It is that day of the week again folks – get your computers and phones fired up… I’ll be in the Roundtable meeting room at around 7:50 or so. if you log on and I’m not there don’t leave – I may just be out of the room for a minute.
408-740-7256 then 770439# – (don’t forget the pound sign!!)
Here are some topics:
QB competition?
Tailgating
Predictions on the season and individual player’s production.
…and I’ll update those with other ideas as they come to me – I’m busy until this evening.
See you then and any new comers – please don’t hesitate to jump in we need to get some new blood going in these shows.
Here are the QBs at Kennywood – courtesy of a POV commenter. You can see that Pickett (far right) is no small kid coming out of HS – When I saw him in gym clothes at the Pitt Pro Workout Day back in March I was impressed with his overall size – arms and chest also. Bigger than all the other scholarship QBs that way (they were all watching the Seniors workout for the NFL scouts in on the Southside).
Pickett is listed at 6’2″ and 215 in the roster – even though all the recruiting sites had him bigger at 6’3″ and around 225. He’s definitely a legit 6’3″ .
I’d say now that he has been at Pitt over the last 8 months with an S&C coach he’s probably at about 230. Big strong armed kid.
pittpov.com 
http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2017/08/15/nathan-peterman-to-play-with-the-second-string-for-the-bills/
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rkb, BigB, Dark Knight and others have threatened to jump in so lets do it. Great time for you Darkie to get back on the POV and give us your thoughts. Hells Bells it’s almost kickoff time folks.
New blood would be great but the old blood is what drives the round-table so the more the merrier. How about a nice combo tonight. Phone in’s work just as well.
Wouldn’t it be great to include a lurker or reader? It’s about time some others join in all the fun. It’s a hoot guy’s and gal’s! BE THERE!! … ..ike
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I don’t know if free agents Dontez Ford, Shakir Soto, Tyrique Jarrett or Bam Bradley will make an NFL roster, but they all seem to be making some kind of impact.
http://www.baltimoresun.com/sports/ravens/ravens-insider/bs-sp-ravens-bam-bradley-aiming-to-be-like-cj-mosley-20170815-story,amp.html
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Reed – I will NOT be able to make tonight’s round table discussion. (Plenty of cheers followed by a lot of “no big loss”.)
Next man up.
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Pitt-cocks, stop selling yourself short. You do a great job and have the balls to even try it. Actually I was thinking you’re a lot smarter than you look.. 🙂
Jus kidding as my Grand-Son loves to say.. . Your buddy ike.
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EJ Borghetti @PittBorghetti
Q: Do you ever listen to your dad’s @937theFan show?
Elijah Zeise: “Sometimes when I’m bored.”
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The Friday the 13th basketball practice kick-off `event will take place on Bigelow Blvd in the shadow of the Cathedral. Another fine piece of ADing from Heather.
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BFD! Again, an intern can do that.
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BFD. An intern could do that. The homeless woukdnt evwn watch that debacle if they served steaks.
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2017 Pitt Football Camp, Day 13 Recap
The Panthers Practiced on a Hot and Humid Tuesday Morning
PITTSBURGH—The Pitt football team held its 13th practice of training camp on a warm and muggy Tuesday morning on the South Side of Pittsburgh at the UPMC Sports Performance Complex.
Head coach Pat Narduzzi spoke to the media in his regular morning session before the workout and included his thoughts on the passing of legendary college football coach Frank Broyles. After Pitt’s practice, offensive line coach John Peterson, offensive linemen Connor Dintino and Jimmy Morrissey, wide receiver Jester Weah, running back Qadree Ollison and defensive lineman Rashad Wheeler all spent time answering questions from the assembled media.
Coach Interview Videos: Narduzzi | PetersonPlayer Interview Videos: Weah | Ollison | Dintino | Morrissey | Wheeler
Below are transcripts from all seven media sessions.
Head Coach Pat Narduzzi
Opening statement on the passing of Coach Frank Broyles:
“It’s been a tough month really for college football. When you look at Ara Parseghian, Dick MacPherson and yesterday Coach Frank Broyles passed away. Growing up in the coaching profession, it’s tough. They are three legends, and I have had communication with all of them. Dick MacPherson is a Cincinnati grad, so we always had him out to practice there. Ara Parseghian actually coached my dad at Miami (Ohio) back in the day. And Frank Broyles, I got to know him at Little Rock for the Broyles Award [in 2013]. I had an intimate breakfast with him and four coaches and it was like, ‘wow,’ to hear some of the stories. So my condolences go to all of their families. They impacted a bunch of people. When you think about all of the players out there—they went through thousands of players that they impacted. But I just wanted to throw that out there. We had a great day of practice yesterday. We were in shells yesterday and we are back out in pads. We’ll go in pads the next two days and then try to lighten it up before another scrimmage on Saturday. We’ll just keep stepping forward and do some good things.”
On how he wants to be remembered as a coach:
“I’m too young. I want to be remembered as a players’ coach, one who did everything that he could for the players. That’s why we coach: for those guys out there. It really is. Today, the word of the day is enthusiasm. Practice 13, some guys start to lose their enthusiasm. I want to be known as an enthusiastic coach that had fun going out to practice every day and impacted the kids’ lives.”
