Pitt FB Recruiting
Pitt Receiving Visit from SoCon Defensive Player of the Year
Pitt is looking to add an impact defensive end from the transfer portal this offseason, and it’s led to the coaching staff offering one of the top pass rushers in the FCS.
Brayden Manley — a 6-foot-2, 245-pound rising junior defensive end from Vanceboro, N.C. — received an offer from Pitt on Monday. And he told Pittsburgh Sports Now that he has a visit to Pittsburgh scheduled for Wednesday.
Pitt was the first program to extend an offer, kicking off a list of offers that includes Charlotte, ECU, UAB, Western Michigan, Virginia, Toledo, Memphis and Arizona.
https://twitter.com/BraydenManley5/status/1868696462886158508
Manley wasn’t highly recruited coming out of West Craven High in the class of 2023, but he was able to see the field immediately. He turned a strong debut season into a breakout campaign — earning first-team All-SoCon honors and SoCon Defensive Player of the Year.
Manley was the top pass rusher at Mercer (and in the FCS) this season, recording 38 tackles (15 solo), 18 tackles for loss, 9.5 sacks, a forced fumble, two fumble recoveries and two pass breakups.
According to PFF, he played 573 defensive snaps this season. He racked up a team-high 54 pressures and 38 hurries — adding seven quarterback hits and 44 run stops.
PFF credited him with a 19.6 win percentage when rushing the passer, which would’ve been the highest among Pitt defensive ends.
Pitt will need to replace Nate Matlack in the starting lineup next season, but there’s a solid base returning with Jimmy Scott (who already announced he’s returning next season), Sincere Edwards and Chief Borders. There are some younger pass rushers on the roster, but it’s been a priority for the coaching staff to target defensive ends in the portal.
Pitt has its core defensive tackles in Sean FitzSimmons, Nick James and Isaiah Neal (with Francis Brewu and Jahsear Whittington primed for bigger seasons), but the need for edge rushers will be addressed.
Landing a visit from Manley will go a long way in securing a potential commitment from the standout edge rusher with two seasons of eligibility.
