Maverick Gracio has become a major target for Pitt’s coaching staff, and he’s recently returned to an uncommitted status.
Gracio, a 6-foot-5, 225-pound three-star defensive end from Cardinal Newman in West Palm Beach, Florida, decommitted from Kent State this morning. It comes after defensive line coach Charlie Partridge re-offered Gracio last week and an official visit over the weekend of Dec. 16 was scheduled.
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Gracio has also confirmed to Pittsburgh Sports Now that Partridge made an at-home visit on Monday.
With offers Illinois, Florida Atlantic, Purdue, Akron, Arkansas State, Appalachian State, and interest from Kentucky and North Carolina State, Gracio has flown under the radar. Which is surprising given his electric senior season.
Cardinal Newman put together an 11-1 season in 2022, eventually falling to Chaminade-Madonna in the FHSAA regional finals, but Gracio was a key piece.
The former Kent State commit racked up 58 tackles (17 solo), 24 tackles for loss, 22 sacks (both team highs), two forced fumbles and a pass breakup this season. With excellent size and a powerful frame, and familiarity with Partridge, Gracio has become a late target for Pitt’s coaching staff.
247Sports rates Gracio as the 1,426th-ranked recruit in the class (117th-ranked edge rusher and 205th-ranked recruit from Florida) while On3 rates him as the 1,522nd-ranked recruit in the class (116th-ranked edge rusher and 207th-ranked recruit from Florida).
Rivals hasn’t ranked Gracio, but he does hold a 5.5 Rivals Rating.
Pitt’s current 2023 class holds verbal commitments from two defensive linemen, three-star defensive linemen Isaiah Neal (Baltimore, Maryland) and Antonio Camon (Tampa, Florida). It’s a strong duo, and Gracio would only add to it.