ACC Media days kick of tomorrow in Charlotte.  Seniors Maurice Ffrench (WR) and Dane Jackson (CB) will represent Pitt.  They’ll be interviewed Thursday, along with head coach Pat Narduzzi.

The press conference will be held at 11 a.m. and will be live streamed on quite a few media outlets.

It can be viewed via live stream on TheACC.com, ACC Network Extra and the Pitt Panthers Facebook page. Press conference transcripts can be accessed via the following ASAP Sports link.

Coach Narduzzi is also scheduled to be on the ESPN set at 11:30 a.m. His interview will be live streamed on ACC Network Extra

The following social media accounts will have updates and behind-the-scenes features throughout the event utilizing the #ACCKickoff hashtag:

  • Pitt Football Twitter and Instagram: @Pitt_FB
  • ACC Football Twitter: @ACCfootball
  • ACC Instagram: @accsports

In other news…

The football team went to the water park (Twitter Video Link)

The O-Line the plays together…Screen Shot 2019-07-16 at 10.02.46 PM.png

Screen Shot 2019-07-16 at 10.05.07 PM
Maybe these guys went to Sandcastle last year?

 

Maurice French was nominated to the Maxwell Award Watch list.  Frenchy posted 679 yards from scrimmage last season and 8 TD’s.  He also returned two kicks for TD’s.  If Whipple can put him in position, Maurice could have a pretty good year.  screen-shot-2019-07-16-at-9.14.50-pm.png

Damar Hamlin was nominated for the Bednarik award.  90 Tackles and 2 Int’s last season.  Lets see what he can do now that he really knows the defense. screen-shot-2019-07-16-at-9.16.00-pm.png

Rashad Weaver made a top 10 listScreen Shot 2019-07-16 at 9.16.33 PM

Pitt has the 30th toughest schedule this year according to Phil Steele

Jeff George Jr is ready to sling itScreen Shot 2019-07-16 at 9.17.00 PM

Mychale Salahuddin is ready to run itScreen Shot 2019-07-16 at 9.17.43 PM

The Pitt equipment guys somehow got their hands on some Steeler helmetsScreen Shot 2019-07-16 at 9.18.55 PM

 

and well, I suppose a degree from FSU is still better than no degree at all…Screen Shot 2019-07-16 at 9.17.34 PM

Screen Shot 2019-07-16 at 9.55.20 PM.png

Screen Shot 2019-07-16 at 9.57.59 PM.png

Hail to Pitt

Michaelangelo Monteleone

Michaelangelo holds a degree in Travel Writing from the University of Pittsburgh. He was a former staff writer for InPittsburgh Newsweekly, and currently resides near Atlanta, Georgia. He has been a Pitt fan since 1997 after he witnessed Pitt upset #22 Miami on Thursday night at Pitt Stadium.

106 thoughts on “ACC Media Days & Other Stuff”

  1. Once again, thanks MM for bringing together everything we need/want to know in one place. You’ve certainly done this blog proud!!
    Put me in Ike’s camp of optimism this year. Just has that “feel” to it for me.

    Liked by 3 people

    1. No Ike, I’m not that guy. I’m just a guy droll pA who has been reading this blog for a few years and only commented for the first time a few weeks ago. Guess I should have realized the “Pittdad” was hardly the most original name I could have chosen! And the Pitt student that allows me to be a Pittdad is now in her late 40’s.

      Liked by 1 person

        1. Well Mike, I would have been OK with Pittgrandad, but somehow my “pittdad” name became unacceptable to comment with. (Something I likely did—at least that explanation works for me.)

          So now I’m pittdad2, but no less optimistic about the upcoming season. Feel free to call me pittgrandad2 anytime!

          Liked by 2 people

          1. Pittdad2. I only asked the question because the Pittdad on ITH was one of the few that agreed with me, similar as you. No offense by me intended.

