All 105 is a Pittsburgh Sports Now series profiling each of the 105 members of the Pitt 2024 training camp roster.
Maverick Gracio, a redshirt freshman defensive end from Cardinal Newman in West Palm Beach, Fla.
2023 season: Gracio redshirted last season and didn’t play in any games during his true freshman season
Stats: Gracio has not recorded stats during his brief career at Pitt
Camp outlook: Gracio is entering his second summer camp at Pitt, and while he isn’t in the mix on the outside, he’s going to continue to grow during his second season in Pittsburgh
Projected role: Gracio isn’t likely to see the field during his second season in Pittsburgh, but he’s a long, lean edge rusher who will continue to grow on and off the field
Maverick Gracio (6-foot-4, 255 pounds) initially was a late flip from Kent State to Pitt, just before Early National Signing Day in 2022. He held offers from Akron, Arkansas State, Illinois, FAU, Kent State and Purdue, with interest from Kentucky and North Carolina State.
He was a standout performer as a senior at Cardinal Newman, racking up 58 tackles (17 solo), 24 tackles for loss, 22 sacks (both team highs), two forced fumbles and a pass breakup.
While he isn’t likely to see the field this season, he fits the mold of a Pitt defensive end — now it’s just about working toward the field.
“A very athletic guy that coach Partridge has had on his mind for a long time,” Pat Narduzzi said on National Signing Day in 2023. “You know, we didn’t see him. I didn’t see him live. But coach Partridge saw him live and loved him and just fell in love with the kid. He’s a very polite, smart kid that we’re excited to see what he’s got.”
Pitt suffered some losses at defensive end, but Nate Matlack, Jimmy Scott, Sincere Edwards, Bam Brima, Chief Borders and some of the rising youngsters, like Gracio, are competing for playing time.