On if he is still waiting for any players to emerge at certain positions:
“We’re waiting on everybody. At a team meeting last night, I threw out the depth chart and said, ‘hey, this thing can continue to move.’ We are in practice 13 and this is the dog days of camp right now. This is when some guys will fall flat on their face and some guys will rise to the top. So there is still stuff going on, or else we would just give you the depth chart, say, ‘let’s go,’ and stop practicing. There is still a lot of work to do. Who can you trust for a long period of time? You don’t gain trust in a week and say, ‘okay, let’s go.’ It takes time to develop players and develop a trust in players to get the job done.”
On how many players Pitt has that can play center this season:
“I would say that it is three or four guys. Alex Bookser took snaps yesterday at center, and ‘A.O.’ [Alex Officer] we know can do it. Obviously, there is [Jimmy] Morrissey and Connor [Dintino] working there. We are always going to find our five best guys.”
On if the extra week of practices in camp stretches out the competition battles:
“Yeah, they could. Obviously, it’s a week and we are going to take another week to evaluate them and make sure that we are getting the right guys at the right spot. Certainly, another week for us to evaluate and for things to come out a different way.”
On what he has seen from his freshmen tight ends:
“I have seen a little bit of everything. A lot of good from Tyler Sear all the way up to Charles Reeves and [Grant] Carrigan. They have done a great job and continue to learn the playbook. They each have different strengths: some are big, some are small, some are fast, some are quick and some of them have better hands. They have an assortment of everything.”
On the progress of new walk-on and former long jumper Kollin Smith:
“He looked good in shorts yesterday. He’s fast. The first thing that I liked about him is that he has a good personality. He pays attention in meetings from what I see, and he has a smile on his face. That’s the first test.”
On how the extra week of camp prepares the freshmen to be ready to play:
“It gives you an extra week. It does [help], but it can also wear you out and tear you down in different ways. They were here all summer, so our kids did a good job of coaching them up. They have had that time, whether it was with us or with them; they were going to get that time.”
Offensive Line Coach John Peterson
On the competition between Jimmy Morrissey and Connor Dintino:
“They are both high-character, quality, competitive young guys who know that competition is healthy. Those guys are friends off the field, but on the field they are competitive.”
On rotating players to find his starting five:
“It’s difficult. You have to force yourself to put guys in uncomfortable positions and try to find their best matchup. That’s why you teach concepts and guys learn more than one position. They learn by concept so that they can go from one position to another.”
On his options at center:
“[Alex] Bookser has proved through the spring and summer practices that he can handle it. A.O. [Alex Officer], well we know what he’s proved. To really have four high quality centers is just a tremendous thing to have on any team.”
On if any players have surprised him along the offensive line:
“I wouldn’t say surprised…expectations are high. Playing offensive line at Pitt, there’s a tradition from the guys that have come before. They know that there is a tradition here with the mentality that they have. They take great pride in that. It is a group effort that they understand what they need to do.”
On the versatility of his offensive linemen:
“That’s part of cross-training. That’s what we have to do to blend guys and find guys that may be tackles, or may be guards. Obviously A.O. [Alex Officer] and [Alex] Bookser are guys who can go center, guard or tackle even. Connor [Dintino] is versatile, also. The key is to get guys who can understand concepts and fit into different pieces at any given time.”
Running Back Qadree Ollison
On how much he thinks he has changed since last fall camp:
“I have a different role now as far as being a leader on the team. Now, guys come to me if they need help or have questions on certain things that are going on. Last year, that guy was James [Conner], of course; but now I am kind of that leader because I am the oldest in the running back room. I have more of a leadership role in the running back room and on the team in general.”
On what he has learned from James Conner:
“I think what I learned the most from him is how to be a leader on and off the field. You can watch his story or look up the story and just tell that he is a great leader. You don’t have to know him to know that he is a great leader on and off the field, so I think that is the most of what I have learned from him.”
On trying to be more elusive in the secondary:
“Coach [Andre] Powell just wants us to reach our maximum potential. He is giving someone each day something to focus on, whether it is making a guy miss or not crossing your feet on pass protection. So each guy has something to work on every day. He wants to maximize our potential in the room.”
On how he is handling the expectations set by Coach Powell:
“You want coach to be hard on you. I don’t want a coach that is going to be babying me. I told Coach Powell to tell me when I am wrong. Don’t let me slide because that is what’s going to make me the best player that I can possibly be. I know that he has a high expectation, not just for me, but for all of us. The standard is the standard. That’s kind of the motto that we have going on around here. You heard [strength and conditioning] Coach [Dave] Andrews say, ‘The standard is the standard. It doesn’t change whether you are a fifth-year senior or an incoming guy. The standard stays the same for everyone.’”
Offensive Lineman Jimmy Morrissey
On his competition with Connor Dintino:
“Not only have the coaches, but everyone has been fostering competition between all of us. Connor [Dintino] and I have enjoyed it a lot. We make each other better every day. There is competition at every position, though.”
On having Alex Officer to help him learn:
“A.O. [Alex Officer] is the man. He has really helped me a lot. I told him during the spring that he helped me so much. Anytime I have a question, he is the first one I go to, every time. He knows everything. He’s definitely the most efficient lineman we have.”
On the responsibilities of playing center:
“There is a lot. You just have to be prepared every time before you come out here. But it is the same with every position. You just have to prepare.
