It’s kind of funny that these NLI’s are still faxed in. Someday they are going to stop making fax machines, and then what are commits going to do?
Here is a list of the documented commits so far, sorted by position. Rivals has us at 43rd. 247 has us at 36th. DT Tim Brown is the only one not expected to sign due to ongoing legal issues. Jordan Addison has delayed his signing until tomorrow after visiting Maryland last weekend. What does this mean?
I wouldn’t be surprised if there was a surprise or two as well…if that makes any sense.
Here is a list of graduating seniors, not sorted by position.
Hail to Pitt
pittpov.com 
What stands out to me..Graduating 7 Pennsylvania kids and bringing in 1 in this class…WOW!!! how far we have fallen or has DUZZ given up on the are or has the area given up on Duzz??
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The last I checked, Dayon Hayes is one of two 4-stars in the WPIAL/City graduating this year. The other one began his commitment tweet with “God Country and Notre Dame”
You may also take some pleasure that the top ranked PA recruit this year lives an hour east of State College, and he is headed to Ohio St. Franklin did get 5 PA commits this year, all are 3-star (and only one form WPa.)
BigB, this is not the WPIAL you grew up in …. and its not even close to the WPIAL it was even 10 years ago
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Is the other kid Carmody from Mars? I saw him play. He’s a beast.
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My school district in Mansfield, TX alone often has more 4 stars than the entire WPIAL.
The WPIAL is dead
But plenty of talent still within 500 miles of Pittsburgh – EPA, OH, MD, VA and NJ
I’d rather be in Pitt’s geographic location than most Big 10 schools.
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Hopefully Christmas comes a week early for the POV faithful. We’ve been good all year, right?
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Just a thought
Scan the document into a pdf and email ?
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BTW, I’m pretty sure Petrishen has another year of eligibility
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a large handful have signed already …. https://pittsburgh.rivals.com/news/signing-day-tracker-who-is-in–3
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I just did an updated Rivals search for PA 4 and 5 stars … and found all of 3 of them:
Julian Fleming / Southern Columbia / 5-star / Ohio St
Mike Carmody / Mars / 4-star / Notre Dame
Dayon Hayes / Westinghouse / 4-star / Pitt
But don’t worry about Franklin, he got about a dozen or so from out of state … from as far as Texas and Ontario
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FWIW, there are three 4-stars in the WPIAL for 2021 and Pitt has a good chance for 2 of them. One has already committed
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Somebody ask Duzz why he isn’t after this kid…???
https://www.ndinsider.com/recruiting/notre-dame-michigan-both-in-heavy-pursuit-of-ol-rocco/article_dc536a36-1932-52c2-bd18-b68ab77f19db.html
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Narduzzi was and the Spindlers were cordial toward him.
When the university treated the father and other players from the late 80s like garbage, don’t expect to land their offspring if they’re really good at football.
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Many underestimate the damage that has been done to the PITT football program over the years. Another reason I don’t understand why many are so dis-satisfied with Narduzzi. He’s practically coaching with one hand tied behind his back courtesy of an administration that abandoned high stakes football for years.
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he has a private jet and makes over $3M and a budget that is 5th highest in the ACC
i think his meatball brain is tied up in spaghetti noodles
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Tx, not talking meatballs, pasta and sauce here. I’m talking that the damage that has been done with the local schools that churn out high ranked players that have had it with PITT. Same goes for legacy players. Remember when Wanny was fired? That pissed off almost every high school coach in the WPIAL……….. forever!
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What has Narduzzi done about it? Has he met with coaches to win them over. Does he frequently pay visits to their homes? Does heather even get off her butt to speak with the high school ad’s. Does she know what words to mutter?
I see excuses Ike. You know how I abhor excuses. Pitt is lazy and stupid. They deserve this mediocre state.
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How about backing off on the ethnic slurs for a while.
A jet only allows him to cover more ground and the budget as well. A jet and money don’t immediately correct a reputational problem.
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money solves alot of problems. Its how its spent that is of utmost importance. Its the return on investment that matters. And Heather and Nard Dog (slur against dogs) are plenty responsible for the reputational problem. He’s been coach for a long 5 years now right?
And I take exception to the Meatballs as being ethnic and somehow a slur but you’re entitled to your opinion. I have Sicilian/American kids so theres that.
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^ Tx, Narduzzi won a division title but of course you diminish that accomplishment. Like I keep saying, in some eyes he can do no right, no matter what. It’s simply amazes me.
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its a division title (not championship) that didnt result in a big boost in recruiting. it was a participation trophy proudly displayed by Heather. I will diminish a paper champion that goes 7-7 for winning the Coastal.
