Written By
Written By
Written By
Written By
The quarterback position belongs to Mason Heintschel. He was a revelation as a true freshman, going 6-3 and saving Pitt’s season. He threw for 2,354 yards, 16 touchdowns, and completed 63.6% of his passes. He will continue to grow and develop and lead this team.
The running back room saw another true freshman play beyond his years in Ja’Kyrian Turner. He is strong, physical, and explosive. He rushed for 745 yards, but much of it came in the final five games. The additions of La’Vell Wright (Western Kentucky) and true freshman Damon Ferguson Jr. will see action. As will redshirt freshman Synkwan Smith.
The wide receiver room returns experience in Cataurus Hicks, Censere Lee, and Bryce Yates. Young talent will need to develop behind them. The additions of Malik Knight (Western Carolina) and tight ends Carson Kent (Oklahoma) and Elijah Lagg (UAB) will be relied upon.
The offensive line room returns experience in Ryan Carretta, BJ Williams, Kendall Stanley, Keith Gouveia, Ryan Baer, and Jiavani Cooley. The additions of Keylen Davis (Auburn) and Nethinho Olivieri (Penn) provide even more depth to an already deep unit.
The defensive line is a force at stopping the run. Finishing eighth nationally last season at 95.1 rushing yards per game. Isaiah Neal, Zach Crothers, Nick James, Sean Fitzsimmons, and Jimmy Scott all return. The additions of Eliyt Nairne (Tulane) and Jeremiah Warren (Illinois) only make this unit deeper.
The linebacker room features potential stars in Braylan Lovelace and Cameron Lindsey. Both make plays all over the field. Watch out for Jeremiah Marcelin returning from injury. The additions of Alex Sanford Jr. (Purdue) and DeMaro Ward (Memphis) help build this into a potentially elite unit.
The secondary returns experience in Cruce Brookings, Shawn Lee Jr., Shadarian Harrison, Josh Guerrier, and Allen Bryant. The additions of Raion Strader (Auburn), D’Angelo Stocker (Richmond), and Kanye Thompson (D2 Slippery Rock) help round out this unit.
Multiple FCS transfers will compete for roles. Punting duties will belong to Idaho State transfer Gabe Russo. Kicking duties will see a competition between Northern Arizona transfer Sam Hunsaker and Western Illinois transfer Antonio Chadha.
Pitt built momentum last season behind Mason Heintschel at quarterback. They could do the same this season as five of their first six games are at home. Pat Narduzzi has built a consistent winner, focused on rock solid defense. This version of the Pitt Panthers will be no different.