On weighing focus on learning assignments versus the physicality of playing offensive line:
“I would definitely say it’s probably a little bit of both. When you know more, you play better, faster and more physical. When you know your assignments, you don’t have to focus on slowing down to think; you just play.”
Wide Receiver Jester Weah
On how he has maintained his energy throughout this longer camp:
“It starts with your attitude. You have to have gratitude for every day that you get to come out here. I want to get better. So I feel that if I want to get better, I have to give everyone else the right attitude each day.”
On his progression from a freshman to today:
“I would have never have thought if you asked me a few years ago that I would be in the position that I am in today. A lot of hard work and dedication has paid off.”
On how well the corners have been covering him in practice:
“They are doing well. They are keeping their game up. I feel like I am only making them better when they try to match up with me.”
On the offense’s capabilities under Coach Shawn Watson:
“I feel like we are on pace to do the same thing that we did last year. We are clicking each and every day and getting better. You have to set your goals high, and that is what we are doing as an offense.”
Defensive Lineman Rashad Wheeler
On how difficult it is with only one senior defensive lineman:
“It’s not very tough. I feel like we all have that mindset where we all were just born leaders. We can all just look at each other for guidance, whether it’s me, Keyshon [Camp], Amir [Watts]. Also with the older guys like Shane Roy and Allen Edwards. We are all leaders in our own way.”
On his impressions of Kam Carter:
“I watched a couple of episodes [of Last Chance U], and from what I saw, he is a completely different guy. I knew that he was different. I don’t know when that show was filmed, but since he has been here, we have had no problems with him. He’s just doing his thing on the field and trying to get better every day, just like us.”
On what it is like playing under Coach Charlie Partridge:
“It’s great. I feel like I have been making a lot of progress from the spring. We talked in the spring. I don’t really think I had a good spring; but coming into the summer, I had a different mindset and Coach Partridge believed in me the whole time. He knew that I could do it, and a big part of that is getting in better shape. I feel like I am in better shape and feel like I am playing a lot better.”
On if he feels like the defensive line will be better even with the departure of Ejuan Price:
“Of course I feel like we are going to be better. We have more people who can make plays now, so it’s not going to be depending on one person. I know last year, we had a lot of good players like Tyrique [Jarrett], Shakir [Soto] and Ejuan [Price], but we have good players this year. We are just ready to take that step and make plays this year.”
Offensive Lineman Connor Dintino
On the competition for the center position:
“We’re progressing and getting better. It’s a competition, so we have to challenge each other, grow and get better as a team. That is what we are doing.”
On the versatility of the offensive line:
“It’s pretty versatile. You just have to play everything, so if someone goes down, you have to find that chemistry to move over to the next spot. Just know everything because it makes you a better player. If you are limited to one spot, you’re just there for one spot, so just know everything and expand your knowledge.”
On how hard it is to switch positions within the offensive line:
“For me, it’s like you have everything in your head for the center position and once you get moved over to guard, you just have to have everything for guard in your head. You just have to switch everything over, so it takes practice and reps; but once you get it, you get it. You have to think like that and you have to have a switch and turn everything over.”
On how he thinks he is a better player now than in the spring:
“I am seeing things differently. I am learning and understanding football more as a whole. I am seeing the defense and how it shifts, just expanding my knowledge. That is what you have to do because you may think that you know everything, but you don’t. There is so much more, so you have to just keep plugging away, keep your nose down and keep getting better.”
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Ike.. I did the phone in on the Round-table one time…still haven’t purchased those ear pieces yet…I could talk and nobody could see my ugly mug.
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ACC Network Extra Schedule Announced
Volleyball, Men’s/Women’s Soccer to Air 47 Events
2017 Pitt Athletics ACC Network Extra Fall Schedule
PITTSBURGH – Continuing growth in its second season, the Atlantic Coast Conference announced its ACC Network Extra schedule, as the University of Pittsburgh will have 47 events broadcast throughout the fall season.
Pitt will televise 31 home events, and take part in 16 road broadcasts. The volleyball team will air 22 (14 home, eight away) matches; men’s soccer will showcase 12 games (nine home, three away) and the women’s soccer team will air 13 games (eight home, five away).
Additionally, the Pitt volleyball team’s Oct. 8 meeting with Miami (FL) can be seen live on Regional Sports Network (RSN).
ACC Network Extra, a digital channel for ACC sports, made its debut in August of 2016. It was the beginning of the initial phase of launching the full ACC Network, which will culminate with 1,300 total ACC events when the linear network debuts in 2019. The events covered by ACC Network Extra will be immediately available to users who have access to WatchESPN and the WatchESPN app.
The Pitt volleyball team will get the season underway next week, traveling to Seattle for the Washington Tournament, Aug. 25 and 26 versus Washington, Creighton and St. Mary’s. The Panthers will make their home debut at the Panther Challenge, Sept. 15-16, hosting UC Santa Barbara, Eastern Kentucky and Cleveland State.
The Pitt men’s soccer team opens the season with back-to-back games in Ohio’s capital, taking part in matches against Ohio State (Aug. 25) and James Madison (Aug. 27) before returning to Ambrose Urbanic Field Sept. 1 versus Longwood at 7 p.m.
