in Pitt Football 30 Words

New Discussion Post – Football

http://www.post-gazette.com/sports/Pitt/2018/01/04/pitt-defensive-coordinator-search-pittsburgh-panthers-defense-2018-paris-ford-pat-narduzzi-josh-conklin-wofford/stories/201801040082

Discuss my friends, just don’t ever mention the name Tom Bradley (like someone on a message board just did!

 

 

208 thoughts on “New Discussion Post – Football”

  2. can’t access .. but Matt Canada may be back at the southside facility sooner than u think …. apparently the Steelers need an OC ASAP

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  3. To me, the Duzz goes out and gets top OC’S (at least 2 out of 3 in Canada and Chany). He does this because he’s not an offense guy, which, in my opinion is part of the problem. Since he is considered a defensive “Guru” he sees no reason or need to bring in a top DC, any old Conklin will do! So we have former Pitt OC’s on top 10 teams with one (Chany) playing for the national championship this Monday as the OC for Georgia. So, I for one will be quite surprised if he brings in a top notch DC. He will probably just hire from within and save the money and hassle of breaking in a new guy. But we will see soon enough!

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    1. Partridge certainly wouldn’t be the worst hire IMO, he was DC a few years at Wisc and many years experience. But there is expected a lot of movement this year in college assistants … so there may be some unexpected happenings

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    1. Well whoever gets the job, it’s going to be Nard Dog’s scheme. Partridge got a year to learn it this past season. We aren’t going to be switching schemes.

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  5. I think Partridge was an DC ‘in waiting’, so to speak. Why else would he come to Pitt ? To be a line coach ?
    Hardly.

    Wofford coach had been there 30 years and more than likely said to someone, like his boss, that his would be his last year. And they already had ‘pegged’ Conklin (for whatever reason) for the job.

    So when Nard Dog got wind of that, he brought in Partridge, for some ‘on the job training’. A Pitt specialty.
    And then he can be plugged in seamlessly.

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  6. Really don’t see how a new DC will make an ounce of difference…The new DC will run the same PN defense as the old DC. The secondary played better over the last half of the season, so maybe the “system” is kicking in…I hope so because that is our only chance for improvement

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  7. My take is that Narduzzi pounced on Partridge after he was fired as HC after last season because of Partidge’s Florida ties. He is a FL native, and recruited FL for both Pitt and Wis.

    It wouldn’t surprise me if he was promoted, it wouldn’t surprise me if he’s not …. but I bet he gets a raise, he seems to be doing well recruiting wise

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  8. I kinda like the idea of Scott Shaffer coming in to be dc. I think no value can be put on continuity Shaffer and narduzzi are close feel like he would stay and help build for four or five years and hope he gets another power 5 hc job. Give partridge a pay raise or 200000 or whatever value you’d spend on a 10th assistant. Pitts problem is not being able to keep coaches long enough to succeed, both head coaches and assistants. In order to be successful that trend must stop.

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    2. In the early ’80’s Pitt had a different OC every year. We went 33-3 over 3 years. So just saying…..

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  9. Dave arsnda got 2.5 million a year to stay at LSU as dc. Yikes we may lose duzz to a&m to be there dc he’d get a pay raise.

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  13. Like I mentioned. Partridge stays as co DC with Shafer with Harley getting a bump in salary… and here’s a wild idea. Billy Stull returns as the new designated QB coach. I don’t think PITT can afford all that and AVP coming back.

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  14. For all those who desire the new defensive coordinator to be a great recruiter, are youz all willing to wait for at least two years before all those five star recruits are on the field before you start criticizing his defensive results? I am sure you WILL based on the past history of the patient masses that post on this blog! Just sayin’:)

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  16. LSU officials are “deep in settlement talks” with Matt Canada’s representatives reports Ross Dellenger who covers the Tigers for The Advocate. The University owes Canada just over $3 million. Per Dellenger’s tweet “the end is near.” Dellenger adds the separation should be complete by the end of the weekend.

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  17. Coach O didn’t give Matt Canada the same autonomy he had here at Pitt. Coach O is an old school run the ball guy, bad match from the beginning. He complained about all the previous snap line shifts, I guess LSU kids can’t learn a complicated playbook.

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  18. I don’t think it’s a done deal that Partidge is next in line for DC nor do I think that is why he was hired. I don’t think it would be a bad hire but usually a DC comes in with their own defensive scheme and Partidge has never run Duzz’s. I could see an associate head coach title and a raise in lieu of DC. Besides, he was a co-DC at Wisc and ever ran a defense on his own.

    I think Harley is more likely if it’s an internal hire. I doubt that would be popular on this board, however.

    I’d probably rank Partidge third in likelihood. That’s just my gut talking but I’d ultimately be happy with either Harley or Partidge. I’d be more concerned with an external hire and the element of the unknown.

    Harley
    External Hire
    Partidge

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  19. A balanced attack is what matters. Need a very good line though. Need capable backs. Need more than a game manager as QB. But the line is most important. Then QB, RB, WR, TE

    You build a great team through great lines on both sides of the ball. A great line can make an average back look very good. A line gives your QB time to read and make the throw. A line takes pressure off your secondary. A line makes LB’s into tackling machines.

    Its the line and any O or D coordinator needs to pass this test and have a plan to create a great line.

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  20. Since we’re going to keep running Nard’s scheme, it doesn’t really matter who the Figure Head of a DC is. imo

    Much more important to me, is whether Pitt (Nard) would reach out to O Canada. To run Pitt’s French Connection, Pickett’s Charge offense.

    If Nard feels obligated to Doctor Watson, he can make him QB coach or something.

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    2. I think there is a possible French Connection on D that is available through this current recruiting class, not signed yet. At LB we only have one recruit signed, and at a position of need. Coach Harley has underperformed (IMO) both with recruiting LB’s and coaching up the ones on the roster.

      On the current list of LB’s yet to sign for the 2018 class, there is one 4* – Andrew Chatfield from Florida who is an Ohio State decommit. Pitt is mainly competing with SEC schools for his commitment.

      Now to the French Connection on D. Pitt is pursuing three OLB who fit the “Connection” –

      Javontae Jean-Baptiste from NJ – his top choice seems to be VT with Pitt and Nebraska in the mix.
      Kenny Bastida from Florida – Pitt is competing against Mich State
      Abraham Beauplan from Florida – Pitt is competing against GTech

      So, if LB coach Harley wants to be promoted to DC, he needs to make the French Connection work on the D side first, IMO.

