Pitt Continuing Talks with 2021 3-Star TE, Buffalo Commit Gavin Bartholomew

With the recent commitment of Trey Andersen, Pitt’s need to add a tight end isn’t as pressing but it doesn’t mean they’re done recruiting the position.

In fact, if they’re able to land a player that fits what they’re looking for, it’s very likely that the Panthers will add a second tight end to their Class of 2021.

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Wadsworth, Ohio three-star recruit Mitchell Evans is someone that’s definitely on Pitt’s radar. Last week, Evans listed Pitt in his Top 10 and could make his decision in the near future.

Although he doesn’t currently hold an offer, another player to keep in mind is three-star tight end Gavin Bartholomew from Schuylkill Haven, Pennsylvania. Last month, Bartholomew (6-foot-5, 250 pounds) gave a verbal commitment to Buffalo but has been consistent contact with Pitt’s Tim Salem since last season.

“Coach Salem first texted me during the winter and wanted me to come out for a visit and we planned that,” Bartholomew told Pittsburgh Sports Now. “Since then, we’ve remained in contact and he’s always asking me to send videos of some routes that I’m running so that’s what I’m been doing during the quarantine.”

Courtesy of Gavin Bartholomew

“Coach Salem said my speed was good, my weight was good and just wanted to see more of my acceleration after catches. He’s been sending me routes to work on and do that are in their playbook. Since getting those, I’ve done that and sent videos back to him. He was going to send those to the offensive coordinator for him to watch.”

When asked to describe himself as a player, Bartholomew told PSN that one thing he’s really working on is getting out of his stance quicker in order to block. He believes that he’s good at it but wants to excel in that aspect. Bartholomew describes himself as a good route runner and receiver of the football. In his high school offense, he’s split out a lot in order to take advantage of his pass skills along with his size advantage over smaller defensive backs.

Bartholomew is happy with the Buffalo football program but admits that if Pitt extends an offer, he’d have to rethink his decision and give strong consideration to the Panthers.

“Right off the bat, I told Buffalo and they were asking me why I wasn’t committing right away and I told them that I was waiting to see what the deal was with Pitt because they’ve always been my No. 1 school,” said Bartholomew. “I talked to Coach Salem and he told me to go with Buffalo and if anything changes he’d let me know.”

“My dad has always been a Pitt fan so growing up I’ve always followed and liked them. The campus was great when I visited, so were the facilities and the coaching staff. I just loved it there. A month and a half ago, Coach Salem called and told me how my work ethic is good and how I’ve been great at keeping up to date on the videos. He said that he’s definitely going to try and get me a scholarship. When that might be I’m not sure or if it’s going to happen but if it does, that would be some pretty good news for me.”