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            1. And certainly none taken Ike. You are obviously a great guy. I enjoy your posts. I’d love to get another Coastal championship this year, but I might be willing to trade one or two coastal wins for a win against the Derry college in the final meeting.

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  3. Pittdad, word from the wise. If you don’t think you can do it you’ll never get there and if you don’t put one foot in front of the other and move forward………………… you’re standing still!

    Liked by 1 person

  4. Good stuff, MM, as usual.

    —Don’t like seeing Ohio in the 120s for strength of schedule – makes us their Super Bowl…

    —Syracuse and Miami with weak schedules to make themselves look good. VT too.

    —Mr. Weaver in good company in that list…

    —Agree that Ffrench could be seeing the ball a ton this season. I think he will have a big impact — both in him making big plays and in him drawing coverage so others can make big plays….

    Time’s flyin’…

    Go Pitt.

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    1. I don’t like seeing Ohio with a lot of players coming back (including the QB) from a 9-4 team that shut out San Diego State in its bowl game.

      Finally next season Pitt is playing a softer non-conference schedule. VTech sees potential issues with its personnel so it schedules four easy teams in September. Smart move by the Hokies. They’ve always been smarter than Pitt at running its football program.

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  5. Having lots of trouble sleeping so I listen to music. From Steve Forbert: words I live and will die by. Turn this one up.

    “I was sittin’ by the road, my head in a cloud
    Wishin’ that I had some wings
    Wishin’ for a scooter, a-wishin’ for a train
    Or any kin’ o’ movin’ thing
    Well, I looked at the trees
    I looked at the sky
    I seen it was a lovely day
    I looked up the road, I looked at my feet
    I picked it up an’ walked away
    Well, you cannot win if you do not play
    No, you cannot win if you do not play

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  9. Off topic…looking forward to watching the Open Championship held in Northern Ireland this week.
    And its national hot dog day!

    On topic…excited for football to start.
    I’m inherently optimistic.
    😎

    Liked by 2 people

    1. This is my ‘Super Bowl’ …. I will be up in the wee hours tomorrow to watch … and I even like the local forecast of the high being in the 90s over the next 3-4 days …. justification for staying in

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      1. Bill, when my daughter was born in June 2005 we “watched” the Open together…her asleep on my lap at 3am…
        Great memory for me.

        I plan to wake her up at 3 am tomorrow too…haha.

        Liked by 3 people

  10. Hate to nitpick Maestro but it’s ‘Ffrenchy’

    From listening to ESPNU radio the last few days, there is a big hullabaloo among the media about Dabo Swinney not taking Soph QB Trevor Lawrence to the ACC Media days instead of the 2 seniors he chose. Surprisingly, I heard of no such fuss about Narduzzi not brining Pickett.

    Looks like for the first time in 3 or 4 years, Pitt will not enter the season ranked near the top of the most difficult schedules ….. hard to say how good the Coastal will be this year. Miami and UNC, as usual, will be loaded with talent as will be VT to a lesser extent. Yet UVa seems to be the pick among many of the so-called experts, Also, both PSU and UCF will have to replace their QBs who have been the most productive in the past few years.

    I kind of like the fact that Pitt is not valued very highly …. from 5.5 to 6.5 wins

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    2. I believe teams traditionally take seniors to media day. Believe it or not, Clemson has seniors that start. I know I know, how were they not passed by the more talented FR and SO? Their recruiting must be horrible. LOL.

      Liked by 4 people

  11. The National Hot Dog Day reference can be a homage to the Pitt Mustard color so beloved by Biggie…
    Hete to you Big guy!

    Liked by 1 person

  12. Listened to Chris Peak’s podcast — he sees parallels between the 2008 to 2009 team and this year’s Panthers.

    In 2009 the new OC took advantage of three big-time play makers in Dickerson, Baldwin and Lewis. We don’t have players with the raw talent of those three, but Mack and Ffrench have shown they can make plays.

    The big question in 2009 was how would Pitt do without Shady to carry the run game. Lewis comes in as an unknown freshman and is a star.