      Two other unsigned 3* LB’s to keep an eye on that Pitt is in their final decision process –

      Kolin Demens from Michigan is a OLB who is a UCLA decommit and Pitt is the lead school.
      Abraham Alce from Florida is an ILB who Pitt is competing with 4 other P5 programs, including Wisconsin with Inoke as the lead recruiter

      H2P!

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  23. Personally, I wouldn’t let Tom Bradley wash my 2008 Hyundai Elantra if he brought his own bucket and sponge…

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  25. Wide awake at 1:30 am. Checked into the POV and I’ve seen some comments about Tom Bradley. I’ve been convinced for a long time that the entire coaching staff at Penn State knew about Jerry Sandusky. That’s just my opinion. However, the only real evidence I am aware of that implies knowledge on Bradley’s part was the testimony of McQueary, which i believe implicated Schiano and Bradley. Both have gone on to prominent jobs at better football schools than Pitt. By all accounts Bradley was a great recruiter, particularly in the WPIAL. I know Reed and others have expressed no interest in bringing him to Pitt. I assume because of the Sandusky ties? That is reason enough to stay away from him, but are there other reasons or backstory about which I am not aware? Do I recall correctly that one of the local news stations in Pittsburgh erroneously reported that Bradley had been offered the Pitt HC position back when we were going through coaching turmoil?

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  26. I would be okay if Pitt paid Canada 1m to be co offensive coordinator and promoted Partridge. But the better move is to hire an excellent oline recruiter and promote partridge or Harley to dc.
    Reed and most may note believe it, but I really feel the d is about to turn a corner to being great.
    We need some huge o line gets to get the whole train rolling.

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  27. Smart move is to promote from within and give the other guy a slight raise. Then go out and hire a qb coach. If there is $$ left give everyone a bump.
    The next coach on staff who should be on the hot seat is O Line Coach Peterson.

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    1. To me, this proves how players matters more than coaches. In 2016, Peterson was one of the best OL coaches on the planet.

      Remember how good we thought the Chryst’s OL coach was … look at the sacks given up in 2012 and 2013. I don’t believe it was because of the coach

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      1. Yep, Peterson was a God in 2016 and might be a huge whipping boy in 2018. Chryst’s O-line coach was great with the one liners, but not so good those two years. The players get some experience, all of a sudden he is funny and a good coach.

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  28. I wonder how long it will take to get the coaching staff finalized? I remember getting very impatient last year, and if I’m not mistaken, Watson wasn’t added until after LOI day last year.

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    1. Remember, all of these coaching hires aren’t made in a vacuum. There are other schools also looking for DCs. Last year, Bill Napier (Bama Assistant) changed his twitter status to a follower of Narduzzi twitter, and it was speculated he would be become the OC. A week or so later, he was hired as OC at ASU.

      Current example … MSU has co-defensive coordinators — Mike Tressel and Halon Barnett. Both have worked under HCPN. However, Barnett is currently being interviewed for the FSU DC position. If he gets it, forget about the possibility of Tressel coming here.

      Now, many here have issues with Dokish .. but what he tweeted yesterday made a lot of sense.

      Chris Dokish@ChrisDokish 16h16 hours ago

      Right now, the programs that throw money around are making their big hires. That will set the carousel in motion. I’m guessing it will be awhile before Pitt finalizes their staff.

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  29. Folks keep in mind that Watson came to us from Indiana where he was I believe the QB consultant in between real jobs. I’d make him the QB coach who Pickett by now should be comfortable with and bring back Canada. It would take guts on Narduzzi’s part to bring back Canada after he bolted. But then again who cares if it brings back some added excitement to the Pitt offense.

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  30. Why do an internal hire when the defensive play has been so bad over the last two years?

    I think we should bring in some new blood – somebody that Narduzzi’s comfortable with but who will stand up to him and be able to run defenses on his own as much as possible.

    We will not pay a coordinator $1M.

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    1. Reed- Didn’t they offer Canada that much to stay…or is it just a rumor? I say bring Shafer as DC.

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    2. Another reason to bring in new blood: The new guy will ask for and should get the authority to change any of his defensive assistants. Voila! — a much needed new DB coach, along with the new DC.

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  31. There are only so many defensive schemes college teams run. Many teams run what Pitt does with success.

    It is all in how you use extra personnel and mix up coverages, etc. The base system isn’t the issue. It is adjusting your base defense so either Narduzzi or Conklin were the issue. Pitt needs an experienced DC that has called defenses in games and knows how to make adjustments.

    A perfect example….why did it take 2 years and 3 or four games to regularly play extra DBs against passing teams? They didn’t implement it until after the OSU game when they got tourched once again.

    I believe Conklin said the players weren’t ready yet to implement it. That is complete BS. Either Narduzzi or Conklin were sloooooow to make scheme changes.

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  32. As for the 10th coach, we really need someone with strong recruiting ties to Western PA. Particularly the football “pipelines” of Clairton, Aliquippa, Pine Richland, McKeesport, etc. Franklinstein did exactly that when he hired Terry Smith from Gateway, who had no prior college experience that I am aware of. Guys like Rutherford and Kasperowicz come to mind, and they would not break the Pitt budget.

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  33. 1) Do you think Canada would want to come back? I would love to have him again.

    2) If Canada and LSU come to terms on a buy out agreement, is he allowed to coach right away at another school or does he have to wait until his LSU contract would expire? In the NHL, when coaches get fired and have time left on a contract, they wait until the contract expires to get another job because they would be forfeiting their salary. Does college football work differently?

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  34. Seems like we are stuck with Watson for at least another year or so. We all know Canada is a much better OC…but screw him! He left the first chance he got. I am glad to see he is getting fired (a very distant second to Fraud’s firing). The grass isn’t always greener on the other side!

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  35. Canada was good here, no doubt. He hit the perfect storm. Good OL, QB, RB, FB, TE. This past year, Pitt had none of that.

    Canada isn’t as great as he looked and Watson isn’t as bad as he looked. The truth is somewhere in between.

    Look for changes to the offense next year. Of course we won’t see them until the 2nd game. 🙂

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  36. Is Terrell Austin available with the Detroit coaching changes? Is he willing to move from pro to college?

    Larry Johnson coaches the defensive side of the ball (DL, I believe) over at Ohio State and has ties to the area. Is he a good recruiter? I’ve heard that he is.

    I like MissingWlat’s idea of the 10th coach being local with ties to the WPIAL

    Sal Sunseri – just hired by Florida as the DC, I believe, so he’s probably not available.

    I like what I’ve heard from Haley and Partridge in interviews. Will they challenge Duzz regarding scheme when necessary? Or, just fall into line?

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    1. Austin is interviewing for NFL HC positions including the Lions. However, that may just be a product of the Rooney Rule which requires NFL team to interview a minority.

