Pitt

Pitt is it among ACC defensive lines

Mike Kovak
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Rome native Habakkuk Baldonado made a major impact in a backup role last season. - Pitt Athletics

Pitt's defensive line was a study in unexpected but pleasant surprises last season.

The All-ACC-caliber play of defensive tackle Jaylen Twyman and end Patrick Jones II drew the most attention, and understandably so, but overlooking the significant contributions made by Habakkuk Baldonado as a redshirt freshman would be a mistake.

His production combined with his backstory is nothing short of astonishing.

Baldonado, a native of soccer-crazed Rome, Italy, stumbled across the American version of football by watching television and YouTube videos. He found a team in his hometown, then opted to move to Florida, where he attended Clearwater Academy International for his senior year and excelled. Baldonado caught the eye of Pitt defensive line coach Charlie Partridge, and after a visit to campus, the Italian was sold.

Plus, he's earned some fans back in his hometown.

In April 2018, my wife and I were visiting Rome for our 10th wedding anniversary. Toward the end of our trip, we made a stop at La Botticella, a well-known Pittsburgh bar in the city. Giovanni Poggi, the bar's owner and an ardent follower of the Steelers and Penn State, noticed my T-shirt and struck up a conversation.

Specifically, he asked about Baldonado before telling us the Penguins playoff game would be on later.

At the time, I didn't know much about Baldonado, other than he was considered a raw prospect who could be a good player with time.

Poggi told me there were people in Rome wishing him success.

That success came in 2019.

Not even Baldonado expected so much playing time as a redshirt freshman, but that's what happens when the player is ready and opportunities exist. For Baldonado and Deslin Alexandre, those opportunities came when Rashad Weaver and Keyshon Camp were lost for the season because of knee injuries.

Alexandre started all 13 games at defensive end in place of Weaver, and the 6-foot-4, 270-pound junior-to-be produced. Among his 38 tackles were 10.5 tackles for loss and 5.5 sacks. With Weaver healthy, Alexandre is expected to return to a backup role this season.

Baldonado likely will assume a backup role as well. He was a reserve last season but appeared in all 13 games, totaling 30 tackles with four sacks and a fumble recovery.

Their production speaks to the defensive line depth Pitt has accumulated, and why the group is thought of so highly.

With such quality backups, good luck finding a better defensive line in the ACC, maybe even in college football.

1. PITT

Finding a more complete front four than the Panthers' projected starters (Weaver, Twyman, Camp, Jones) would be an arduous task.

Twyman is considered one of the better interior defenders in college football, and there's a belief Camp was the better player before his knee injury last season. Twyman is a gamer who plays his best against top competition, his performances against Central Florida, Penn State and North Carolina last season as proof. He's explosive and strong, and handful for offensive linemen.

Jones is an athletic marvel who consistently gets in the backfield. His 55 quarterback pressures in 2019 ranked second in the ACC, and he's got a non-stop motor with long arms.

If Weaver proves ready, his presence could be what separates this group from the rest of the conference. He was a menacing presence in 2018 and could benefit from the attention Jones figures to receive on the opposite side.

Camp was in line for a breakout season in 2019. The keys for him will be staying healthy -- Camp has suffered injuries in each of the previous two seasons -- and taking advantage of likely double teams coming Twyman's way.

2. MIAMI

The Hurricanes' defense should be significantly improved for head coach Manny Diaz, who enters his second season.

It all starts with sophomore defensive end Gregory Rousseau, a 6-7 pass-rushing phenom who registered 15.5 sacks in his redshirt freshman season. Rousseau will team with Quincy Roche, a transfer from Temple who had 13 sacks last season.

Miami is as deep and talented at defensive end as any team in the nation, but the defensive tackle position isn't quite as solid. The trio of Nesta Silvera, Jon Ford and Jordan Miller figure prominently into plans on the interior.

3. CLEMSON

The Tigers. reached the national championship game last season, but, believe it. or not, the defensive line was considered a disappointment.

That should change in 2020.

Sophomore Tyler Davis was the Tigers' best player up front in 2019, earning second-team All-ACC honors while piling up 55 tackles -- an outstanding number for a defensive lineman -- with 9.5 tackles for loss and 5.5 sacks.

Clemson could top this list if its incoming freshmen live up to billing. Defensive tackle Bryan Breese is a five-star prospect, as is defensive end Myles Murphy. Add defensive tackle Demonte Capehart to the group, and Clemson could be starting three freshmen up front.

4. FLORIDA STATE

Duke defensive end Chris Rumph II might be the best defensive lineman in the ACC. If he's not, the Seminoles' Marvin Wilson deserves mention.

In only nine games last season, Wilson made 44 tackles (8.5 for loss) with five sacks. He's a projected first-round pick who is capable of lining up anywhere on the defensive front.

Corey Durden enters his second year as a starter, and Robert Cooper also returns on the interior. Together, the trio called themselves "The Mob." Janarius Robinson and Joshuah Kaindoh give Florida State experience on the edge.

5. WAKE FOREST

Carlos Basham Jr. is a fifth-year senior and one of the ACC's premier disruptors. The preseason All-American candidate made 18 tackles for loss last season, which included 11 sacks, the most in a single season at Wake Forest since 1992. His 61 quarterback pressure also ranked among the nation's best.

But the Demon Deacons are more up front than Basham.

Sulaiman Kamara, another fifth-year senior, is back, so is Rondell Bothroyd and Jacorey Johns. The experienced group could help make Wake Forest the surprise of the Atlantic Division.

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