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It’s a division championship no matter how you want to shake it down Tx. That’s not a stat that’s fudged, it’s a fact. Plus it’s not a participation trophy either as PITT was the only team to receive one last year from the coastal division. BTW, I think it’s two NFL teams that have now won the super bowl with a 500 regular season record?
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Pretty sure he was joking on the ethnic slur…
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I have just one word for you TX Panther, Lasagna!
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He is also legacy – son of Marc Spindler. I believe Duzz et al are recruiting him.
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Saw another Pat Signal on his tweet page..3rd one in the past week 2 in reference to the TE commits,,wonder who this could be…hopefully a quality OL or QB….
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The latest Pat signal is probably 3 star safety Brandon Mack out of South Carolina.
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If you are talking about the pat signal from last night you are correct
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It’s Mack
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Thanks
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Reading a PSN article its says there are half dozen or more 4* players from one site or another signing on to PITT.
Dan, jrn is right, Pat Jones II, Weaver, Twyman and a good many others are playing over their ratings. PITT’s defense was highly rated at the end of this season, not too shabby for a bunch of 2 and 3* players.
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Hayden Fry died yesterday at 90 yesterday. Some highlights:
— as a HS coach/teacher in Odessa in the 50s, one of his students was Roy Orbison
— as HC at SMU, he brought in the 1st black player into the Southwestern Conference in 1966, The SWC is now the B12 for the most part.
— he was hired as Iowa HC in 1979 and in his first year he got permission from the Steelers to use their uniforms
— in 1982, Iowa became the first B10 school not named Ohio St or Michigan to play in the Rose Bowl since late 60s …. (back then the Rose Bowl was played by the B10 champ vs Pac 8 champ) Iowa was a perennial loser before he arrives=d and last played in the Rose Bowl in 1959.
— while at Iowa, he hired the likes of the following as assistants: Barry Alvarez, the 3 Stoop brothers, Bo Pellini, Kirk Ferentz, Bret Bielema, Jim Leavitt and Bill Snyder.
— he took over a losing program at Iowa and retired with a record of 143-89-6
— in the popular sitcom ‘Coach’ starring Craig T Nelson which began in late 80s, the HC was named Hayden Fox in tribute to Fry
— his protégé Kirk Ferentz (Pgh native) took over and maintained Iowa’s winning ways to this day
Sorry for my indulgence, but as a long time college FB fan, Fry was one of my favorites
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He was also a Texan. I’ll fly my Lone Star at half mast today.
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Great coach who worked for smart people who never deviated from Frye’s plan after a down year.
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In case you missed it
https://pittsburgh.rivals.com/commitments/football/2020
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Frankmd… Army will 60 recruits and Navy with 72 recruits and 1 four star between them… now that is literally the definition of “ re-loading.” Those service academies amaze me in how they can compete with the big boys… IMO they recruit kids with 4 and 5 star intangibles…
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They execute plays. Seldom make mistakes. Don’t take stupid penalties. Run schemes that fit their talent levels. Are mentally tough.
The complete opposite of this years pitt team. And Pitt gets rewarded by playing the 115 th ranked team in a bowl rated the second crappiest. Hollywood couldn’t make a better mediocre and sad story.
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And they don’t read the headlines about how good they are……….they are humble!
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^^ Tx. Only because Sworford wanted to play in the Military Bowl. You know the team PITT beat and ended up with a better record. << This one is not on PITT at all.
BTW Huff the Third, thanks for the interesting info on the insurances available to players. I had no idea that schools did that. It’s really gets convoluted doesn’t it?
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The big schools do it very well. If Pitt would handle it correctly, they could use the process as a strength of the program. Pitt probably has compliance involved. Can’t say more than that on this medium. My sense is they use a consultant and believe he is doing a great job, because they don’t know better. It’s all about opportunity.
Also, some mentioned that several of our 2 stars are playing better than their star ranking, which is true. I think players perform at a higher level when they are surrounded by better players. That is why you have the improvement noted on the defense. Let’s not forget the 4 stars on the defensive side of the ball.
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What is a fax machine????
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I finally got around to reading Maestro’s last entry which was quite good. It points out the high percentage of recruits who wash out. If this can be improved upon, Pitt should get better.
While I agree that the unforced errors were a big problem last year, the bigger problem was the lack of guys who could make plays, also injuries were and issue. Our best playmaker was taken out by a dirty hit. The loss of FFrench as a receiver and return guy really hurt down the stretch. It also explains to some extent Mack’s lackluster performance this year, although I think he was fighting injuries all year and missed the last game. In any case not many big plays from him and more drops than expected. Of course Tre Tipton’s season ended in injury again, I don’t think he ever made it through a season, which is unfortunate because he is talented.
