PITTSBURGH (93.7 The Fan) – Gone to the NFL are the 26.5 tackles for loss and 16.5 sacks of All-Americans Patrick Jones and Rashad Weaver. Yet Pitt believes they’ve built a tradition along the defensive line that others now will step up.
A leader has quickly emerged from the group. A 6’5” defensive end who grew up in Italy coming over to the US as a senior in high school to play football. By himself. Habakkuk Baldonado gladly grabs that role with this 2021 Pitt team.
“I try to become a leader on the D-line as Pat and Weave left us,” Baldonado said. “I try to elevate my game and step up and fill those big shoes.”
Not much experience personally to build on playing just 18 games in college. Four last year due to injury and limited to three tackles. Yet head coach Pat Narduzzi said he had a great camp, and may be their best player out there.
“I’m really proud of how he’s recovered physically,” said Pitt defensive line coach Charlie Partridge. “I think he’s doing a great job taking care of his body. He’s approaching the game like a veteran should. He’s doing a great job preparing mentally every day.”
“Doing everything he can to get every tip he can to steal a play, play with some great technique. He’s had a great fall camp. Excited to see him play on Saturday.”
Baldonado has some experience around him in Deslin Alexandre, John Morgan, Devin Danielson, Keyshon Camp. However, it’s the guy who grew up in Rome, Italy who works with Dayon Hayes, Nahki Johnson, Dorien Ford, Elliot Donald and Naquan Brown.
“I try to step in and lead the right way,” Baldonado said. “Teach the younger guys the standard and keep the standard high with the older guys.”
“The credit goes to Haba, not only his ability to teach,” Partridge said. “His empathy when he sees a young player is down on himself because they are shocked by the level of play like every young player deals with. Haba has the ability to feel a human’s emotions and help lift them up, make them better. That style of leadership for Haba will carry him a long way in football and in life.”
“What I like to do is think about where I was a year ago,” Baldonado said. “I see myself in them. When I see myself in them. I remember how it felt when I first got here not knowing. Not speaking a lot and leaning towards the older guys to lead me.”
Words will only get him so far, the redshirt junior knows he will need to show results during games to truly gain the respect of his peers.
“I think I’m playing at a really high level,” Baldonado said. “I elevated my knowledge. I’m feeling way better physically and I think I’m ready to take that step.”
“I’m super-excited. It can’t come fast enough. I’m ready. I’m prepared. I’m trained. I did everything possibly I could do and I’m ready to step on the field.”