      If he was willing … he would no doubt be a splash hire. He has a ton of experience in both the NFL and college (Michigan, Florida). he is also a Pitt alum and Sharon PA native. Lastly, he would have major street cred IMO.

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  37. Absolutely NO WAY Austin comes to Pitt as DC.. NONE. He actually was discussed as a possible HC candidate at Pitt a few years ago and is being interviewed for NFL DC jobs as we speak. He won’t ever come back to Pitt in any role other than HC.

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    1. Totally agree. With all the Pitt greats that have played in the NFL, it’s hard to believe we don’t have more Pitt guys throughout the coaching ranks, including college.

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    1. Interesting. I wonder if Packman, Burflict and some of the other emotionally troubled D players will remain in Cincy once Austin takes over. Good players, just undisciplined at times.

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  39. Austin is an up an comer in the NFL, big money, same with Canada in the college game.Pitt won’t pay what these guys are worth. Pitt has always lost guys to bigger paychecks, that will never ever change.

    If Narduzzi won’t let the new DC adjust his scheme, at least we have backs who should execute better.

    The problem will be on offense where we won’t be able to score enough to win against stiff competition.

    New coaches must be able to recruit better players.

    Coaches are only as good as their players, with very few exceptions.

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  40. Jamie had the largest contract ever at Pitt, after he earned it and we still couldn’t keep him, because there wasn’t enough money for great assistants, who could recruit. All the good ones left for bigger paychecks as did Jamie.

    We will never compete with schools like LSU that hire a guy for 1.5 mil then buy out his contract the next year.

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  41. Missing…that was the great Rich “don’t call me Richie” Walsh that broke the fake news regarding Bradley taking the Pitt job…

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    1. how does that rank with ..

      1) in 1982, Marino was on drugs which is why his performance declined from the previous year
      2) Pitt athletes are being called into the AD’s office in Feb 2009 to be informed that Pitt will become the 12th member of the Big 10
      3) In Dec 2002, Walt Harris flew to Kentucky to interview for a HC position (he never left town)
      4) Steeler HC Bill Cowher is messing around with secretary (early 200s)
      5) Dave Cash was traded to the Phillies because he was fooling around with Steve Blass’s wife (which is why Blass all of a sudden couldn’t throw a strike)
      6) Kordell Stewart is gay (not that there is anything wrong with that) … he ended up marrying a major babe although I believe they are now divorced
      7) Bruce Arians will be fired as Steelers OC back in 09
      8) Russ Grimm will become Steeler HC replacing the retired Bill Cowher

      and I’m sure there is more

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  42. We have never hired the flavor of the year, our last three OC’s were all in limbo when we got them

    Johnny Majors was the last big time up and comer hired at Pitt.

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  43. Pitt is stepping stone university, whenever we get lucky, the guy is gone.

    Jamie was the only exception to the rule, it just took a little longer.

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  44. Once again when we all call for change thinking PITT will bring in a top guy for the job when we all know full well PITT is not going to pay the next coach anymore than they did the last one. Bringing back Canada is the least likely name I’ve read and that’s for more than one reason. He bolted for bigger money, << that’s two reasons. He turned his back on Narduzzi and he would want big big money and then how long would he stay?

    PITT fans should stop peering over the fence altogether and hope that PITT can somehow turn the grass on their side from brown to some shade of light green. That’s the best we can all hope for… ike

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  45. I repeat Dokish’s tweet

    Right now, the programs that throw money around are making their big hires. That will set the carousel in motion. I’m guessing it will be awhile before Pitt finalizes their staff.

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    1. …… from PSN
      Could Pitt be losing another defensive assistant coach? Chris Solari the Michigan State beat writer for the Detroit Free Press tweeted today to “keep an eye on Renaldo Hill” as a possible candidate for one of Michigan State’s two open spots on the defensive staff. Hill is a former cornerback at Michigan State.

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  47. Ike…some of our brown grass is self inflicted because its been urinated on so frequently…that’s a metaphor, of course.

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  49. Canada is the perfect example of how a good coach becomes a great coach when he has great players.

    He had all the weapons at Pitt, and used them really well, starting with a great O-line, a second year QB who was smart and accurate, an all-time great running back, a guy that could execute the jet sweep behind great blockers, a big deep threat, a senior tight end that could run and block, a fullback that could block, run hard and catch passes, a tackle that was a former tight end. Canada was creative but he had the weapons.

    So Watson was left with an O-line that couldn’t protect or open many holes, average running backs, jet sweep that couldn’t be executed because of poor blocking, a deep threat that dropped many passes, injuries to one receiver and the fullback, two QB’s that didn’t have it and average tight ends. The only bright spot was a freshman QB who eventually won the job and bodes well for the future.

    It’s the players that make coaches great more than the reverse. Look at Chaney, berated at Pitt, now beloved at Georgia.

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    1. this is why comments above about Pterson and Hill drives me crazy. Coaches look one season and terrible the next (Conklin from 2015 to 2016 … Peterson and Canada from 2016 t 2017). This is why I continue to harp on the fact there are many issues involved na dit is solely not the coaches to blame.

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  50. Curious about . . . . Have Henderson, O’Neill and/or Whitehead signed on with an agent yet? If not, any possibility of any of them, except for O’Niell, coming back once they see where they might go — or not go anywhere — in the draft.

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      1. not entirely sure about that. Now maybe the fact they are no longer enrolled in classes may matter, but just because they announce their declaration and didn’t sign anything, I wouldn’t know why they couldn’t return. Again, not sure.

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        1. Usually when they declare they have already signed with an agent. I suppose if they haven’t signed anything, they may still be eligible. Not sure either

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          1. “Current student-athletes may contact a professional sports organization to discuss eligibility in a professional-league player draft or to request information about professional market value without affecting their amateur status.

            A current student-athlete loses amateur status in a particular sport by asking to be placed on the draft list or supplemental draft list of a professional league in that sport. Amateur status is lost even if the athlete’s name is withdrawn from the draft list before the actual draft, the athlete is not drafted, or the athlete is drafted but does not sign an agreement with a professional team.”

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  51. Once they sign with an agent, they are gone. They can declare and then rescind, so long as they did not retain an agent. There is a cut-off date when a decision becomes final.

    Most of these kids are already bracketed as to where they will go in the draft (barring injury, failed drug tests etc.). There are typically no big surprises. There is a lot of behind the scenes work that goes into this. Players often purchase insurance to cover them from injury once they are bracketed by the NFL. Insurance companies use the bracketing to determine premium and loss of income should they be injured. So for the most part, the kids know pretty early if they are getting drafted or not and mostly, where.

