The Pittsburgh Panthers have yet another defensive player heading to the NFL. Defensive end Habakkuk Baldonado will be signing with the New York Giants according to Jordan Schultz.
Former @Pitt_FB DE Habakkuk Baldonado has agreed to terms with the #Giants, source tells @theScore.
All-ACC pick who measured an impressive 6-5, 251 pounds.
— Jordan Schultz (@Schultz_Report) April 30, 2023
Baldonado had one of the more interesting journeys on his path to the NFL. The defensive end moved to the United States from Italy back in 2017 to give himself a shot at playing in the NFL. After playing one year of high school football in Florida, Baldonado joined the University of Pittsburgh. Injuries ended up hampering his 2022 season but the Giants will be banking on the breakout star on the 2021 ACC championship team.
Baldonado ended his Pitt career with 99 total tackles with 22.5 of them coming for loss and 15 sacks. The former Panther will now join a talented Giants defensive front with players like Leonard Williams and Dexter Lawerence up front. The Panthers seem to be establishing an NFL pipeline in the northeast and Baldonado is yet another prospect in the region.