Pitt has done well in navigating the transfer portal so far this offseason, but a shock entrance from a freshman defender will leave many disappointed.
True freshman defensive end Naquan Brown has entered the transfer portal, Rivals’ NCAA Transfer Portal Tracker confirmed on Twitter Wednesday. While Brown didn’t see any action this season, he was expected to serve as a key contributor down the line in Pitt’s defense.
A consensus four-star defensive end on both 247Sports and Rivals, Brown arrived as part of Pitt’s vaunted 2021 recruiting class that featured Elliot Donald, Nahki Johnson, Dorien Ford and himself.
All four were expected to see significant playing time over the course of their Pitt careers, with Brown and Johnson likely seeing time at linebacker if not defensive end. Brown’s departure is a surprise after his excitement to join Pitt out of Ocean Lakes and the potential impact he could’ve made along the line.
Brown originally committed to LSU out of Ocean Lakes High School in Virginia Beach, Virginia before decommiting on Dec. 3, 2020. He committed to Pitt the next day. A highly-recruited prep player with loads of potential, he’ll be heavily recruited once again.
While Brown’s exit likely won’t have too much of an impact in 2022, with both Habakkuk Baldonado and Deslin Alexandre returning next season along with both primary backups. And with strong depth behind the aforementioned four, including breakout candidate Dayon Hayes, Pitt will be fine.
But Brown’s exit is no doubt disappointing for a player who could’ve made a serious impact on Pitt’s defense.
Pitt is now three players of the scholarship limit for the 2022 season, so there will be additional moves made in the weeks and months ahead.
This is not shocking. I wish him the best.
The defensive line is stacked and with Alexander coming back next year I’m sure brown realized he was a year away from getting into the rotation and probably 2 years away from being a significant contributor.
It’s hard to keep such high recruits happy if they aren’t playing, but it’s also a good problem to have.
was a 4* who originally committed to LSU so I’m sure he would have contributed in some fashion next year. Those kids don’t just fall off trees so losing hurts. Injuries happen so he’s one play away from being a “significant contributor” if he works in the weight room and on the field. But obviously not unusual, NCAA has let this turn into free agency every year.
Well stated and factual. 4 stars don’t fall off of trees at Pitt. Whomever gave you two thumbs down doesn’t understand recruiting.
NCAA has got to do something about the transfer portal. It’s like free agency every year, and Caleb Williams is out looking for the highest NIL bidder. This kid didn’t even give it a chance with the staff. Gotta make it mandatory to stay at least two years
These kids are not thinking reality he is 6’3 200lbs he needs to put on at least 20lbs no matter how athletic he is just to compete or get NFL looks
He could easily play linebacker at that weight. Currently, that’s a position of need with the transfers. It’s not until college that a kid is placed at their true position. High school rarely dictates permanent position. 4 and 5 star guys typically want to play immediately. Their plan is to get drafted in three years.
Ma’don!
How can anyone place an unlike by Ma’don. It’s just a one word expression. Some idiots just choose certain people they want to oppose. Feeling intimidated because someone knows much more about football in general. Whoever keeps disliking my comments is an insecure fool
Rumor has it he’s going to go to UVA. New Coach Tony Elliott is doing some serious work down there already.