    Like DJ last year, his late medical hurt him and he dropped.

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    1. Huff, that ‘bracketing’ report from the NFL you mention is only for the 1st and 2nd rounds.

      Scouting services like BLETSO can be hired to project where a player might get drafted to help the players (and his parents) decide whether or not to declare. I wrote a big article about this last month.

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  52. Off topic: What are the chances A J Davis redshirts and Sibley plays next year? Sibley might breakout as a rb if he can consistently break tackles at the D1 level like Conner did. Hall and Ollie have trouble running thru tackles.

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    1. Sibley is shorter, thicker, stronger based on appearances. Davis is supposedly fast. Maybe they both play next season.

      Injuries happen and I’m guessing that the initial ‘four’ deep will be Ollison, Hall, Davis and Sibley. With Aston at FB. With injuries, Davis and Sibley could easily both be in the mix for significant reps IMO.

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    1. I pretty much agree although it’s hard to say. It’s possible that in both cases (Pugh and Miller) it’s experiments that didn’t pan out.

      Note that E Price who also moved from LB to DE didn’t make any impact until his 4th year, buut I can see these two thinking they should have at least seen the field

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      1. Pitt needed linebackers more than any other position but Narduzzi insisted that Pugh play DE….which of course meant he wouldn’t play until he got big enough. No wonder he doesn’t get any 4 star guys.

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    2. Also published on PG.

      Pugh was an all state player, class AA player of the year, and Rivals 4 star. Miller and Henderson are RIvals 3 stars from Florida. Pugh and Miller were from Narduzzi’s best ranked class (2016). Pugh also part of the “Aliquippa Pipeline” that Chryst supposedly killed. Henderson actually committed to Chryst but enrolled under Narduzzi. These guys all had other P5 offers.

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      1. yea, this won’t help the damaged Quip pipeline. My guess is that the coaches were so enthralled with Price’s success and they saw Pugh doing the same. But they should have let him at least have a tate of PT even if he was not ready.

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  54. Guys… Forget about Matt Canada. Not happening. He caught lightning in a bottle here and then bolted at the first sign of $$$. Under no circumstances do we bring him back. In fairness to him, he tripled his salary, so you can’t really blame him.

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  55. Players leave programs now and recruiting is key. Pitt has a number of good to very good recruits still considering PITT. Losing players who have zero PT and are not deemed guys who will compete for a starting job going into their third year in Pugh and MIller is problematic. Losses are just bodies at this point. Expect at least two more and now the class looks to be in the 21 to 22 range. Also another coach will be gone as well.

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  56. I agree the chances of bringing back Canada are very slim to none. That doesn’t mean it would be a bad choice for Narduzzi to do so. The problem even if he did come back he’d probably bolt for the first Head Coaching or OC job offered that paid him another ransom.

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  57. When Darrelle Revis retires he might be a decent candidate to bring in as the 10th coach with WPIAL ties to go out and shakes hands with the local WPIAL coaches etc. I’m guessing that he doesn’t need to be employed after the NFL though, so he may not be inclined to fill this role.

    Any idea where the 4 transfers listed above are headed?

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    1. he may have already been awarded one this fall. They are reportedly going after more recruits .. and now have 4 openings

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  59. Maybe someone takes a poke at Pugh or Miller due to their pedigree. The other guys will never be heard from again. Unless Lane Kiffin rescues Carter.

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  61. Still a good class but now MacVittie, Pugh, Miller, Gilbert, Moss and Hill are gone.

    Shows how tough it is to recruit, and how tough it is to make it to the next level.

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  62. Fields lost two seasons to injuries. Maybe Pugh joins his buddies at WVU.

    This is all part of the process now. Carter never unpacks his bags. Other guys don’t fit for various reasons.

    Hopefully Narduzzi finds more needed talent.

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  63. I thought Pugh would be an impact player. He obviously wasn’t good enough to make the field or he had other issues.

    Too bad Hall and Ollison aren’t on the list, LOL. Pitt needs to evaluate the RBs again and recruit betters ones.

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  64. IMO even more transfers are coming and thus Narduzzi and remaining staff will be recruiting right up to the Feb deadline.

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  65. I am waiting on Reed’s “I told you so” article. 🙂

    I said before 5 or so transfers are normal. When the team reaches 8 or nine transfers that is not normal.

    This sounds like a house cleaning. Surprised Wirginis isn’t on the list with his past issues.

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    1. I believe the staff is counting on Wirginis as MLB next year with Reynolds getting a lot of PT as heir apparent. Brightwell will move back to OLB. I know Reed always thought highly of Wirginis’ potential.

      I thought McKee would be a likely transfer

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  67. Many players came to PITT looking for early playing time. Well that ship has sailed just like the players are doing now. No biggie.

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  68. If more players leave it is a biggie. Pitt football, as in basketball, need to develop players for 3 to 4 years. When you lose that many players it impacts depth. Now you are getting gaps in classes. In the future injury occurs, you may have to throw a freshman in a game instead of a player that has developed physically and mentally for three years.

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    1. Right on right on with regards to 4* recruiting

      Coaching shuffle idea –

      Partridge and Harley take Co-DC positions and remain responsible for the line and LB’s.

      Add Canada back as Co-OC with Watson the other Co-OC but handling it he QB’s. Canada calls the plays.

      Conversation with Duzz and Dr. Watson goes Lyke this –

      Duzz: coach Watson, I need to pursue Canada and try to lure him back to help run the offense. 2016 was a missed opportunity for Pitt and my HC legacy – I need to try to bottle that again now that our D has arrived.

      Watson: Am I still employed?

      Duzz: Absolutely my loyal friend.

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        1. Thanks Emel. The entertainment side of Pitt FB has waned dramatically since the early 1980’s, so I occasionally entertain myself at Pitt FB’s expense.

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    2. None of the ones leaving were 4 stars. So 3 star will suffice. But I will take the 4’s. What 10 of our kids are at 5.7 and 5.8 is 4 star. Mostly bs, if they committed to a football mill those 5.7’s would have been boosted to 4 stars.

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  70. I’m not sure hiring a great Western pa recruiter is the best way to go.
    There are only a handful of 4 star players in western pa each year. I think if Pitt shows great success on the field, that will help more locally than hiring a guy who can get you one extra recruit a year.
    Ohio state, notre dame, the Michigans, and psu all probably have good recruiters too. That’s why I feel it would only gain us 1 extra good recruit per year. Because there just are not that many good ones near Pittsburgh lately.

    As for our defense, the last six games of the year, I believe Pitt held their opponents to 22 points on average. Not mind-blowingly great, but much better than they had been.
    The amount of points you give up on defense is the single most important stat there is for the d. And if they can build on that this comming season, and get that number closer to 15, we would have a top 10 d.