The Pitt women’s soccer team opens up the fall competition slate on Friday, hosting Hofstra in a 7 p.m. tilt at Ambrose Urbanic Field. Three straight road games at Duquesne (Aug. 20), Cincinnati (Aug. 24) and Xavier (Aug. 27) will follow.
For full coverage of the University of Pittsburgh’s fall sports, visit the volleyball, men’s soccer and women’s soccer schedules.
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I think in the spring they should hire UPittBB to do the color for Pitt baseball games … he is certain to be real colorful
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Bernie, that’s cool as heck although I did see your mug in the jug! <<< (The Frankcan Trophy) The image didn’t sicken me as much as my own, in fact not at all. 🙂 .Go for it again brother.
You do make a good point, just jump in via a phone call or wear a Batman outfit. There you go Darkie…. …. . ike
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Reed my friend, you do crack me up. Chris Clarke is over-stated at 6’6″ 260lbs and Pickett’s size is understated. Honestly, I don’t know which one is Pickett but I bet he’s the shortest one… Not sure if he’s allowed on the Thunderbolt or the bumper car’s?
That’s a jab Reedster…… Much Love …. ike. .. 🙂
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Pickett is the one on the right as I believe I labelled that.
Ike – I’m going by the eye test and standing next to these players for 3 hours total at spring practice and the Pitt Pro timing day. i talked with Pickett there and purposefully stood next to Clark – he’s a legit 6’6″ but i very much doubt he’s 260 at all. As i said, and another commenter agreed, that he looks thinner than that without pads on.
Here is a link to what he looked like when I saw him in March – maybe he’s bigger now.
I have to ask how much contact have you have with them?
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2017 Pitt Football Camp, Day 14 Recap
Panthers Continue to Prepare for Sept. 2 Opener vs. YSU
PITTSBURGH—The Pitt football team practiced for the 14th time of training camp on Wednesday morning on another sunny and warm day on the South Side of Pittsburgh at the UPMC Sports Performance Complex.
Head coach Pat Narduzzi met media in his routine morning session before practice. Following Pitt’s practice, wide receivers coach Kevin Sherman, linebacker Elijah Zeise, defensive lineman Shane Roy, running back Chawntez Moss, defensive lineman Dewayne Hendrix and defensive back Phil Campbell also participated in interviews.
Coach Interview Videos: Narduzzi | Sherman
Player Interview Videos: Zeise| Moss | Hendrix | Campbell
Below are transcripts from all seven media sessions.
Head Coach Pat Narduzzi
Opening statement:
“We have another beautiful day here. We picked some great weather for camp. Yesterday and today are two really good, hot days at 87 and 88 degrees. We had a great, tough practice yesterday. You talk about toughness, we did a 10-play drive so that you can see who could go 10 and who couldn’t. Saw a lot of things there: who was going to melt in the heat, especially with a 10-play drive. We had some good periods yesterday, so I am excited about where we are there.”
On whether playing 10 straight plays is something new that he incorporated this camp:
“No, we have done it in the past. I just didn’t tell you guys, so I’d figure I would tell you today.”
On whether playing 10 straight plays is a test for the young defensive linemen:
“It’s a test for everybody. I think you have to progress to it. I don’t think that you go out on the first day and do it. I think that it is something that once you learn how to carry your pads, you get out there and you have to sustain a drive offensively and defensively. There is going to be long drives defensively. We want our offense to be out there for a 12- or 15-play drive. We’ll probably do a 12- or 15-play drive next week just to keep them out there. It doesn’t matter if you don’t get a first down. If you get a three-and-out on offense, we’re going to keep the drive going.”
On which receivers behind Jester Weah and Quadree Henderson have stood out to him:
“You look at [Rafael] Araujo-Lopes, he has done a great job. He works his tail off. He’s been very consistent, maybe the most consistent of all. Maurice Ffrench has done a nice job. Those are the guys that stand out to me and are probably the top four at this point.”
On his thoughts of having joint practices with other schools:
“I don’t know anything about that. I’m okay with it. Bring Duquesne over here or whoever. Let’s bring Robert Morris over. I think that it would be great. It would be nice to have a preseason game like the NFL.”
On if he feels like he would hold back if there would ever be a joint practice:
“No, I think that the game comes down to fundamentals to begin with. So it’s not about the scheme. Everybody thinks that it is all scheme. It’s not about scheme; it’s about fundamentals. Fundamentals win games offensively, defensively and on special teams. We focus on the fundamentals, just to go out and hit somebody different. That’s the toughest thing about coming out of preseason. How do we look? ‘Oh, we look great against each other,’ but what does that matter? We have an opponent on September 2. How do we match up against them and how do we match up against somebody else? I think after practice 17 and 18, our guys will be sick of hitting each other, I think that’s for sure. So I think that it’s nice to get some new meat out there.”
On the development of Jester Weah as a receiver and a leader:
“He’s maybe progressed more off the field than he has on the field. We’ve been going through some leadership stuff at night in some of our team meetings, and he has done an unbelievable job. The other night, he mentioned to the team that, ‘I’ve come a long way off the field.” When we first got here, he was probably one of the grumpiest, moodiest guys to coach. It’s like, ‘What happened to this guy?’ But now, he’s totally, totally different as far as his attitude off the field, so he has come a long, long way off the field.”