At least three running backs missed games due to injury as did our QB.
Yes it is part of the game, but when your depth isn’t that good it is a larger factor and has a lot to do with fading down the stretch.
I have been saying for a while that Ford will leave, I sure hope I’m wrong, he is by far and away the best big playmaker on the defense, and most difficult to replace.
I don’t know how many freshmen will provide immediate help next, but I’m pretty sure it won’t be many. We just don’t get those kind of guys.
It is sad to see what has happened to the WPIAL. It makes recruiting much more difficult for Pitt. I think Narduzzi is doing a pretty good job of overcoming the obstacle but it takes more money and time to recruit a guy from out of town. Notre Dame has really been doing a great job at picking off the little high talent in the WPIAL. Two of their starting linemen were from the WPIAL this year. In any case the lack of local stars that used to be available hurts.
Let’s hope that more than a few of the guys that sign today beat the odds and become superstars at Pitt.
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I have been trying to keep up with the new class. But, work keeps getting in the way. Who has the best name?
pmdH2P
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probably Israel Abanikanda … but since I can’t pronounce it, I’ll go with Bengally Kamara
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but seriously, if you want the best recruit, I’ll go with Dayon Hayes or Jaylen Barden. Javante Royal and Abanikande are also pretty highly thought of
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It’s easy just say, Abanikanda, see?
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Speaking of which I am making bagna cauda for Christmas. huh?
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Someone mentioned it before but it really bugs me that James Conner says Erie McDowell instead of Pitt when introduced for Steeler games. C’mon James we need the positive PR more than your High School!
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Maybe it’s because Conner never graduated from Pitt but did so from Erie McDowell.
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I posted this on a prior thread when it was mentioned…
“Conner addressed this earlier in the year. Those are recorded pre-season. He said he meant no disrespect to Pitt, Pitt fans or the city of Pittsburgh. He simply wanted to honor his high-school/hometown and all those who helped him during that phase of his life to reach his dream of playing in the NFL. He reiterated his love for Pitt and how special his bond is with the university and it’s fans.”
I would have preferred him to say, “Pitt.” All of us here desperately want our football team to be looked upon with respect and not as a joke- or worse yet, too irrelevant to even be a joke. So, sadly, we cling to even such little things as this. Given the character that Mr. Conner has displayed to this point, I think he deserves a pass this year…next year is a different story!! lol.
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https://pittsburghpanthers.com/news/2019/12/18/pitt-football-signing-day-live-updates.aspx
These guys all look pretty mean.
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In case you weren’t aware…
https://www.msn.com/en-us/sports/ncaafb/with-5-teams-hoarding-top-tier-recruiting-talent-college-football-playoff-picture-wont-change-anytime-soon/ar-BBY6c8z?li=BBnba9I
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just read where OSU had 7 Top 100 signees while the rest of the B1G had a total of 6. Wouldn’t be surprised if Clemson and maybe Oklahoma would have something similar, ratio wise
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College sports is just as messed up as MLB….maybe even more so.
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Why should college football be different than life in general. The rich get richer and the bottom two thirds tread water or drowned. Survival of the fittest. At least the Pro sports other than baseball have figured out that if you share the wealth, everyone benefits and you are more competitive. The cream still rises to the top but more teams have a chance.
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The only good thing is for all those years that PSU dominated their Kingdom, now they play second fiddle to OSU, and compete with the second tier in the B1G. Quite a comeuppance.
For the time being, there is only Clemson and the rest of the ACC being relatively equal, making for great competition, although I think that a second tier will develop soon, hopefully Pitt will make the grade.
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Coincidentally, speaking of Meatball, I just saw that a modern day “All in the Family” will be airing on ABC tonight. Should we start calling TX … Archie?
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Call me whatever. I have thick skin and know a meathead when I see one…Narduzzi.
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OK, whatever, settle down. Did you see what I did there?😉
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Off topic but watching Wake and Duke compete for a women’s golf national title makes me think that Pitt should start golf teams again.
I proposed a while back that they should lease Schenley golf course, throw big money at it, and compete in the ACC.
Even if Schenley was a nine hole championship course, it would be a great asset for the two colleges and City.
Matches could be played at our great regional Country Clubs.
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Takes money. Pitt is lazy and stupid. Golf could excel at Pitt given the regions courses and history.
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Those southern teams can play year around. That’s why they always win NC’s. Pitt would stink at golf.
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Pitt would need to invest in a golf simulator and indoor practice/chipping greens. But Pitt could be successful. Would be a challenge much like baseball but not impossible. But I’d rather Pitt invest in hockey first and mens lacrosse.