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  71. Upitt bet someone (Probably Ike) Cam Karter wouldn’t be here more than one season if that. Who remembers? I will split my winnings with you. Haha.

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  72. Wow I have to say that when I saw the news and who was leaving I shrugged. And it’s not because these are marginal athletes that makes me shrug.

    There is a lot going on behind the scenes that just doesn’t seem right to me. Whether it’s a housecleaning or a toxic environment, or simply as Ike put it…kids promised to start early that weren’t tall enough to ride the rid and said bye.

    I can tell you that fan morale from what I have experienced on this site and others is low. So I wonder how things on the team are like right now.

    I know people are all excited about Pickett for next season…I am as well but I also believe in football everything starts in the Pits (OL/DL). Frankly I think Pickett is going to spend a lot of time running for his life. He will likely be hearing footsteps and it will have an effect on his ability to be effective.

    So like I said in earlier posts…it looks like this will be my last year supporting Pitt. 7-5 (I will accept a bowl loss so 7-6) is my line drawn in the sand.

    I just don’t see it happening.

    I am flat out asking a simple ? how can you not look at what has happened prior to this (with all the transfers, early exits) and not think there is something amiss down in the Sous-side?

    DaveD

    Like

    1. I agree as far as OL/DL. , To me, this coming year’s success is all dependent on the OL which will be extremely inexperienced. I think the DL will be just fine.

      Like

    2. I think the problem down the southside is that there is a lot of depth now at many positions and you can only play so many. I didn’t say it necessarily extremely talented depth … but many kids won’t stick around if they don’t see a lot of PT in the future

      Like

  73. I vaguely remember that — but I thought it was more directed that he wouldn’t be here because of bad behavior and getting kicked off the team/dismissed.

    Like

  74. Funny thing is, there were people that watched Kam Carter on Last Chance U and thought…
    1) the media misrepresented him; and
    2) he would come to Pitt and turn into a respectful, upstanding, hard-working student athlete.

    What you saw on that documentary was the real Kam Carter. Now everybody that once overlooked his antics will say, “he was trash and won’t be missed.” Like all college football message boards, a missed recruit or a transfer “wasn’t any good anyway.” The new guys brought in “will be coached up and develop into good players.” And the cycle goes on and on and on and on. Pitt sells hope and LSU pays its defensive coordinator $2.5 million. They actually want to win.

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  76. . and now for a history lesson Upitt. You plainly stated Kam wouldn’t be at PITT past mid-year and you said it would be because of his behavior. Plus you never win bets on the POV… You can keep your cash though.

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    1. And you are proud he lasted to January. Oh and you said he would contribute and under King Pat things would change.

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  77. In agreement with Pugh and Miller. Pugh is another Aliquippa player heading out. That is not good for that pipeline. It’s not just Raines and Pugh, Askew Henry is Revis’ cousin right? Anyway, perception is reality. Some suggested Pugh couldn’t learn the defense. I am sorry, it just can’t be that complicated for a Dlineman to learn. Maybe I am missing something. I guess he couldn’t learn special teams either? Do we have special plays on kick-off coverage? There are ways to keep players on your team and there are ways to get rid of them as well (the talk). I think Narduzzi is starting to have the “talk” with those who he believes will not be able to contribute. Despite what most of you say on here, that is the way to open schollies and get better. Survival of the fittest.

    I think Miller will do really well. Henderson and Miller are 2 floridians that didn’t work out at pitt. It will be used against pitt in recruiting for sure. I wonder if any end up at Wofford or WVU.

    Getting locals to stay isn’t about hiring a local wpial coach. It is about winning games. Fix the schedule AD. Win more games and recruiting will take care of itself. Pitt was dumb to schedule WVU. It only helps WVU. There is no upside for Pitt except to sell more tickets and have a 50-50 fan ratio at the home of the steelers.

    Liked by 1 person

  78. As far as Kam Carter. I am on the record as saying we should not take him because of his disrespectful nature towards the coaching staff and that I drew the line there. You all told me that I was believing the tv show and it was just a show. Ha! I didn’t make a bet like upitt, so he won one!

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  79. Hey good news…..we have 4 more available slots for new recruits. This is how it is anymore with the current state of teen primadonnas in this overblown sports culture that’s been created.

    Like

  80. PittFan28
    January 5, 2018 at 2:42 pm
    I’m not sure hiring a great Western pa recruiter is the best way to go.
    There are only a handful of 4 star players in western pa each year.

    Agree with that PittFan…..looking over the Top 100 in the Rivals Top 250 recruits.

    TWO are from Pennsylvania in the Top 100.

    Seven are from Penna in the Top 250.

    Just not a whole lot of talent coming out of the old Keystone State anymore.
    Charlotte & Rock Hill SC produce more than that.

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  82. I saw Pugh many times in HS, said before that I didn’t think much of him, same with Jeter. Let’s see how that plays out. People go by others opinions rather than what they see with their own eyes. Pugh was much like Rippy in my opinion. Hope they all land in a good place for them.

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  83. Huff, that ‘bracketing’ report from the NFL you mention is only for the 1st and 2nd rounds.

    Scouting services like BLETSO can be hired to project where a player might get drafted to help the players (and his parents) decide whether or not to declare. I wrote a big article about this last month.

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  84. Even thinner in the Class of 2019.

    Only 3 from Penna in the Top 250. None from the WPIAL or Western half of PA. 1 of the 3 was #249.

    Charlotte by itself has 5 in the Top 250. Pitt needs a recruiter down here.

    Like

  85. Remember when I wrote that something big and negative happened after the Miami game and that up to seven players were involved and might face suspension??

    Boom! There it is.

    BTW, I have discussed this incident and possible fallout in phone conversations and e-mails with Ike and some other commenters here over the past month. So, its not like I just jumped on the bandwagon here.

    I heard a few names but the gist was that a bunch of kids were facing serious, like a full season serious, suspensions so opted to leave.

    I have said before there are no real secrets on the Southside and this is a good example… This was being spread in whispered conversations for some while.

    And good for Pat Narduzzi if this is the case…he doesn’t screw around with discipline.

    Like

  86. I just tallied the # of departures: 10 and folks – no getting around that is a lot.

    Moss, MacVittie , DiNucci, Henderson, Whitehead, O’Neill, M. Henderson, Carter, Pugh and Miller.

    How many more? Personally, I think there is a lot of sour grapes going on with Pitt fans right now…

    Like

    1. I would say TMac, Dinucci, and O’Neill are the 3 that left completely voluntarily. The others will be known to me as the Miami 7.