On if he has certain matchups between cornerbacks and receivers in practice:
“No, they have to work against all kinds of different types. Whether it is one-on-one’s, we tell guys, ‘hey, don’t go in there if that guy is not a challenge for you. Don’t go against him, let someone else go. Just because you’re the next guy up, you don’t have to go.’ That’s about the only matchup. Otherwise, it’s ‘just go play football.’ You’re going to have different guys that you are going to have to cover. Everybody has a little different release, so you want to go against a bunch of different types.”
On the strength of Jester Weah:
“I don’t think that it is overlooked. I think that some of the NFL scouts that are out here like his size and his physicalness. We know that he is fast and he has ball skills, but then you look at the physical type of receiver that he can be. Just like when you look at Dontez Ford the other night with Detroit—physical wins. The bigger those wideouts get, the more physical they get, the bigger those corners better get. That’s where you have those mismatches.”
Wide Receivers Coach Kevin Sherman
On the depth of the wide receiver group:
“We’re down in numbers a little bit, but I think we’ve got enough guys to get through what we need to get done. We’re getting better every day. Now having Aaron Mathews out here working with us, that’s going to help our depth. That’ll just allow us to move guys around a little bit and see who can handle the offense and step up and compete on a consistent basis.”
On if true freshmen will get in the mix during games:
“We’re still feeding them the water hose; we’re overloading them a little bit. They’re getting a lot of volume of the offense. They have to play fast, they have to see things quicker, see things faster. And then they have to execute. Now, are they doing things perfectly? No. But they’re seeing themselves on film, getting better and they’re learning.
They’re hearing in the room what we’re trying to get accomplished, why we’re doing what we’re doing and how to get there. I think the extra meeting time with a guy like Tre Tipton is helping those guys out tremendously right now. I think that he’s been a big help, helping those guys when I’m not around. They’re getting extra meeting times. They’re getting better and we have a lot of work to do.”
On how Jester Weah can be better this year:
“I think he has to step up and take his game to another level. I think he’s been consistent. I think he’s been an every-down guy, every-play guy and every-week guy. He’s just making consistent plays down the field. He’s going to get played differently this year. I think going against our defense helps him every day on a daily basis to compete. Going against Avonte Maddox every day helps him get better as a football player.”
On Quadree Henderson’s role in the passing game:
“I think Quadree [Henderson] has bought in to what we are trying to get accomplished in the throw game. I think he’s getting better just route-running and seeing things. He’s getting better at playing in the slot because I think that’s a new position for him, playing on the inside lane. He’s getting better. Is he perfect? No. Is he getting better every day? Yes. He has to get used to making those plays in the throw game.”
On Ruben Flowers III contributing this year:
“I am really, really excited about what he’s capable of doing. I think he’s shown that the past couple scrimmages and practices. Once again, it’s just consistency. It’s making that play when we need to make a play. We have to have chunk yards; we have to have big plays; we have to have explosive plays. He’s very capable of doing those things. I think once he sees himself on video and competes against our guys every day and makes those plays, his confidence is starting to rise as well.”
Linebacker Elijah Zeise
On his excitement getting back into practicing and playing coming off an injury:
“I’m very excited, honestly. It’s probably been more than a year because I had small roles on special teams since I’ve been here and I’m really excited to get out there and really be doing something.”
On the growth of his understanding of the defense through camp:
“I think I’m pretty far along. I think where I was at this point last training camp, I’m miles further as far as an understanding goes. Last year was a lot of just knowing what I had to do on any given play. Now I have a big, broad understanding of the defense, so I feel pretty comfortable so far.”
On the biggest adjustment he made going from Star linebacker to Money linebacker:
“I think just being in the box more. When I was at star, it’s more walked out, matching up with receivers and stuff. Now I’m more involved in the run. I think that’s been one of the biggest changes. It’s a little more physical.”
On how the linebackers work together:
“I think we’re a pretty athletic group. I think even when sometimes we make wrong reads and get caught out of position, we’re athletic enough to make up for it a lot of times. I think that’s one big advantage that we will have going forward.”
Defensive Lineman Shane Roy
On what it’s like guiding younger players:
“It’s easy. Those guys make it easy. They come out every day just happy to work and have a good time. We just have fun out there and it makes practice go by fast.”
On adapting to the position and fighting for a starting job:
“I’m having a good time with it. I definitely struggled last year with the technical parts. Coach Partridge came in and is really teaching the small things and I’m really picking it up now.”
On playing for defensive line Coach Charlie Partridge:
“He definitely has a little bit of head coach in him, you can tell. He’s always doing everything the right way. He is always setting a good example for us in meetings and out on the field. He also knows how to have fun and have a good time with it.”
On young guys coming to him for advice:
“We’re all good friends. We talk about school and especially football. I ask them questions as much as they ask me, I feel like though, because every day is a struggle.”
Running Back Chawntez Moss
On helping the freshmen running backs A.J. Davis and Todd Sibley Jr.:
“We’ve been helping them a lot. Just adjusting to the coaching, being able to take coaching and be able to move along with the pace of practice and the pace with the lifts. We have been holding their hands a little bit through it and make sure that they are ready.”
