Pitt lands explosive four-star DE Naquan Brown

Pitt got a big boost Friday to its 2021 football recruiting class.

Naquan Brown, a four star defensive end from Virginia Beach, Va. announced his commitment to Pitt via Twitter:

This was huge for Pat Narduzzi's program, as Brown had received offers from several major programs in Power Five conferences like Penn State, Michigan, and Miami. Brown had even committed to LSU, but announced his decision to rescind that commitment on Dec. 3.

Brown is a 6-foot-3, 200-pound defensive end from Ocean Lakes High School. There, he made a name for himself as a big-bodied receiver and an explosive edge rusher who crashed backfields.

You can see that explosiveness off the left edge as he sniffs out the halfback option with a huge stick here:

Having that kind of burst off the ball is the natural ability all edge rushers need.

Brown's addition comes at a vital time as Pitt's top edge rushers, Patrick Jones and Rashad Weaver,  are likely headed to the NFL Draft. The recruit's commitment gives the Panthers an opportunity to have continuity at the position.

Pitt's 43 sacks in 2020 leads all teams in the NCAA with one game left to play, after its 49 sacks was the third most in 2019. 

In addition to his explosiveness, Brown has shown a natural skill for multiple pass rush moves.

Watch how Brown gets off the ball quickly, then uses his hands to slap down the tackle's arms before he can even get them set on Brown's frame:

You can even see how quick his burst gets him from around the tackle and right to pushing the quarterback over.

All pass rushers usually show one primary move to rely on in their youth, especially when they're big-name talents with plenty of athleticism like Brown.

But in his high school highlights you can see a willingness use different moves. A normal hand slap to beat opponents is one thing, but take a look at his rip move off the left edge. You can see how he uses the rip move to gain leverage and quickly turn around the corner for a path to the quarterback:

And his ability to finish plays with big hits also helps.

Landing Brown is a huge win for Narduzzi's program in a year that had a four-game losing streak and two blowout losses to top ranked opponents in Notre Dame and Clemson.