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OK St wins championships. tOSU does it. I’d rather play golf in Pittsburgh in July and August than Florida 😬
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…or Georgia, South Carolina or North Carolina. Heck, throw Virginia onto that heap.
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We’re broke.
We abandoned tennis…what’s that cost? A few cans of balls.
Besides, we’re a volleyball school.
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The rivals result shows that Pitt has a class ranking of 45 out of 65 P5 teams (including ND). Not good at all. However, if you look at the average stars of 3.06, the class jumps to number 33ish. Not terrible, more average. You need to count the average stars of the teams that are ranked lower than Pitt too in order to get to number 33ish.
So average stars puts Pitt right in the middle of 65. Ranking puts them not so much in the middle.
Coastal:
Miami 14th 3.58
UNC 15th 3.27
Gtech 21st 3.08
Pitt 45th 3.06
Duke 57th 2.75
Virginia 65th 3.00
VT 70th 2.71
Narduzzi won the coastal over a year ago and couldn’t capitalize or build on it this year. Winning the coastal last year is like the dallas cowboys winning their division. Yes, the cowboys are winning the division, but boy oh boy are they average at best so far this year.
Does anyone think Pitt should rehab the athlete from Miami and honor his verbal until the legal process runs its course? Everyone deserves a second chance or third, right? It’s not like the media will say anything because there is no media interest in Pitt at all. Right now, it is just an accusation…..
Steve Pederson is gone and he liked to leak those types of things to the media to sway public opinion on the head coach. With destroyer pederson not in the picture, should Pitt stand by their commitment or are they chicken? LOL!!
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Huff, ‘‘tis the season.” give him a chance to chase his dreams… he might it big time… he might be a solid or average player… he might blow his oppurtunity and screw up again…2 outta 3 of those scenarios work to his favor… bring him aboard….. we have had bad characters in PITT unis before and we still field a team each year…..
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look at the percentage of the class rated 5.7 stars and above. the average can be skewed by outliers and unranked jucos.
Pitt sits at 30%. Not bad but not too impressive either. Really needs to be at least 40-50% to compete against other Coastal schools.
Pitt is ranked #9 in the ACC by ESPN…just ahead of Wake. Let that sink in.
Narduzzi couldnt recruit a squirrel to a tree full of nuts.
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^^ Huff the Third from way above. While I agree that football is the ultimate team sport and it does take 11 components within a unit at a time playing in sync, I think it’s more of a chicken or the egg thingie. Hamlin and Ford are both playing as good or better than their actual 4* rating but the front 7 has help them as much as they have helped the front seven. As well as the defensive concept that Narduzzi has been widely criticized for using. The QB doesn’t have much time which we all know means the ball comes out quick. Like I said, it’s a team game. Now PITT just has to get the offense moving the ball. and a better punter.
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Keeping in mind that ALL recruiting services are subjective. This class includes at least 3 players rated 4* by other recruiting services other than Rivals.
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It’s all so subjective, I say we count a recruit rated as 4-star by any of the services as a 4-star.
Course you can do the same thing with 3-stars who are rated as 2-stars by some recruiting service…
Go Pitt.
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Would have really liked to seen another QB recruited… Need to do better on the O to get a quality QB…Was hoping for another offensive lineman or two….Also I would’ve loved to have seen a big bruising running back in the mix…
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I agree on all counts – although guys like Conner and Ollison are the exception these days.
Whip likes em small and fast. For better or worse.
They should take 4 OL every year. Two so far…
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I’m probably too old school for some of you, but I believe the key to football starts up front, on the OL for offense, and 2 of my favorite recruits are out 2 OL. I’m disappointed with only 2 OL in this class though.
And I agree wit BigB, exception or not, would love a bruising RB, in fact I was never a fan of Connor losing weight in order to be quicker, though I may be alone in that; still not a fan of him doing that for the Steelers.
Also, not a single DT in the class, and I know we lost one (hard to predict who’s going to be a criminal), but even a project would have been nice. I don’t think Tyrique Jarrett was highly rated, but he was a big run stuffer who turned out great, loved that guy, wish we could get another one or two like him.
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Looking back at the guys who have left our program over the past several years under the current head coach—-nobody went to a bigger program and none of them have made it “big time.“ Correct me if needed… Forgot “ the Nucc “ will be on TV Saturday!!!
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One area that HL has definitely upgraded is how former lettermen are treated at football pre-games. There used to be an area in the Great Hall sectioned off with black curtains for letter winners. There was a bar there and they might put out a bowl of popcorn. Frankly, it was embarrassing.