On how much faster the game is in college compared to high school:
“That was the first thing I noticed. The linemen are stronger, so the holes close up faster. In high school, you were faster than everybody, you were stronger than everybody and you could run over linebackers. Here though, everybody is big, everybody is strong, everybody is fast and so you have to be more precise with how you play.”
On if the competition at the running back position adds more motivation:
“We push each other every day, so there is not any added motivation. We motivate each other because we want to reach our ultimate goal, which is an ACC Championship.”
On what he learned from last year and how it can help him this year:
“I learned that the season is long and taking care of your body is definitely a priority if you want to make it through the season.”
Defensive Lineman Dewayne Hendrix
On getting back to practice after being injured:
“Yeah, it definitely feels good to be back out there with the team. I missed those guys a lot. Just seeing them get better without me really hurt me. Now that I’m back out there, I’m grateful for it.”
On working with defensive line Coach Charlie Partridge:
“I went through three D-line coaches. You get to the point where you think you know a lot, but when you are with Coach Partridge, you don’t know that much. He comes in with something new every day and he really strives to make everybody better. He is probably one of the best D-line coaches that I have ever had, so I am glad that we have him.”
On what he has been working on to round out his game:
“The main thing that I have been working on is just my ‘get-off’ and my hands. I feel like it will play a good role, especially at the defensive line position.”
On trying to replace Ejuan Price:
“Replacing him, to be honest, is impossible. But I feel like, as a unit, we can try to replace him. So if I do something and someone else does something, eventually that play will be made, whether I am making it or someone else is. Plays will still be made without Ejuan Price.”
Defensive Back Phil Campbell
On what he has learned from Dennis Briggs about the boundary safety position:
“I go home and I watch his film every day. He knows the defense in and out and it’s just good to learn from a guy like that because he has experience. He has played on the field for a couple of years. I watch the other guys’ films—Terrish [Webb] and Reggie [Mitchell]—from last year. It’s just good to learn from the older guys like that.”
On what he thinks is the most challenging part of the boundary safety position:
“I’m not really sure. It’s just getting the mental part down, knowing my keys for every play and just playing fast.”
On if knowing when to communicate with the other players is a challenging part of the position:
“Being a safety in this defense, you have to communicate every play. So that is probably the hardest thing, I would say.”
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So Reed can we officially consider this a man-crush ,..you and Pickett? Not that there is anything wrong with that. HA I don’t plan on calling in either, wanna give someone else a chance. Reed text me if you need an additional guy but outherwise I am out.
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Oh stop it big guy. It was just a jab. Actually I did meet a fellow named Chris Clarke that went 260 lbs easily. It’s just he wasn’t 6’6″ but more like 5’9″
BTW, As I was writing this rebuttal my wife handed me a package from The University of Pittsburgh. Bird in the hand!! ike
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Ike – Whudya get? Whudya get?
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wwb–Not the first time this BB Kick-Off event has happened at this location. I’ve seen it before at homecoming week. Although the name is new. Like most sporting events this is copycat.
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If you go up to the caption of the QBs picture that Reed posted above, on the far right you will not apparently see Pitt’s next starting QB but instead one of the great R&B singers of all time …. Mustang Sally, Hey Jude, Midnight Hour, Land of 1000 Dances
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come to think of it, that labeling might have been Freudian
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No – hidden pun
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Ike – I am on a self-imposed sabbatical.
A month ago a POVert who has a hatred for me IMO that borders on mental instability threatened me in capital letters; he knows who he is. He opposes every post I make to the point I post and log off and don’t get to do back and forth with sane minded people.
This capitalization and conduct is an unhealthy thing. 17 years ago I investigated and prosecuted Floyd Johnson aka the Cockroach. Floyd a psychotic, sociopathic arsonist wrote a hate letter to his trial judge. In significant part it read “First I am going to rape and murder your wife and daughter and then I am going to CUT YOUR HEART OUT AND FILL THE HOLE WITH SALT.”
This is very real, unhealthy anger. Another example is Ted Kacsynski the Unabomber who capitalized words and phrases to emphasize his point. Both psychotic sociopaths.
This site should be for civil discourse.I don’t think he is anything but a law abiding citizen and Pitt fan but his anger IMO is that bad towards me His buddy thought it was funny, I did not. I lowered myself to their level and punched back in writing (his buddy might not have realized the significance and I punched him way way too hard).
Sorry for that POVerts my emotions and concern for the safety of myself and family got the best of me. Hence I am on a self-imposed sabbatical. J See you all again in a while, I still read and enjoy the POV and comments.
Be civil. Peace out.
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I see your point there Reed and hope you get recharged during your sabbatical. Here is some words Kenny Pickett’s coach had to say about him last fall. You will like them.
“Kenny came up having a lot of success throughout the youth levels. He’s had a lot of success at the high school level, and coming into his senior year he’s prepared to carry the load so we will ask a lot of him and we feel confident that he is going to be able to rise to the challenge.”
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Kiski – that wasn’t me above but another commenter and one who has been on here and the Pitt Blather for years.
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Thanks Reed!
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Do what you have to do rkb. Sanity should be the first priority and I know I don’t have to tell you that. I get what you are saying and I have been there myself. I just sure as hell hope I get to meet you at a PITT tailgate this year.
I’ve been around message boards and what not for years like most of you guys and it happens often enough that some posters rubbed some others the wrong way.
Civility rules the POV.
