitt as walk-on

Byron Floyd, a long snapper out of Mentor, Ohio, announced on Monday night that he had accepted a preferred walk-on offer from Pitt and would be joining the program in 2020. The commitment represents a significant pick-up for Pitt, as Pat Narduzzi faced significant competition for the specialist.

”It’s been a long process, and I’d like to thank everyone that has been by my side through it all,” Floyd wrote in a message posted on Twitter. “That being said, I’m extremely proud and excited to announce that I’ll be continuing my academic and athletic career at the University of Pittsburgh.”

The 6’1”, 250-pound long snapper does not hold a star rating from any of the major recruiting websites. However, Rubio Long Snapping, which specializes in evaluating the niche position, gives Floyd a five-star rating on its scale, meaning he is viewed as a Division I prospect. In addition, Floyd is ranked as the No. 13 long snapper in the 2020 class based on his 2019 evaluation.

Floyd chose Pitt despite holding walk-on offers from in-state MAC schools Kent State, Miami and Toledo in addition to ACC powerhouse Clemson. Prior to visiting Pitt in December, Floyd said that he was likely heading to Clemson, but Miami was a possibility as well.

At Pitt, Floyd joins a position group headlined by starting long snapper Cal Adomitis. But with Adomitis entering his senior season in 2020, Pitt will be looking for his successor on special teams, and with Floyd now in the mix, the competition will likely come down to him, Jack Hansberry and Brandon Hurst.