Now, the lettermen have a nice pre-game tailgate in a nice tent by the river. Now you see former FB players there, where before you didn’t. I had a nice chat with Father and Son Zeise at one of them this season.
A definite, tangible improvement by the current athletic-department regime.
(Course I’ve only been to a couple of them because they have to compete with the awesomeness of the Fran/Wolfe/Scooter tailgate…👍)
Go Pitt.
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Narduzzi addressed the QB issue today, He said that they weren’t just going to offer someone just to have another QB …. and especially the way the transfer portal is these days.
He also said he is expecting another signing later today …. Addison maybe?
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wwb …Thanks for the update… Glad
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Glad you our lending an ear to what is being said… By the Duzz
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Now that PITT knows who is signed on the dotted line it will give them a better idea who to go after to enhance this class. I also expect a few more players to either enter the transfer portal or just plain move on from PITT freeing up some roster spots.
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per John McGonigal, PG … the following will enroll in January
RB Israel Abanikanda
ATH Solomon DeShields
LB AJ Roberts
DB Buddy Mack
WR Aydin Henningham
JUCO TE Daniel Moraga
Grad transfer TE Lucas Krull
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Huff III. I assume that you are joking when you say that we should take a kid who was involved in a robbery, kidnapping, etc. that involved a gun.
I agree that we need to start signing up more offensive linemen—or getting quality transfers.
pmdH2P
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according to the PG … Narduzzi said the signing will now be tomorrow … so if so, it will be Addison
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Maryland flipped a five star WR from LSU earlier today so that likely solidified Addison back to Pitt. I’ve got no inside info just putting 2+2 together
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Who in the hell wants to go to Maryland? Well I mean to play football for the Terrapins. Lot’s of great people live down there but to get beat up every year, eh.
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That’s called selling your school. Not sure if you have ever been to the campus but it is nice. They even have an on campus stadium. Imagine that.
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Maybe he wants to play big10 football, maybe he wants to be a part of a rebuild so there are plenty of reasons he might want to go to Maryland.
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Dino Tomlin apparently.
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Good luck to Dino. Probably didn’t think he could make the field for PITT?
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Hey Mike, now you’re a mathematician, 2+2? You’re treading dangerously close to South Carolina and Richards waters.
Maryland flipped a 5* LSU commit and almost had Addison? Something stinks to high heavens in College Park Maryland.
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I also think that for a team like Pitt … it is prudent to have a few slots open for transfers
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With WRs Vardzel and Wayne seeing playing time, and with the 3 WRs coming in, I’m surprised that Michael Smith and Cam O’Neil aren’t exploring transferring out…
Go Pitt.
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There are quite a few on this Pitt team that will probably never play a down at Pitt. If FB is still a consideration it’s time to move on. If all they want is a paid for college diploma then they probably are here for the duration.
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While you’d like to see a viable QB candidate in every class, it could help next year’s recruiting if we don’t take a QB this class. That is, it’s a recruiting plus to show a kid that there would be no QB in the class ahead of him… Increases the chances for playing time.
Course these days a transfer is always possible, and even likely…
Go Pitt.
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Continuing the demise of the WPIAL: Butler just petitioned the WPIAL to opt out of the WPIAL football schedule for next year. Request was denied, either participate all sports on none. Butler is now considering going independent in all sports. Football was 0-10 the last 2 years and not much better in previous years. Still a 6A school but having no success in even mediocre football. Long fall from the 60s-80s when they fielded good teams.
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when I grew up, Butler always had a competitive football team under Art Bernardi …. with the likes of Terry Hanratty and the 3 Saul brother, all who went onto the NFL
TP, Here are some meatball high school coaches from back in the day back when WPIAL ruled:
Bernardi, Butler
Larry Bruno, Beaver Falls
Lindy Lauro, New Caste
Pete Antimarino, Gateway
Pete Dimperio, Westinghouse
just off the top of my head … sure there were more
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Lived across the street from Coach Bernadi. Butler named the stadium after him, he should request a name change!
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Larry V above
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Art walker. Mt. Lebanon.
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I Remember participating in Jr. High school Hi-Y and going to Butler HS for a sports competition – they had an indoor pool for swimming events. I remember playing in the basketball tournament… had my 1st MickeyD’s burger on that Butler trip – cost something like 15 cents…
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I try to stay neutral, but Tex nothing Pitt does is or ever will be good enough for you. Maybe everything is bigger in Texas, but you and UPitt(wherever he is) do nothing but criticize and demean, and hate anything Pitt athletics or their administration does. And yes, I took geography and realize logistically it would be very hard, but it’s funny the most critical posters haven’t been to or have any desire to attend a game. Does Pitt at times frustrate me? Yes!!!! But I haven’t missed a game since the mid 80’s, which by the way I was 8 yrs old, but I continue to support the program, and I am not a Pitt grad FYI…
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I do point out glaring bads such as facilities, directors cup, poor roi, donation rates, attendance, revenues, budget deficits, etc
I’ve also praised 4 pitt coaches, commented nicely on the soccer pitch upgrades, gave Narduzzi a non failing grade this year. Seriously what more do you want from me?