It would be a shame if any great POVer walks away at the last minute before the PITT football season is about to BUST out!! .. ike
Remember!!
We All We Got!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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rkb.. Emel has you beat in sabbatical time …
Don’t stay away you guys… your missed….
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Roundtable is on for any takers…
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https://bluejeans.com/303520973
Going once, going twice….
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To call in:
Dial into the meeting
+1.408.740.7256
Enter audio code on your phone and wait to connect – 911005#
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Am I missing something here – is something not working or is this just a lack of interest in the Roundtable this evening? Let me know please…
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Shut down the Roundtable – I had a ton of topics written out also. Another hour research wasted…
Let me know if it was technical and if you tried to get in but couldn’t.
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Phil Campbell watches film of T Webb. I suppose all the safeties should be forced to suffer through those, for obvious reasons.
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Reed:
As a semi regular, I was unable to participate tonight. Sorry.
Looked like some good topics.
Getting excited for the season.
Reed and I both courting the same girl. I’m a big believer in Kenny Pickett!!!
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Those are some handsome guys but do they have the moxy and arms to get it done. Glad Pitt is building some QB depth.
Me thinks a round table at beginning of a tailgate is a good idea. Prior to a home game, have at it. Those who want to participate get in line first or pay some bucks. Must be done very early in day before drinking happens though. Could also be done at games end but many bitter comments will result. Best before tailgating on game day then.
I’ll sign up for that.
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Emel will surface again. We can use his levity and perspective. Unfortunately, Frankcan is peering in from above. Love that trophy.
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Too busy to join in tonite, sorry and thought there would be plenty of POVer’s to keep it rolling. Hey, need more posters to carry the weight I guess:
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rkb..
I completely understand. I myself have drastically reduced my comments as to not have to read or respond to vitriolic comments- some have even led me to contact Reed.
In fact, I have almost completely stopped reading the comments section. How ironic that the time I do, you post about your unpleasant experiences. My hope is that whoever threatened you, receives appropriate Karma.
“Civility rules the POV”? I would respectfully disagree.
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Where have I been? Who is threatening people on here?
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@rkb, don’t be gone too long. I enjoy your comments. I missed the Wilson Pickett text under the photo so I obviously need to focus more when reading the POV. “The Wicked Pickett” was one of my favorites.
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This might be both good and bad … remains to be seen:
Craig Meyer ✔ @CraigMeyerPG
Lyke has largely abandoned the 5-year goals Scott Barnes established in his time. She said she prefers to focus on a single year at a time.
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According to the Trib, their top 2 OL in WPa this year are headed to Pitt, and hopefully the 3rd next year. These guys may be rated only as 3-stars but check out their offer lists. With these guys to go along with current frosh Drake, Warren and Morgan (RS) … the OL can be very good for foreseeable future.
http://triblive.com/sports/hssports/football/12610678-74/hs-football-position-by-position-breakdown-scouting-the-offensive-linemen
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Good point… the OL recruiting has been underrated. Basically the entire 2nd OL unit will be frosh – Drake, Hargrove, Morrisey, Ford, Morgan. Lots of good depth being developed
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Reed – don’t be discouraged about last nights lack of participation – it is vacation season –
I happen to golf Wednesday evenings myself –
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RE: Reed’s hidden pun
Wilson Pickett used to live a couple doors down from my CFO. The CFO always had great stories about Wilson milling about the neighborhood in the middle of the afternoon wearing his bath robe.
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Reed – if you can start the call ends around 9 PM central standard time I’ll rarely one. Between kids and work and getting them to bed I stand no chance before nine
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Reed: I think the entire POV community would owe a debt of gratitude to you if you could start one of the Roundtables “late night” to accommodate UPitt. You might have to establish some rules however, in advance, to add some extra fun. For example, every time UPitt mentions the words “Rockport”, “Puppet” or “Carrick”, everyone else participating has to do a shot or take a swig of beer (Iron City of course). It could be a lot of fun…..
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LOL. Wlat – We would all be drunk 20 mins into it. Haha
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Look guys – it takes two to tango on here.
If there is an insulting comment then ignore it. In other words take the high road and let me know what is happening via email and I’ll try to address it. But when you comment back and get into a pissing match it helps no one.
rkohberger@gmail.com and that is on the home page of the blog.
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We’ll try 9-10 pm next time
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Honestly I haven’t really read any terrible words exchanged on the POV. In fact the POV is the most civil PITT blog or message board I’ve ever been on and there have been a few of them.
Personally, I don’t this place has any room for it though. Yeah a few guys can get post things I don’t agree with but to get upset would be silly. I think all the commentators have all really been great.
Reed, one note of caution. Upitt slip in, 9:00 PM “central” time, which would be 10-11 est. and to be honest, the POV goes to bed around that time or so it seems in large part. Would love for new blood to join in but the round-table will roll as the regulars can be counted on. Maybe sooner or later a few new POV’er’s will join in?? …ike
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Could it be that Wilson Pickett wins the starting job in 2018 but holds it for only one year?
http://highschoolsports.nj.com/news/article/7541238546054922790/football-why-st-joseph-mont-may-have-the-njsfcs-best-quarterback-receiver-duo/
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i dont care if there’s a new starter every year as long as that starter is the best QB on the roster
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wwb, nice article and a hopeful sign for all Pitt football fans going forward. Keep in mind that DiNucci is only a RS sophomore this year. And the way Narduzzi has heaped praise on his practice performance this year may make all QB predictions for 2018 a bit more difficult.
