Florida natives, Pitt defensive stars Calijah Kancey, Brandon Hill unconcerned by Miami snub

Pitt players talk all the time about how they support each other.

If someone misses a tackle, the expectation is another player will fill the gap.

Injuries happen, but offensive lineman Jake Kradel, tight end Gavin Bartholomew and running back Rodney Hammond Jr. — among others — have stepped up to prevent a crisis in personnel.

Then, there’s the story of how junior defensive end Habakkuk Baldonado came to the rescue of sophomore defensive tackle Calijah Kancey.

With winter coming up within only a flip or two of the calendar, Baldonado helped Kancey install winter tires on his vehicle. Who can blame Kancey for not having much experience with winter tires? He grew up in Miami.

“I didn’t have to call home and ask my mom or uncle,” Kancey said. “Haba was there to help me.”

Now, that’s a friend.

Kancey and fellow Florida native and strong safety Brandon Hill will encounter several old friends Saturday at Heinz Field, but none will be inclined to help. With 17 Florida natives on the roster – more than from any state outside Pennsylvania — Pitt will line up against Miami in an important game between ACC Coastal foes.

“A lot of high school teammates. A lot of guys I grew up with,” said Kancey, who attended Northwestern High School with Hurricanes safety Kamren Kinchens, linebacker Samuel Brooks Jr., wide receiver Romello Brinson and tight end Kahlil Brantley.

Plus, he said, “I have a lot of family coming to the game.”

While at Northwestern, Kancey had 18 schools offer him a scholarship, but Miami wasn’t one of them.

“There’s something they didn’t like, I guess,” he said, clearly not offended by the snub.

“Growing up everybody talks about the U. Great team. Everybody loves them. I’m glad I’m here at Pitt. I made the best decision.”

Kancey registered one of the best hits of the season when he bulldozed Virginia Tech running back Jalen Holston, who was setting up to pass-block. He not only ran over Holston, but quarterback Braxton Burmeister also went down like a bowling pin.

“I, actually, didn’t know I hit the quarterback. I hit the running back because he stepped in my way,” Kancey said. “Like coach (Charlie) Partridge teaches us, if a running back steps up to block you, you go right through him, not around.”

It was similar to Aaron Donald’s hit in 2013 when he simultaneously took down Duke’s running back and quarterback.

Kancey has seen that hit, but he insisted, “I wouldn’t compare myself to him, yet.”

Hill is from Apopka, Fla., (about four hours north of Miami), and he similarly was ignored by the Hurricanes. A total of 20 schools not named Miami offered a scholarship.

“It’s always a big deal to play anybody from my home state,” Hill said. “Being in that atmosphere takes me back home.”

Hill said coach Manny Diaz stopped by Wekiva High School in Apopka “a couple times” without making him an offer.

Yet, to this day, he is not offended. He’s too busy as Pitt’s leader in tackles (46) and pass breakups (six, tied with free safety Erick Hallett).

Besides, he said, “I was a Noles fan.”

Which only made his Pick 6 last year against Florida State a bit sweeter. The Seminoles also failed to offer Hill a scholarship.

“I’m at Pitt,” he said, unconcerned about the past. “I couldn’t ask for anything better.”

After taking his game north, Hill has developed into one of top defensive backs in the nation and one of 12 semifinalists for the Jim Thorpe Award.

“It’s a blessing and honor,” he said. “It’s something I’ve always talked about and dreamed about with my family, friends and loved ones to see my name on one of those lists.

“When I saw it, it made my week, but I have to keep going. The goal was always to play every game 110%. It adds fuel to the fire that was already lit.”