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  87. Aliquippa pipeline might be a thing of the past. You have to be able to handle the school work at PITT.. can always go to WVU or to East Carolina if you live down here. Sounds like Kaezon couldn’t even learn the D playbook… gotta have some smarts to go along with that “ athleticism!” Maybe that’s the reason a lot of schools use the speed offense- only have to learn a few plays.
    I hate tattoos but loved # 67’s OG “ On Wisconsin’s” team.. had a big whitetail buck tattooed on his left arm which was sooo big I think it was a 12 Pointer!

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  89. Yep, seems we all have waiting awhile for the other shoe to drop. Now we don’t know for 100% surety this is the case but I’m feeling it does have something to do with the incident after the Miami game? I remember Reed talking about the Miami incident. This all seems to add up to me. I really didn’t think this would be settled this early and when I say that I hope it really is completely settled.

    I’ve been hoping like hell that QW keeps his nose clean and will be the starting MLB next year so maybe he wasn’t involved in the problem with the others players??

    Now that this is in the open, I say it could have been worse. What if it were KP, Weaver, Bookser, Ford and/or Jackson? Well anyways, HCPN has a little time to recover with a few good replacement recruits. As EE points out above, there are a couple higher regarded recruits that have PITT on there final list. Pat has to land a few of them.

    Now all this may or may not add up, we just don’t know. It sure adds up to me in this instance though. It makes for good talk and banter on the POV but so much of the goings on at PITT are kept close to the vest making it very hard to discern the truth. Good thing we had Reed with his ear to the ground…. ike

    Like

    2. Nothing to worry about. Lots of players returning, a young QB, the defense is getting better with a solid two deep in the front seven, plus returning players in the secondary.

      These worries about a party, Pitt’s APR. Pitt lost kids early to the NFL and some stiffs who can’t play at this level. If they can play at this level, good for them. They didn’t want to be at Pitt so they left. It happens everywhere. I think some Pitt fans revel in this because they like being miserable. I guess 35 years of mediocrity can do that to a person.

      Like

  90. Transfers only give us “ a quick fix” or “hope” but as far as I can remember only Gary Burley and Nate really contributed on a big scale.

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  91. I have no idea how we will be impacted by these kids leaving. Frankly I hadn’t seen enough to know if they were any good or not. Saw Pugh more than others and that was high school. Think you all have seen my previous posts questioning his ability. Since no no sees practice I doubt if the general public knows a lot about these kids. I do not trust some of the “insiders” ability to judge talent. Lots of wishful thinking instead of unbiased evaluation.
    The one thing you can say is that’s a lot of kids leaving. Boy, I hope you are wrong about QW Reed, think we might need all the help we can get.

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  92. Well, the 10 departures are a good solid hit to the NCAA APR rating. If my calculations are correct, we have an APR of 941 at this time for 2017. Since PITT’s 4 year average for last year was 761, that’s not the direction we want it to go.

    My 941 calculation could be impacted upward if O’neill, Whitehead, Q. Henderson, or DiNucci graduated. It also could be lower if any of the remaining 6 or the above 4 left in bad (flunked out) academic standing.

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  94. None of these transfers are helping the win total for next season which, as Reed said, could be four or five based on schedule. We can live with seven.

    Like

  95. If the player is stupid and not talented, I have no issue with the transfer.

    And stupid doesnt just mean brains. It means attitude and maturity.

    Like

  96. Here’s the deal. The post Miami game debacle is as real as the aftermath. Reed has led us all to the water, now we need to drink it. He mentioned 7 players. Boom!

    Still think a few more players will move on, here’s hoping no more players that will hurt PITT’s chances next year.

    Like

  98. Wouldn’t you think as tough on discipline as Narduzzi is, the players would walk a finer line? Such are the lives of pampered young men away from home for the first time. Oh to be young and stoopid again.

    Like

  99. Not me, Ike. I’m just glad I survived my stupidity the first time around, and there are too many cellphones to document that stupidity now….

    Liked by 1 person

  102. I’m at camp, stopped in on the way to take my son back for his 2nd semester at Pitt and missed all the transfer “hullabaloo.”

    I don’t know how to post pics here from my phone, so just imagine I posted a pic of a dumpster fire. ‘Cuz don’t kid yourselves.. that’s what this has become. The rats are leaving.. The ship is sinking. My Sept. 8 tickets will be for sale online– to ANYONE willing to pay. And I guarantee it won’t be Pitt fans. Another 5 win season.. if we’re lucky.

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  103. Its a tougher schedule next year and a rookie QB. Anything over 6 wins would be a minor miracle. I’ll make a call to Miracle Max.

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  105. Jay, I’m thinking you’ll be at the psu game unless you’re out of town, sick, or that the mrs grounded you.. 🙂

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  106. My Mrs. knows better than to “ground” me from Pitt games- hunting and Pitt games have been “non-negotiable” since our wedding day 20 years ago. She gets EVERY other day.

    But, I can’t handle those insufferable ba$1ards.. especially when we’re getting smoked– and that is a GUARANTEE for 2018. I take no joy in saying that. In fact, it makes me more depressed than I could ever explain.

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  108. By comparison the dairy school had 2 guys booted for violation of team rules a week or so ago (one of the two was a starting LB), 2 guys decided to transfer due to lack of playing time, one guy was booted just before he signed his letter of intent (due to a robbery charge), and at least one guy (Barkley) leave early for the NFL draft.

    Their numbers are lower than ours this year by four or five.

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  109. Coaches changing ,players leaving all sounds like a lot of chaos .I hope I am wrong and we come out better because with the scheduling they are doing we will need a miracle to break .500 next year. I said with the first discussion of scheduling WVU and PS ,do not do it .PS will beat us 50% at least and use Pitt as a whipping boy for recruiting.WV needs PA exposure as they have no recruits in WV and no media exposure in WV. We give them both! PS has just replaced Temple with Pitt to gin up Pa. recruiting. Not thrilled with anything I see right now! A bang up close to recruiting would help but I do not see that either. I guess I am just depressed over the apparent direction I see. Hope I am wrong.

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  110. ND loses their DC Mike Elko to TX A&M.

    Also per Football Scoop (as above), Matt Canada accepted $1.7 million payment to leave LSU’s staff. Canada was owed $3.3 million. With the agreement Canada is no longer part of the staff. Per Ross Dellenger, “Canada’s willingness to settle is evidence of a bitter situation on both sides and is a sign that the school was reluctant to pay the full buyout.” LSU has confirmed the separation with Ed O noting, “We will identify a coach with a wealth of experience who is totally committed to the vision of the program and has the drive to do whatever it takes to see it through.” O added, “We want to put our players in the best position to succeed which means improving our vertical passing game and developing our quarterbacks and wide receivers to be at their absolute best.”