    Dickerson-Baldwin-Lewis
    Mack-Ffrench-V’lique???

    (And don’t forget that Shocky can fly!)

    Go Pitt.

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    1. the funny thing is that only Baldwin was a known quantity before the season. While talented, Dickerson went from offense to defense and back before becoming a hybrid TE, and who cared about the 5’8 frosh RB whose only other offer was Tulane?

      we’ll see what (if anything) Whipple has in store. But the one thing that the 2009 team had was an experience OL which stayed healthy until the bowl game.

      Liked by 1 person

  13. Shocky can fly but he has to be able to catch first.

    He reminds me of the WR we had a few years ago (can’t recall the name). I hope he develops. Maybe we can try a slant or screen pass to him and a little stick em.

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    2. So true.

      But Shocky was young and wide-eyed last season. And they were playing him early, so he must have shown something as far as hands.

      He’s one of those guys, for me, who’s just fun to watch turn on the jets. Like Jells years ago. Or like watching a young McCutcheon race to third on a triple…

      Go Pitt.

      Like

      1. My favorite thing about college vs the pros is that college is so much more about development. If a player has talent and puts in the work it’s amazing to watch how they can progress year to year. I think there could be some surprises this year. At least I hope so

        Liked by 1 person

        1. I agree MM. Sometimes they step up, sometimes they plateau or regress, but it’s an interesting process to watch.

          Fairly recently I remember Soto not doing much of anything noteworthy for 3 years at DE, then having a excellent senior season at DT…

          Go Pitt.

          Like

  14. Tx, we are having a question raised here…….. Are you the same Tx that made a few appearances on the round-table? Is your name Mike? I think you are.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. I almost put this in the post. For those of you who don’t know what cameo.com is, you can pay Dave Wannstadt (and many other celebrities) a small fee and they will do a personalized video “shout out” to anyone you want. Wanny’s fee is $40

      Like

  16. That’s hysterical Joe…. Wanny knows his sammiches. Can’t wait for his fish sammich critique.

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  17. I see the makings of another fine MM article. 2019 break out players.

    I think there is a ‘Breakout’ song from the 80’s but it may be too new for Ike to know. 🙂

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  18. Like I mentioned to another poster…………… I’m not as old as you all think. I like almost all music but not a big fan of this one if I got it right?

    Liked by 1 person

      1. No BigD, just an old hippie and a big pain in the ass. I’ve got speakers all over the inside of our house and great Bose outside. I abide like the dude. The Man in Me…………….

        Like

  20. I see that 5 of the 10 players listed on the 2 deep of the OL are former WPIAL stars. Initially, I thought that was a cool thing. But after thinking about it for a minute, I’m not so sure.

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    1. It will be cool if they play well. Not so much if they don’t

      Like

  21. Lots of good info at PSN today. Pitt’s early depth chart with some surprises IMO, such as Brightwell over Reynolds in the middle and Campbell over Bright at the star LB. Starting receivers Mack, Tipton and Ffrench seems pretty much as expected with maybe Tipton a surprise over Mathews. As for the incoming freshman Pitt is starting Kyi Wright out at TE as many believed.—Note the depth chart doesn’t include any of the 3 graduate transfers coming in at this point. One has to believe the Rutgers TE, the Michigan Te and the Florida LB will be contending for some starting spots.

    Like

    1. I really like Brightwell at MLB. More speed and better pass coverage than Reynolds. 73 tackles as a sophomore filling in at MLB and basically learning on the fly. you’d have to think he can hit 100 tackles if he plays the whole season there as a senior

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      1. Did Brightwell bulk up much from his sophomore season? A little extra beef on playing the middle position should be of some benefit i would think.—-Also I noted on the depth chart that Patti was listed 2nd and George 3rd at QB.

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        1. Pitt athletics bio has him at 6-0, 230. Plenty stout to play MLB

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  22. The idea is there is plenty depth on the PITT football roster. Yet, I wouldn’t read too much into this initial chart.

