A day after losing big at Clemson, Pat Narduzzi received some good news.
Three-star tight end Gavin Bartholomew verbally committed to Pitt on Sunday evening, becoming the 21st member of the Panthers’ 2021 recruiting class.
Bartholomew, a 6-foot-5, 245-pound prospect from Blue Mountain High School (Schuylkill Haven), is Pitt’s second tight end in the 2021 class, joining IMG Academy product Jake Renda. He’s also the sixth Pennsylvania native to commit to Pitt this cycle, linking up with West Mifflin’s Nahki Johnson, Central Catholic’s Elliot Donald, Central Valley’s Stephon Hall, Baldwin’s Dorien Ford, and Imhotep Institute’s Javon McIntyre.
Bartholomew, who logged 27 catches for 527 yards and five touchdowns as a junior, was previously committed to Buffalo. He flipped from the Bulls to the Panthers after Narduzzi and Pitt tight end coach Tim Salem extended a scholarship offer last week.
Bartholomew also had offers from Army, Bowling Green, and a host of Division I-AA schools, including Albany, Delaware, Fordham, and Villanova.
It makes sense for Pitt to pursue both Bartholomew and Renda. The tight end position has been largely ineffective during Narduzzi’s tenure with the Panthers relying heavily on graduate transfers to get the job done. Florida transfer Lucas Krull was expected to start this year, but an early-season injury forced him off the field, affording JUCO transfer Daniel Moraga and Farrell native Kyi Wright the chance to play.
Krull is expected to return and start in the 2021 season while Moraga and Wright will still be options. So early playing time likely won’t be on the docket for Bartholomew. Still, his addition is a welcomed one for Pitt.
With Bartholomew in the fold, Pitt’s 2021 recruiting class ranks 20th in the country, per Rivals. The class is currently fourth in the ACC, behind Clemson, Miami, and North Carolina; fifth in the conference if temporary member Notre Dame is included.
Bartholomew is Pitt’s first 2021 commit since Ford picked the Panthers in September, and he likely won’t be the last. Pitt should have room for a few more prospects as December’s early signing period nears.
John McGonigal: jmcgonigal@post-gazette.com and Twitter @jmcgonigal9
First Published: November 30, 2020, 1:35 a.m.