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  111. Regarding the four transferring out as announced yesterday, I hate to see any of them leave. Especially Pugh and Miller who seemed to have talent Pitt could use in the future. Hopefully Duzz reloads in the next 30 days with a few 4* recruits and others with high upsides. I can tell you there are planned visits and Pitt is in the final two to four for many of them.

    Also, being totally honest on this blog, did anyone have any of these four transfers in their 2-deep for 2018?

    H2P!

    Like

  112. Another thought on the four transfers, all were defensive players which should be the stronger of the two sides in 2018. By those four leaving, I’d say they are confirming that the D will be good and those four had little or no confidence in their own ability to play in 2018.

    Or they violated some rule that was going to get them suspended. If that is the case, then they have a character issue and don’t fit the plan Duzz has. I hate to speculate anything Lyke that as it is not fair to the player.

    I’ll answer my own question from 5:11 – I had Kam Carter and K.Pugh pencilled in as back-ups in 2018.

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  113. Erie I’m fairly sure Canada’s buyout leaves him open to also take another job on whatever contract terms he can negotiate. Considering he earned $1.5 million for last season and has already earned $1.7 for this year without having to go to work at all does seem to me like he hit the mini lottery with his LSU contract. It will be interesting to see who he eventually signs on with this year and at what pay rate.

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  114. Could t be possible that Narduzzi is learning the lesson that Wanny did in 2010? After the budget cuts, Wanny brought in some fringe recruits (especially Peeler and Knox) who had baggage and it blew up in his face. Narduzzi took a chance on Carter and maybe a few others who may be poisonous in the lockerroom, only this time internal rules were broken instead of public arrests? Yes,this is just speculation and I’m not implying that all those leaving were bad seeds, probably most weren’t … but it only takes a few.

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    1. What a great leader that Nordy was. His program achieves 10 wins on an already thin budget and the jackass reduced it even more. Way to destroy a nice little program Wanny was building.

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  115. We just lost Narduzzi’s only two 4* recruits he’s landed in the last to recruiting classes (including this year’s) and you all are waving it off like it’s no big deal.

    Three of those last four to leave have had only two years at the college level (two of them had redshirt years) and now you are saying they are busts so no big deal?

    Sorry folks but that is pretty hypocritical. You all talked about what kind of offers these recruits got and most on here were all excited about the big offers to recruits being the ‘real’ benchmark in recruiting and these kids had them. But now all of a sudden just because they are gone you guys think that it’s no big loss.

    Well, it sure is and when you look at the 10 players who have left that had remaining eligibility we see :

    Whitehead, 4* Star, FR AA
    Carter, 4*
    Pugh 4*
    Miller 3*
    Moss, 3*
    MacVittie, 3*
    Q.Henderson, 3* Star, AA, ALL-ACC
    O’Neill, 3* Star, AA, ALL-ACC
    M. Henderson, 3*
    DiNucci, 2*, Experienced backup

    You all pointed to Q Henderson, Pugh, Miller, Carter, MacVittie as being indicative of Narduzzi’s great recruiting and now you’re that most of them suck?

    Sour grapes my friends. Three of the four kids that departed yesterday were going to see PT and probably a lot of it as upperclassmen.

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  116. Before you write off Pugh as being a bust please remember what DW did with Dorin Dickerson back in the day. DD bounced around from position to position and people said he was a bust… then he turned out to be an All-American tight end and had great JR & SR years.

    As did Scott McKillop and many other players. We always say that it takes 2-3 years to tell if they can play D1 ball or not.

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    1. I haven’t read over every post due to work and social obligations, but me personally, I am not writing off Pugh. He has athleticism that Pitt FB needs. Pitt has been weak at the LB position for at least six years now. I did not Lyke that he was moved to DE and then never saw any action. Not even on Special Teams.

      Something went wrong. We may never know what that is, but speculating (IMO) is damaging to the team I support and (university) I am an alumni. I’ll refuse to participate, but I am respectful of the fact that yinz have the freedom to do as you choose.

      Like

  117. Both Kam Carter and Henry Miller came to Pitt as 3* recruits per Rivals with ratings of 5.6

    Either way, Reed your point is right on when you say “3 of the 4 that departed we’re going to see PT”. We can speculate why they are leaving, but I don’t think that is fair to the players (lack of PT, rules violations, coach asked them to move on, don’t Lyke the coach(es), academics, etc.).

    But if we don’t know why they left, is it fair to crush the coaching staff?

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  118. Who’s crushing the coaching staff? I’m saying the fans who are saying this is no big deal are being somewhat hypocritical given their insistence on saying these were great recruits based on their offers when they were recruited…And that calling kids busts after 1 or 2 years is sourgrapes..

    We have a talent drain,big time, going on right now and should face that fact.

    As far as the reason for most of these departures I stand by what I’ve written. This was expected to happen, but most didn’t know the exact names.

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    1. Crushing the coaches statement was meant for future commenters. I read where you applauded Duzz for his discipline stance – I believe yesterday.

      Sorry for not being specific with my wording…

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  119. Pugh is the only one that I’m scratching my head. He does have talent and is a true 4 star. The other 4 star was bad news and i thought strange that Pitt would pick up a player thrown away by the Nitters of all teams who win at all cost. So what if we lose our only 4 stars recruited by Dog. QB and lines are most important. If we lose our QB, then you may find me skittish. Not fair to rake the coaches for kids who transfer without knowing the facts.

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  120. they were great recruits. But great recruits transfer for various reasons and its not always the coaches fault. And yes 4 stars after 1-2 years are not busts but most 4 stars show it in 1-2 years so Pugh is a red flag. Pitt never did have talent so the drain isnt as big as you think. Pugh who doesnt play and Kam who was a cancer and should never have been taken based on character. Dog needs to go out and get 6-8 4 stars each year or else the program doesnt elevate. Until Pitt averages 3.5 stars (sits at 3.0 over the past 7 years), Pitt wont be winning the Division. These transfers are much ado about nothing. Pitt will emerge stronger from all this ‘chaos’ and instability. If you want to see real chaos, fire Narduzzi after 2018.

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  121. There is no talent drain here. Those leaving are not on the two deep and that doesn’t include the red shirts. They were not going to play and will leave for PT. The nooch went to James Madison. That is where these guys with Miller being the exception end up. Miller will end up at one of the directional Floida programs.They aint leaving for Bama here. Pitt now can bring in a larger class and are in on a nice level of recruits. THEY WEREN’T GOOD ENOUGH. Move on.