I just find it far too easy to criticize Pitt. Pitt could do something about it but the administration loves a good dark comedy.
I’ll continue to point out the negatives until pitt does something. If I were an alumnus of an SEC school, I probably wouldn’t be complaining as much but I’d still point out things with a critical eye.
I often wonder why Pitt tries to run a sports business when it has failed miserably for the past 40 years…nearly $400 million in losses. As an alumnus, I do care about that.
I do donate to two pitt programs. Last I attended a football game was 2 years ago. I do plan on going next year for homecoming. I do watch on TV when possible. My kids know my passion and look at me crazy. They also know SOP and the definition of Pitting.
Again, Pitt could do something about it. I do something by commenting, donating to programs worth my money, writing heather letters, and being an advocate of a MPC.
Pitt has my critical 💕
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Tex, no problems here with you pointing out the negatives… That’s how I was trained in my profession many years ago was to comment/ document on the negative thing-The things that you need to work on to fix…then develop a plan of care to get’r done!!! We never documented all the normal/ good things that were going on with the patient… Love your input… Look forward to seeing you in person next year… Try to get your mom and dad to come… They need to meet all of our crew…
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I’m also 100% behind you Tx but I see the frustration with others that grow weary of the same old story. Just like many grow weary of mine. 🙂
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It’s a frustration borne out of being mediocre. Who wants to go through life like that. That’s why we’re on this blog commenting. Because we all care. It’s a shame that Pitt doesn’t care as much and when they do they find a way to screw things up.
I am proud of our soccer and volleyball teams this year. Programs to emulate and coaches to admire.
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Tex and Upitt are correct many times. That is a reality. The sports programs at Pitt are usually mediocre and have a stunning ability to fail at the worst time.
See Football
woman’s volleyball etc etc etc
If pointing out the lack of success is wrong what is the point of a blog? Are we just to take the press releases from the AD? How about the local paper? They don’t lie or embellish.
If you don’t like what someone writes skip it or come up with a compelling argument against.
whining is unbecoming.
KMAN
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I can always be skipped over or be ignored. It’s just my nature to point out the bad because there is so much of it at Pitt and Pitt has been fine with it for 40 years and counting. Pitt is stuck with me since I’m an alumnus and I will hold them accountable for building a nice front porch as promised.
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A glass half full kinda guy loses his identity in a sea of optimism. Guys like TX Panther gives perspective to the entire spectrum of opinions with his attitude of pointing out all of the negatives when it’s compared to a guy like Ike who is mostly always positive. Like TX says, “you don’t like my spin, then ignore me”. Problem with ignoring him is that sometimes he’s spot on. But then again, sometimes he’s not.🤷🏼♂️ Just my glass half full opinion.
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I’m all for Tx shouting out his opinions from the rooftops and sincerely appreciate all the hard work and the thought he puts into his comments. I can find and point out negatives as well but my mind goes to seeking out the more positives in life, generally speaking. Take “the steve” as an example, you would think I was Tx when it came to that prick. Some thrive on negative thinking to get them through a day and some of us go the other way. It’s all good and to each their own. Good thought Dr Tom ….. err I mean your ghost.
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Thanks for the perspective. I make no claims about being perfect or likable. My opinions are those of TX Panther but agreeing with them is not prohibited. 🙂
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That’s right Tx, I like you really don’t care all that much what internet people think of me, I just say whats in my mind. We are exactly alike except all together different.
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we do agree on several things though. very much appreciate your perspective. and neither of us take things personally…well most of the times (see ethnic slur on meatballs recently). this forum makes for some good debate.
I can be convinced that Narduzzi deserves another 2 years. I can be convinced that Pitt doesnt need a MPC. I can be convinced that Heather knows what she is doing. I can be convinced that Gallagher knows how to build a nice front porch.
I just havent found convincing arguments yet when the evidence is overwhelming.
I do think next year is the make or break year for Narduzzi. He needs to reach at least 9 wins and win his bowl. And I’m fine with giving him his last shot. But it has to be the last shot since 6 years is a long enough time to judge. I think this is something where you and I agree.
