Pitt Hosting In-State 2025 Defensive End Target on Official Visit

Pitt has landed a handful of recruits from the other side of the state in recent seasons, and the Panthers are once again in the mix for a Philadelphia defender.

Bernard Blakey — a 6-foot-5, 215-pound defensive end from Malvern in Malvern, Pa. — announced via X (formerly known as Twitter) that he will take an official visit to Pitt from June 13-15, the first official visit he’s announced this summer.

Pitt football recruiting coverage sponsored by

RM LAW, P.C. is a boutique litigation law firm with a national practice dedicated to protecting shareholders’ interests and promoting improved corporate governance practices.

Blakey holds offers from Air Force, Akron, Army, Boston College, Bryant, UConn, Duke, Fordham, Kent State, New Hampshire, Pitt, Temple and William & Mary.

Pitt OV June 13-15 #H2P pic.twitter.com/q8VHEStB82

— Bernard Blakey (@bernard_blakey) May 22, 2024

Pitt jumped into the equation late last year, with former defensive line coach Charlie Partridge officially extending an offer, and it was the second Division I offer he received. And while Partridge would leave for a job in the NFL not long after, it’s clear that the Panthers coaching staff has maintained communication.

Blakey hasn’t made it out to Pittsburgh yet, not since receiving his offer in December, but he wouldn’t be able to learn more about Pitt than he would during an official visit.

Blakey played on both sides of the ball as a junior at Malvern, tight end and defensive end, but he stood out on the defensive side of the ball. He’s a big, rangy edge rusher who possesses the speed and agility to blow past offensive tackles and haul down opposing quarterbacks but can also use his strength to push through offensive lines.

Blakey hasn’t been rated by the major recruiting services (247Sports, Rivals and On3), but as he continues his recruiting process this summer, that will change.

Blakey only has one current official visit scheduled, which is to Pitt, but it’s clear the Panthers are high on his list. If Blakey eventually makes it out for his official visit (which isn’t a guarantee when it comes to “early” official visit announcements), it will be important for the Panthers to show him his fit in the defensive scheme and the program.