Pitt Safety Unit Led by Redshirt Junior Cruce Brookins

Young defensive backs look to step up as Panthers prepare for spring camp

Feb. 27, 2026 at 1:56pm

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As Pitt football prepares for spring camp, the safety position will be led by redshirt junior Cruce Brookins, with a group of young defensive backs looking to make an impact. The Panthers lost starters Javon McIntyre and Kavir Bains-Marquez to graduation, leaving opportunities for players like redshirt sophomore Allen Bryant and sophomore Josh Rawlings to earn more playing time.

Why it matters

Pitt’s secondary was a strength of the team’s defense last season, and the safety position will be crucial to maintaining that level of play. With several new faces competing for snaps, spring camp will be an important evaluation period for the coaching staff to determine the depth chart heading into the 2026 season.

The details

Redshirt junior Cruce Brookins is the most experienced player in the safety group, having started 18 games over the past two seasons. He will be counted on to provide leadership and stability to the unit. Other players looking to earn more playing time include redshirt sophomore Allen Bryant and sophomore Josh Rawlings, who both saw limited action in 2025. Incoming freshmen Da’Ron Barksdale, Tony Forney, and Isaac Patterson will also compete for snaps during spring camp.

  • Pitt’s spring camp is slated to begin the week of March 2, 2026.

The players

Cruce Brookins

Redshirt junior safety who has started 18 games for Pitt over the past two seasons.

Allen Bryant

Redshirt sophomore safety who saw limited action in 2025 and will look to earn more playing time.

Josh Rawlings

Sophomore safety who will compete for increased snaps in the Panthers’ secondary.

Da’Ron Barksdale

Incoming freshman safety who will look to make an immediate impact in spring camp.

Tony Forney

Incoming freshman safety who will compete for playing time in Pitt’s young defensive backfield.

Isaac Patterson

Incoming freshman safety who will aim to earn a spot in the Panthers’ rotation.

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The takeaway

Pitt’s safety unit will be a key area of focus during spring camp as the Panthers look to replace two starters from last season’s defense. Redshirt junior Cruce Brookins provides experience, but the coaching staff will be evaluating a group of young defensive backs to determine the depth chart heading into the 2026 season.