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Its good to have a Hannity vs Colmes. A Yin and Yang. A Jedi and a Sith.
Often the right answer is the one in the middle brought to a consensus through compromise.
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GC…that was me that posted that about Conner, it infuriates me. Pitt, UPMC, and the city of Pittsburgh has been nothing but good to him, and I think it’s a total slap in the face when every other starter stated the college they went to, he represents Erie Prep, complete slap in Pitt’s face…
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I agree. totally.
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I thought 2 OL also said their high schools. Agree that Conner should use Pitt, I don’t believe there was a rift when he left that would cause this.
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Last year he said Pitt. They record those intros at the beginning of the season. A lot of guys say their high school. I think that this is much ado about nothing. He constantly supports Pitt in various ways.
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His introduction is all about a girl from their high school who passed away due to cancer. It’s a club you do not want to be in but it does create strong bonds, believe me. I think we should give James a pass on this.
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Ridiculous statement.
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It is not a complete slap in the face. Please stop with that nonsense. As someone from Erie, it’s awesome for that city. Everyone knowS Conner’s story and what school he went to. H2P! It’s a way to give a shout-out to his hometown. Where his mom and family still reside. Another hometown hero of ours once put Erie on the map for “Dreary Erie”. Thanks, Fred Bilitnikoff. I know being a Pitt fan can be tough but not everything is a slight. Get over yourselves. Conner is an incredible ambassador for Pitt. Regularly attends games. Brings Steelers like JuJu along or Duck to a Pitt basketball game. He prides himself on being a Pitt man.
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Agree 100 percent TT!!!
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Maybe you are right TT but Aaron Donald doesn’t reference Penn Hills and they could use some positive PR way more than Erie. I’m also an alumni and wouldn’t appreciate it if he did.
Pitt needs and would benefit every time Conner would proudly say PITT. Prospects watch those games and I am sure more than a few of them say huh? Not a good look for Pitt, no matter the reason.
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Stop. No one pays attention unless the athletes say something funny or you’re alumni. Zero affect on anything except apparently the feelings of Pitt fans. He’s seriously one of the school’s biggest ambassador’s out there.
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… and he went to McDowell not Prep
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It looks like most if not all of Narduzzi’s assistant coaches are staying. It helps to have position coach stability when developing defensive and offensive systems. I just hope they can improve their recruiting.
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It also suggests Pitt is paying its assistant coaches better.
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I guess no one at Pitt (or the NCAA) has heard of DocuSign.
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Pitt still has Amber computer screens, floppy discs and dial up. Rotary phones as well.
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Haha…maybe the phones have a “party line” (😎 us old farts will get
the reference)
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LOL – my parents had a rotary dial phone and party line for years. I think the party line cost something like $5/mo whereas a private line cost $10/mo. I’ve tried to explain this to my kids and they look at me like I’m from Mars.
ScottsValleyPanther
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That’s 🐃💩 & you know it! I just watched a you tube video of a Narduzzi video in his office & right there on his desk was a nice pink Princess “push button” telephone. 😉
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Glad to hear the coaching staff will remain intact. No excuses for a good performance in the bowl game or being on the same page next year.
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The only negative I have for the recruiting class is that there are no obvious home runs, but overall the trend appears upward although we won’t know for two or three years.
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I would disagree on DL Hayes. He will be very good!
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while I certainly am not aware of any staff changes, in this day and age, how can we ever be sure?
as far as home runs … yes, much of the time, you know when you get one (Fitz, Shady, Boyd) … but there are also some that take you by surprise (A Bryant, D Lewis) who make immediate impact ,,, and some, due to their position (Revis, Romeus, Donald, O’Neil, Ford) may take a year or two.
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best examples of the above …. Tony Dorsett, Hugh Green and AD
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Boyd was/is a home run? That was far from what was most often written here about him 😉
…and of course I don’t mean by you wwb
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yea, on 2nd thought, despite the fact that he has most of the school’s receiving records, was drafted in 2nd round, and has made quite a splash in the NFL … I’m sure he only hit a double (and there are those who will say the outfielder bobbled the ball allowing him to get to second base)
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Boyd will never make in the NFL 🙂 Just kidding Mark, thinking of you and have a great Christmas! Hope all is great with you and your family.
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First catch I ever saw Boud make was a tremendous 50/50 ball. It was clear he was NFL bound in his freshman year. If anyone has the time and wants to see why Boyd is so good watch the slo-mo of his fumble in that 2015 game where Pitt fumbled 5? times in the first quarter (against Duke?) Intrigued? Watch it and you won’t be disappointed.
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Boyd will be back selling used cars in Carnegie when he gets released after one season in the NFL.
