Pitt FB Recruiting
2025 North Carolina Edge Rusher Schedules OV to Pitt
Pitt is securing new official visits on just about a daily basis this spring, and the latest is a fast-rising defensive end from North Carolina.
Donovan Darden — a 6-foot-4, 215-pound edge rusher from Havelock in Havelock, N.C. — has already locked in two official visits this summer, one for South Carolina on the weekend of June 21 and now one for Pitt on the weekend of June 13.
Darden currently holds offers from Boston College, Charlotte, ECU, JMU, Marshall, Missouri, Old Dominion, South Carolina, UConn and West Virginia.
OV locked in at Pitt!! 💛💙 @coachdaoust pic.twitter.com/H191JvtPBS
— Donovan Darden (@donovan_darden) May 8, 2024
Pitt was one of the more recent offers that Darden has received, picking up his official offer from Tim Daoust on April 11. It’s clear that relationship has progressed enough over the last couple of weeks to lock in an official visit.
Darden didn’t put up the biggest numbers during his junior season at Havelock, somewhat overshadowed on a 13-1 squad, but his physical tools are undeniable. He’s able to do just about everything on the football field, whether that’s playing offense or defense or even his impact on the defense.
Darden racked up 23 carries for 143 yards (6.2 yards per carry) and two touchdowns last season, and he added 46 tackles (31 solo), nine tackles for loss, one sack, two interceptions and six pass breakups on the defensive side of the ball.
Darden hasn’t been rated by the major recruiting services (247Sports, Rivals or On3), but as his recruitment continues this summer, that will change.
He has not yet visited Pittsburgh, so his official visit — obviously — will be important. It’s still a long way to go until Darden is scheduled to visit, with a month in today’s college football longer than ever, but if he makes it on campus, there’s a good chance he leaves as a Panther.
Pitt currently holds three commitments in the class of 2025, three-star wide receiver Bryce Yates (Chesterfield, Va.), three-star defensive lineman Trevor Sommers (Fort Lauderdale, Fla.) and three-star quarterback Mason Heintschel (Oregon, Ohio), and it’s not unlikely that a couple more soon join the class this spring.