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  122. Maybe I’m just blind but I’m going slightly over to Ike’s side of the ledger on the Pitt football program going forward. I think Pitt will have plenty assets in place going into next season. More than any of our 3 previous seasons IMO. The defensive play performance really detracted from our 2015 and 2016 seasons.

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  123. I agree with Reed. It takes 2 or 3 years to see what kind of player someone is. Therefore, no reason to speculate what kind of recruiting class Narduzzi had the past two years. As Reed stated, we have no idea yet.

    All we can go by is what a site such as rivals, that generates revenue by creating news, says. And like any for profit news source, they write to make money.

    Like

    1. PittFan28, I agree but why do I keep hearing that Narduzzi’s recruits haven’t done anything yet? This will be the first year his recruiting should be more scrutinized and imo it’s still a year away from being critically analyzed altogether.

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  124. I can see why some on the POV may not want to “speculate” about the incident which is fine by me but to think there wasn’t a post Miami game fiasco is whistling past the grave yard. These players mishandled themselves not the PITT coaching staff. I admire Narduzzi for 2 reason with this issue. One, he kept it in house as well as he could have and two, he showed the guts to lay the hammer down when the rules are broken. I don’t know if we will ever know the entire story, just know, there is a story.

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    1. I don’t think anyone is “whistling past the graveyard” – lol.

      But, me personally, the only place I am hearing about the miami game fiasco is on this blog site. If it is news elsewhere, let me know where. Maybe I’m not well connected. I do have a relative that works for the Pitt athletic dept and he “knows nothing”, but he is a nd fan too.

      Reputations are hard to protect – I wouldn’t want a family member of mine involved in this discussion. Especially if he left the program because he wanted to play and knew his talent would not do that for him at Pitt.

      H2P!

      Like

  125. I hear you EE and I do understand. Hard to get anything out of warden Narduzzi though. So I’ll respect your feelings on this subject.

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  126. I believe Duzz is also respecting the privacy of these young men who are trying to figure out their lot in life.

    Heck, if cellphones and social media existed when I was their age, I may not be where I am today. Many (most) of my mistakes did not make it to the public spectrum. I learned from my mistakes and became better for them.

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  127. Like I say EE, I’m fine with that and all but when I read how the players may have been mismanaged and this and that derogatory remarks concerning the coaching staff, I don’t think that’s fair either. However, it does appear that Narduzzi is willing to takes the hits for the kids, which imo is very admirable.

    Like

  128. Whitehead, O’Neill and Henderson all left early to declare for the NFL … that is a sign of a productive and successful college career, and happens often at the most successful FB programs. Also, O’Neill will get his degree this spring. I think it’s important to make that distinction.

    The others left for lack of playing time. Both QBs appear to have exited because a younger guy came in and passed them up. The others, like Pugh, probably feel slighted and frustrated

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  129. This team had a clear locker room factions last year that held them back. I feel like these players all probably were part of the problem. Talent was not the problem it is clear narduzzi values talent and attitude. If you don’t have the team attitude but all the talent in the world he is not going to play you. Something may have even happened in locker room after the game like these guys pouted and choose not to celebrate with the team. A team with too much cancer regardless of talent will not win or compete for championships.

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  131. 2018 NFL Draft early entrants from the ACC as of 1/5/18 (from 247Sports)

    Josh Adams | RB | Jr. | Notre Dame | 80.6 PFF grade
    247Sports Composite: 4-star (0.8973), No. 26 RB in 2015

    Jaire Alexander | CB | Jr. | Louisville | 82.8 PFF grade
    247Sports Composite: 3-star (0.8478), No. 85 CB in 2015

    Saquon Barkley | RB | Jr. | Penn State | 89.9 PFF grade (ADDED as a REMINDER)
    247Sports Composite: 4-star (0.9459), No. 13 RB in 2015

    Jessie Bates III | S | R-Soph. | Wake Forest | 78.3 PFF grade
    247Sports Composite: 3-star (0.8128), No. 124 S in 2015

    Quadree Henderson | WR | Jr. | Pittsburgh | 50.7 PFF grade
    247Sports Composite: 3-star (0.8589), No. 13 APB in 2015

    Ryan Izzo | TE | R-Jr. | Florida State | 73.8 PFF grade
    247Sports Composite: 3-star (0.8715), No. 18 TE in 2014

    Lamar Jackson | QB | Jr. | Louisville | 90.3 PFF grade
    247Sports Composite: 3-star (0.8788), No. 12 DUAL in 2015

    Derwin James | S | Jr. | Florida State | 92.1 PFF grade
    247Sports Composite: 5-star (0.9982), No. 1 S in 2015

    Quenton Nelson | OG | R-Jr. | Notre Dame | 95.1 PFF grade
    247Sports Composite: 4-star (0.9707), No. 5 OT in 2014

    Brian O’Neill | OT | R-Jr. | Pittsburgh | 83.5 PFF grade
    247Sports Composite: 3-star (0.8143), No. 66 TE in 2014

    Tim Settle | DT | R-Soph. | Virginia Tech | 86.0 PFF grade
    247Sports Composite: 4-star (0.9512), No. 13 DT in 2015

    Andre Smith | ILB | Jr. | North Carolina | 78.3 PFF grade
    247Sports Composite: 3-star (0.8681), No. 18 ILB in 2015

    Equanimeous St. Brown | WR | Jr. | Notre Dame | 78.4 PFF grade
    247Sports Composite: 4-star (0.9298), No. 18 WR in 2015

    Josh Sweat | DE | Jr. | Florida State| 82.7 PFF grade
    247Sports Composite: 5-star (0.9950), No. 1 WDE in 2015

    Mark Walton | RB | Jr. | Miami | 84.8 PFF grade
    247Sports Composite: 4-star (0.9607), No. 10 RB in 2015

    Jordan Whitehead | S | Jr. | Pittsburgh | 65.0 PFF grade
    247Sports Composite: 4-star (0.9518), No. 13 CB in 2015

    PFF = Pro Football Focus (higher score is better)

    For ND, this makes 8 offensive starters leaving and 5 on defense. Plus they lose their DC to TXAM.

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    1. This kind of shows that it was a mistake for Whitehead and Henderson to declare – they are at the bottom of the PFF range.They are the only players below 70.

      Reed

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      1. Reed – You are welcome to use those stats since it is posted at the end of an old FB article.

        Yes, I saw that those two Pitt JR’s had the lowest PFF grades. I wish they both had stayed. They will be tough to replace.

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  134. Hey EE, what do you think would have been said if Narduzzi would have made that hire?

    … and thanks for the info on outgoing players with future PITT opponents.

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