Pitt FB Recruiting
Pitt ‘An Amazing Option’ for 3-Star TE Sam DeFrancesca
Sam DeFrancesca had a great time at a Pitt camp last summer and couldn’t wait to get back again. It may have taken a while, but the return trip certainly didn’t disappoint.
DeFrancesca — a 6-foot-5, 195-pound three-star tight end from Trinity Episcopal in Richmond, Va. — made the trip to Pittsburgh for Junior Day this weekend, and it allowed him to experience Pittsburgh in full.
It was his first actual visit with the Panthers after all.
“It was awesome,” DeFrancesca told Pittsburgh Sports Now. “Very grateful to the coaching staff at Pitt for their hospitality, had a great time. Fun atmosphere at the basketball game, the student section was awesome, good to see that.”
DeFrancesca spent a lot of time with tight ends coach Jacob Bronowski and offensive assistant Trent Turknett, taking in the facility, the campus and even the Pitt vs. Clemson basketball game. But maybe more importantly, he furthered his relationship with the coaching staff.
Had a great time @Pitt_FB yesterday! Thank you @coachjbronowski and @CoachTurkFB for your hospitality and time! Can’t wait to be back soon! @CoachKlineAlex @CoachJjLaster @WaliRainer @ballcoach98 pic.twitter.com/05In8PK6sw
— Sam DeFrancesca (@Sam_DeFran2026) January 19, 2025
Pitt was the first school to offer DeFrancesca over a year ago (with former wide receivers coach Tiquan Underwood extending the offer), and Charlotte, ECU, and UMass have extended offers since.
Bronowski, as the future position coach, has been the main point of contact lately. There’s been pretty consistent communication since the offer last January, especially over the summer as he camped at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex, but it’s picked up lately.
A strong, growing bond has been established between DeFrancesca and Bronowski. The pair watched film together at the South Side facility, and DeFrancesca liked what he heard.
“He definitely mentioned height as a big thing,” DeFrancesca said. “The ability to attack the ball in the air, create separation and also contribute in the run game. Obviously restack the line of scrimmage, be able to get leverage on the defender. He’s a really great coach; it was awesome to be in the film room with him and learn one-on-one with him.”
Pitt runs an up-tempo offense, and DeFrancesca — despite an injury that sidelined him for half his junior season — feels like he’s shown the ability to thrive in a similar system. It would be an easy transition, he said.
In four games as a junior at Trinity, he hauled in eight catches for 163 yards (20.8 yards per reception) and a touchdown. He’s a big body — capable of doing it all in an offensive system.
Rivals rates DeFrancesca as the 20th-ranked recruit in Virginia — holding a 5.6 Rivals Rating. He hasn’t been ranked by 247Sports on On3 yet, but it appears only to be a matter of time now.
It’s early for DeFrancesca in his recruiting process, but he’s hearing from all of the schools that have extended offers. And he’s taking a visit to Indiana for the Hoosiers’ Junior Day next month.
Pitt is definitely in contention, though. DeFrancesca said that the Panthers are an “amazing option” and not just because of the opportunity on the field. His dad used to live in Upper St. Clair, and he instilled a love of the Steelers, Penguins and Pirates in his son. So, DeFrancesca loves the city, the opportunity and even the academics.
“The program is definitely on the uprise,” DeFrancesca said. “I mean, I know they had a difficult season a few back, but after watching this season, I could definitely see them being national championship contenders. They had a great start to the season in the ACC, a great conference, I definitely see the program getting better and better.”
Pitt hasn’t secured a commitment in the class of 2026 yet, but with two Junior Day events in the books, it’s likely only a matter of time before the first commit in the class unveils himself.
