Pitt FB Recruiting
2023 3-Star DE Maverick Gracio Commits to Pitt
If there’s one area on Pitt’s roster where under-heralded recruits are developed into superstars, it’s on the defensive line.
Pitt picked up a commitment from a former Kent State commit, three-star defensive end Maverick Gracio Sunday, following a whirlwind recruiting process that picked up in intensity over the last month.
Straight business. AGTG🙏 💛💙#H2P #Committed @Pitt_FB @CoachDuzzPittFB @CoachPartridge @CNHS_Athletics @JackDan55847282 pic.twitter.com/jw5osvRyX7
— Maverick Gracio (@MaverickGracio) December 19, 2022
Partridge and Pitt officially re-offered Gracio on Dec. 1, made a visit to Gracio’s West Palm Beach, Florida home and scheduled a Dec. 16 official visit up to Pittsburgh.
Gracio, a 6-foot-5, 225-pound defensive lineman from Cardinal Newman in Florida, decommitted from Kent State on Dec. 6 — paving the way for his Pitt commitment.
Following a highlight reel senior season, picking up offers from and visiting Illinois and South Florida,
With offers Illinois, Florida Atlantic, Purdue, Akron, Arkansas State, Appalachian State, and interest from Kentucky and North Carolina State, Gracio has still 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 became a the prototypical Pitt pass rusher prospect.
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.
With Gracio’s commitment, he joins four-star defensive lineman Isaiah Neal (Baltimore, Maryland) and three-star defensive end Antonio Camon (Tampa, Florida).
I always liked defense. And I think coach Partridge should receive a raise.
He might be a three-star recruit but he certainly has a five-star name! If there’s one position group that can perennially be trusted on this team it’s the defensive line and Coach Patridge. Very excited about this year’s D-line recruits.
Kent State eh. Well maybe he’ll be another Jack Lambert. If that’s possible !