University of Pittsburgh Athletics
Newcomer Notebook: Defensive Backs
2/16/2026 8:03:00 AM | Football
PITTSBURGH—Pitt's newest defensive backs have arrived with a clear mindset: compete, develop and uphold a secondary tradition built on NFL production. From hometown returns to early enrollees adjusting to the college game, the group has quickly embraced the standard inside the defensive backs room.
Strader Comes Full Circle
For Pittsburgh native Raion Strader, returning home carries purpose.
"It's a blessing," Strader said. "They send a lot of good corners to the NFL. This opportunity has put me in a good spot."
After stops at Miami (Ohio) and Auburn, Strader said the journey matured him before coming back for his final season.
"Going to Auburn made me grow up…living like a pro," he said. "Coming back here now, it's the last year. Let's take that extra step and be that upperclassman leader."
Strader joins a secondary with strong local ties, including cousin Rashan Murray and longtime friend Cruce Brookins.
"An all-Pittsburgh back end has been some of the best back ends at Pitt," Strader said. "The chemistry is really good."
Early Enrollees Adjust Quickly
Freshman Kentrail McRae said enrolling early has made a difference.
"Being early is the best thing. You experience everything five or six months earlier," McRae said.
He added that what the staff promised during recruiting has matched reality.
"Coach Collins always told me how I'd be able to gain weight and develop, and it's been true so far."
Isaac Patterson has also embraced the independence of college life and the challenge that comes with it.
"Nobody stays on you about your work, it's independent," Patterson said. "It develops you as a man."
Patterson, who cited Pitt's NFL track record at defensive back as a major draw, believes his speed and offensive background help him see the game differently.
Portal Addition Brings Speed
Transfer Kanye Thompson said relationships and development opportunities sold him on Pitt.
"If you want to get to the NFL, especially as a DB, Pitt is the place to go," Thompson said.
A standout track athlete who has run 10.13 in the 100 meters, Thompson acknowledged the biggest adjustment will be the overall pace at this level.
"It's adapting to game speed," he said. "Everybody's fast."
Young Room, Shared Standard
Tony Forney said Pitt's persistence in recruiting, and the locker room culture, made his decision easy.
"The brotherhood…they care about each other," Forney said.
Fellow freshman Da'Ron Barksdale echoed that sentiment, calling Pitt "the best decision I've made."
Both emphasized the importance of detail and physicality in earning early playing time.
"Know what you're doing, play fast, and be physical," Forney said.
At a position where communication and trust define success, Pitt's newest defensive backs are already leaning into competition and daily improvement, which are hallmarks of a secondary looking to take its next step.
Players Mentioned