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  24. I agree that the depth chart must be taken with some grain of salt …. but find it curious that Vlique Carter was not listed. Sending a message?

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      1. Wwb the lack of seniors on this year’s depth chart makes me think next year will be our breakthrough year. Hopefully this year we can scrape together 8
        wins and next year get 9-10

        Like

    2. Yes…and that message is “don’t enter the transfer portal Sibley or Davis!”

      Like

  25. depth is good if you have injuries and for competition but i’m more concerned about the starters and if they are ACC caliber. I just dont see more than 1-2 on each sides of the ball that could start for a team like Miami. The depth may be there but the talent isnt. Talent plus good coaching wins in the end. Pitt’s best teams were when they had talent despite the shortfalls in coaching. If talent and coaching could ever become good at the same time, Pitt would have a special year.

    Like

  26. Call me crazy, but when I first saw the news conference picture of Pat Narduzzi at the beginning of this thread I thought it was Danny DeVito.

    Liked by 1 person

  27. The ACC Network will have an ACC Traditions show on the network but, “No Pitt-specific programming was teased on Wednesday.” I guess we have no ACC tradition yet or …. I wonder if MD will be featured.

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  28. Couple thoughts on the early two-deep…

    —TE Carrigan is a legit 6’7”. If he can move half decent – and has decent hands – he could be a tough matchup… I realize the TE transfer is not included yet.

    —I’m surprised to see Patti ahead of George. Maybe Patti is better than I have been thinking…

    ——Didn’t like Brightwell in the middle the year before last. I see he had decent numbers, but I don’t remember him making big plays… Maybe my memory is faulty…

    —Interesting battles on OLine. I look for Ford to challenge Brown at guard. Wheeler probably needs time to get bigger before he’s a factor.

    Go Pitt.

    Liked by 2 people

    1. Well MM, I myself think Carrigan is more of a blocker. But then again since we have thrown a pass to a TE in two years the jury is out. If he’s a weapon whipple will use him, that’s for sure

      Of course brightwell didn’t make any plays. He was a sophomore and out of position. Okay so he’s not a natural but I’m betting he developed into a good one.

      Ia wheeler the dude with the skinny legs in the water park picture? If yes, I agree

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      1. MM — Wheeler is listed at “only” 280 pounds. He’s the only OLineman who is under 300 pounds.

        Can he gain 20 good pounds by the fall? If not he’d get bulldozed on pass plays…

        Go Pitt.

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        1. I heard he’s be setting his alarm at midnight for some peanut butter and jelly sandwiches

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        2. Kaymar Mims back at DE from what I read. So much for that experiment …

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          1. Major, Saleem Brightwell had a huge interception and nice return (not for TD) against Clemson in the upset win. That’s the one splash play I remember, but I think he did an OK job that year. I always thought he was not suited for MLB.

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  29. checking in …. turned on the Open at 4:12. Beef Johnston is co-leader atter eagle on 2, No, I won’t watch for 12 straight hours (at least I don’t think so)

    FWIW, Carrigan caught a long pass in the spring game (if memory serves)

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  30. The rest of the OL weigh 280 plus an addition 20-30 pounds of useless blubber… l know as I weigh 200 lbs with 40 pounds of fat……

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      1. You gotta see the BigB move. He’s nimble and swift like a cat. That big fellow can boogie woogie.

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  31. I was probably in the best shape of my life when I was 40 and weighed 170. Now I weigh 210 – no further comment is necessary

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  32. Pitt strength of schedule #30 because PSU is on it. PSU strength of schedule is #42 because Pitt is on it. Yoi and double Yoi. MPGA. – Hobie

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  33. Local favorite Rory McIlroy got an 8 on the 1st hole, a par 4. Nothing against him but I feel much better since I had 2 of them the last round I played plus a few 7s, But now, I just heard David Duval posted a 15 on a hole … I’m euphoric.