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https://www.google.com/amp/abcnews.go.com/amp/Sports/wireStory/unc-academic-case-finally-reaches-ncaa-infractions-hearing-49262687
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Paris Ford just may be eligible as of now?
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that’s the rumor
haven’t seen it confirmed
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This was in today’s Virginia Pilot… don’t know if it has been posted here
http://www.post-gazette.com/sports/Pitt/2017/08/13/Pitt-football-recruiting-social-media-Twitter-graphics-edits-Rob-Harley-Zach-Lantz-Pat-Narduzzi/stories/201708140005
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Is it on the Pilot’s sports page?
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Some tweets from PG Sports today:
Brian Batko ✔ @BrianBatko
New Castle star Marcus Hooker says the toughest player he’s faced is Pitt commit Devin Danielson of Thomas Jefferson http://www.post-gazette.com/sports/high-school-football/2017/08/17/Marcus-Hooker-Malik-Blue-Chip-Chat-Mike-White-Ohio-State-New-Castle/stories/201708160154 …
First-team O-line today at Pitt practice: RT Bryce Hargrove, RG Brandon Hodges, C Jimmy Morrissey, LG Alex Officer, LT Jaryd Jones-Smith…
Coaches obviously still being cautious with Brian O’Neill (shoulder), which is why you don’t see his name at LT. Alex Bookser 2nd-team LT.
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The Roundtable will start at 9 p.m. Eastern Standard Time on next Wednesday.
From what I see a Paris Ford’s Twitter feed it says “controlling the controllables” which basically means is still out of his hands and in the ncaa’s I think it’s going to be sometime folks before we see him in a bit uniform on the field.
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Missing Wlat made a great point. Whatever it takes to get Upitt on the round-table I’m all for. That would be a little late for me but I swear if he’s in then I will BE THERE!
I’ve heard Upitt state that he was in the air at the time of the round-tables. Here I thought he was in an jet airliner the whole time but I now I think I catch his drift… 🙂 .. .. ike
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new PG tweet:
Brian Batko ✔ @BrianBatko
Pitt OC Shawn Watson on the QBs: “Max is getting a lot of the snaps with the 1’s right now. We’re able to roll Ben in there occasionally.”
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Pitt will allow Browne to pass or fail as the starting QB. How long will Watson and Narduzzi allow it to continue without making a change is the key question. They may never have to make a change. Hope that’s the case but I wouldn’t count on it.
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Conner bobblehead coming…can UPITT tape a “segment” for a round table,? Not sure what all is possible on blue jeans.
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Connor Bobblehead is for Homecoming game vs NC State on 10/14. First 30,000 arrivals. I assume there will be none left by gametime.
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If Pitt can’t get 30,000 for homecoming then they would have to be 0 for the season at that point. I think NCSU is going to be a very tough game, they have a solid d and should have beaten Clemson last year. Hopefully, it’s a match-up of two teams with winning records when kickoff hits because I see both winning 7+ games this year.
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NC State has a very good QB, beast of a RB, QH type hybrid player and big WR’s.
And as John pointed out regarding having a solid D – maybe the best front line on D in the ACC.
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NC State should be a formidable game this year but if PITT fans are going to worrying about playing them then all hope is lost for sure. I think the James Conner bobble-head/NCS is a great idea for this game as it’s also a crossover game. I look for a nice turnout in his honor.
Seriously, the ACC schedule sets up as favorable as it’s ever going to get. Last years PITT team would have won the coastal division playing this years schedule and teams.
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Ike we should only hope to have a repeat of the 2016 offense in 2017.
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Maybe not as good as an offense this year jrn but the defense will be improved enough to win a few games against teams that are facing the same attrition as PITT has in front of them. imo, maybe PITT is slightly better off than some teams that lost their starting QB and key players.
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You must remember we also lost our starting QB. Will Browne get drafted in 2018 in the NFL? If yes, maybe all your dreams for Pitt football will come true. If no, you may have to save those dreams for the 2018 season.
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Tis true jrn. Every year is a crap shoot with PITT. Could this be the reason that some of us demented fans keep coming back for more and more?
pittitis. MY tickets, My tickets. Season tickets arriving is the same kind of sign for PITT football season as a red robin is for spring.. ike..
We Need To Be More Understanding
We Need To be Less Sensitive
We Need To Keep Being A POV Family!!
H2P!
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wwb – only a fool thinks there is a chance in hell of Browne not being the starter come YSU and beyond.
The staff can say what they want out of the Southside but until I see Dinucci actually get in a game and play like a competent D1 QB (and he really didn’t in the bowl game) then he’s not going to be the starter unless by injury.
They better be getting Browne as many QB1 snaps as possible as he didn’t have all that much PT at USC.
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Reed, I mean no disrespect but have you ever done a query to gauge interest in the call-in format? Call-in shows are a completely different animal from the main blog threads where participants can read and post at their leisure. Knowing the major movers and shakers in this group, finding a time that suits enough of the group may be difficult, and I don’t want you to get frustrated spending your valuable time preparing for a format that may be difficult to sustain..
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