Pitt secures verbal commitment from transfer offensive lineman Jackson Brown, formerly of California

Jerry Dipaola | Thursday, May 4, 2023 6:14 p.m.

Chaz Palla | Tribune-Review

Pitt coach Pat Narduzzi looks on during the spring game last month.

Three people led freshman offensive lineman Jackson Brown to transfer from California to Pitt — coach Pat Narduzzi, line coach Dave Borbely and Brown’s father, Tony, who was an offensive lineman for the Panthers from 1983-1985.

Sadly, Tony Brown’s contribution came from afar.

Tony Brown died in 2010, but his son said he knows his father is watching with pride.

“Honoring his legacy is definitely huge for me,” he said Thursday night after making a verbal commitment to the Panthers. “Playing in the same program as him is really special, for sure. It’s all good. He’s watching over me. He’s so proud of me right now. He’s probably drinking a vodka soda and relaxing.

“I’m so excited. I can’t wait.”

Brown, who attended San Ramon Valley (Calif.) High School, said a desire to continue the Brown family legacy at Pitt is part of the reason for picking up his collegiate career and traveling across the U.S. But there’s more to the story.

“That’s definitely part of it, for sure,” he said, “but the main reason is I just have a great relationship with coach Borbely, coach Narduzzi and I know I’m going to get developed and get to the NFL (from) there.”

After leaving Pitt, Tony Brown played for the Buffalo Bills and Miami Dolphins. Jackson said he plans to wear his father’s NFL number (77) at Pitt.

It’s in my blood????????#H2P #RIPDAD pic.twitter.com/apdUstrbJs

— Jackson Brown (@jacksonbrown_77) May 4, 2023

While in high school, Brown (6-foot-6, 305 pounds) sifted through 18 Power 5 offers, including ones from Pitt and Pac-12 schools Cal, Arizona, Arizona State, USC and Colorado.

He appeared in two games at tackle last year during his freshman season at California before entering the transfer portal this spring. After redshirting, he will have four years of eligibility remaining.

During his time at San Ramon, Brown was ranked the 39th overall prospect in California (the third offensive tackle) and 55th at his position in the nation, according to Rivals.com.

Pitt’s starters on the line this spring included center Jake Kradel, flanked by guards Ryan Jacoby and Blake Zubovic and tackles Branson Taylor and Matt Goncalves. Brown hopes to improve the depth on the line, now and in the future.