    Liked by 2 people

    1. There isn’t another sport more frustrating than golf. Not just overall, but hole to hole.

      On top of the world one hole, ready to quit the next, LOL.

      Liked by 2 people

    2. Me too, but I post those scores on holes where there is a windmill, and sometimes a clowns face that eats the ball on the 18th.

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      1. I use to pick the ball up on the 18th hole and put it in my pocket when I mini golfed. Especially if it was blue. That way my own had a new friend. 🙂

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        1. Lol it’s guys like you that are driving up the cost for mini golf for the rest of us!

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  34. Grist for the mill. “Tribune-Review” carried a story today on the top 10 HS football states heading into 2019, based on a “High School Football America” article. In order, they are 1. Florida, 2. California, 3. Georgia, 4. Texas, 5. Ohio, 6. Alabama, 7. Pennsylvania, 8. Louisiana, 9. New Jersey, 10. Tennessee. St. John Bosco in CA is rated as the No. 1 high school team in a pre-season poll. Rankings are based on the number of high school teams ranked in the preseason Top 100. FL leads with 13, with CA, GA, and TX at 12 each. In the Top 250, FL has 32, with CA at 28 and GA and TX at 24. Pitt seems to realize this, based on recent recruiting ventures although OH, where I live, is not as heavily recruited, it seems. Food for thought.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Pitt needs to pay the money for a good Ohio recruiter. It’s no more than a five hour drive for most parents. Plenty of kids who get aac and Mac offers that can help. Not elites but solid players. I figure tOSU will get the elites and then the domers.

      And don’t forget New Jersey.

      Liked by 1 person

  35. ACC Commissioner John Swofford highlighting the schools not named Clemson that he sees making an impact this year.

    Virginia and Syracuse among those named. Not so much of an utterance of the words “Pitt” or “Narduzzi.”

    Seems that Coastal Championship is really not resonating much.

    Like

  36. As for the just released Depth Chart. Might as well call it the “PC DC.”

    Designed totally to reward the loyalty of Players who worked their tails off in the Off-Season.

    Undoubtedly, it will CHANGE.

    Liked by 1 person

  39. The blubber and fat comments are cracking me up this fine morning. At least you guys aren’t shrinking, I use to be 5’10” now I’m closer to 5’9″

    Like

  40. To add to the Ohio discussion above, number of players and state of origin on the football roster:

    PA – 35
    FL – 16
    NJ – 11
    OH – 7
    NY – 4
    VA – 4
    SC – 4
    MD – 4
    DC – 2 (could combine with MD)
    Canada – 2
    TX – 2
    AL, IL, MI, NV, IND, AR, MA, CT – 1 from each
    Italy – 1
    Australia – 1

    For a total of 101 players. Some are non-scholarship players, I assume.

    Liked by 1 person

  42. Interesting that Damar Hamlin wasn’t selected to represent PITT during media days… Could it be because PITT is going after his lost freshman year?

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  43. Last year’s PITT recruiting class had 3 O-Lineman and 3 tight ends commit and will be on the roster this coming year and a great QB prospect. imo PITT is in fine shape recruiting wise.

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  44. Well if nothing else Narduzzi thinks he has depth at most all positions this year. At least that’s what he told JD in his Trib-Review column today. Of course that doesn’t say much about what kind of depth he will be facing in his ACC games this coming season.

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  45. Just remember … last year at this time, Pitt was picked by a large handful at the bottom of the Coastal while Cuse was picked by even more at the bottom of the Atlantic. Maybe Pitt will falter this year … who knows … but I wouldn’t worry about any pre-season speculation

    Liked by 2 people

  46. wwb, everyone has their own opinion and they are all welcome. But we all have something else as well, imo, not as welcomed.

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  47. Pitt got a belly buster draw last season. They will need a full boat this time. Miami and Virginia already hold a pair.

    ike- theres a song for this

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  48. Looked for the original version. I know people are getting tired of my video’s but her goes another one. Tried to make it funny.

    Liked by 1 person

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