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Pitt had a more prolific offense without him because they spread the ball around more and weren’t so one dimensional.
Too bad he plays for Cincy.
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With the coaching staff returning I am sure we will have ZERO discipline problem-mistakes next year..time to get control of your team Duzz….Let me know and will drive up to haul the stupid basketball goal to the dump….
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…..also, put 2 more JUGS machines on list from SANTA ……and have the Tight Ends and WR run drills until they need new pairs of gloves @ every practice!!!
(signed) Joey Bats
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I would say at the time Whitehead, Hamlin, Dorian Johnson and Ford were all home runs and thought of as can’t miss. I would agree that Hayes is probably in that category, but questionable only because he is from a city school. Boyd was a definite home run and proved it as a freshman. Everyone knew Dorsett and Marino were home runs, but Hugh Green and AD flew under the radar. Fitz and Shady might have been the most obvious of Home Runs. Fitz being numero uno with Shady recovering from injury.
But even some obvious Home Runs don’t make it like Rushel Shell and a few others.
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Roger Kingdom was a home run, it just turned out to be in a different sport.
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Something that caught my ears Narduzzi mentioned in his post LOI signing presser. He said that they were not just going to take a QB for the sake of doing it and he’s happy with the QB’s on their roster. He also talked about how the transfer portal has changed the way that teams have to look at that position. My translation = QB’s do not want to sit on the bench and wait their turn. Don’t forget, these guys were the super stars of their high school football teams and most likely their baseball teams as well.
It’s fun to sit around and pontificate over our favorite football team but being a head coach at a high level is something close to being a juggler trying to keep ones roster steady as opposed to being too fluid.
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gc, about home-runs. Shell and 5* players help with recruiting if they can be brought on board early enough even if they themselves never pan out. Especially if they are locals.
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Addison is officially on board. Onto adding players for the February period.
Another O-lineman (or two), Parrish and a high school tight end would be nice. I doubt there is a QB added.
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Some strong transfers like Johnson that can add immediate help would be best. I agree on the offensive linemen, especially tackles.
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Parrish is going to be a star, wherever he ends up. If he sticks with Pitt come Feb. my prediction is that he gets more than four games playing time come the 2020 season. Early starting playing time is a plus recruiting issue that the Pitt coaches should be pushing hard to entice such a talented RB to stick with Pitt.
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QB is unique because only one guy gets to play.
The best thing about this class is that almost all had excellent offer sheets and chose Pitt over some really strong programs.
Ike, Star players helping with recruiting used to be a thing, but with the WPIAL being so devoid of big time talent it is a thing of the past. The 412Crew, probably the last.
Really happy to keep Hayes at home since so many of the few local stars are choosing to play elsewhere.
What happened to the guys that flipped from Pitt?
Did Franklin try to go after any of our verbals this year?
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PN and staff are making good choices in recruiting area. Ten different states but more importantly, Florida, Georgia, Carolinas and California JCs in addition to the backyard states Ohio, NY, NJ, MD, VA.
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I wouldn’t bet on the staff staying together until spring ball starts. To many moving parts in college sports.
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Pitt probably needs to upgrade staff. They have the money.
They need coaches who can recruit as the number 1 priority. Then they need coaches who can develop players and teach them, lead them, motivate them.
Given Pitt’s dismal execution on offense and overall lack of discipline, I would think the practice routine needs to change as well. But we as fans wouldnt know what goes on in practice would we now?
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Borbeley needs to be the first one to be replaced. Can’t coach, can’t recruit.
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Add 2 one thousand yard running backs last year to the DB resume’ I think he’s safe for another year or two
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Boy oh boy, some of you people think that Narduzzi is the only head coach to close his practices? Maybe years ago some coaches weren’t so secretive but that is becoming a thing of the past at all the schools. Just like some of you thought that adding transfers was a sign of weak recruiting. Now it’s all the rage in college football. << See the recent Heisman trophy winners. Even Baker Mayfield was a transfer. Times change folks and almost all college football coaches hold some sort of closed practice. Narduzzi is not the exception but the NEW rule.
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The O-line numbers appear down at 13, but another should be added in February and Collier’s move there should be announced in the spring. That will be 15 with just two seniors.
Not bad, but four guys must be added in the 2021 class and the staff must be aggressive in recruiting kids.
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I was looking at that myself just this morning. Not great to have four guys in one class…you’d almost want a couple to wash out and then you sort of get a good rhythm going with three each year x 5 years, so 15 OL at any one time
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^^ Grant Carrigan was listed at 6’7″ 280 lbs last spring. He will be a red-shirt Jr and I do expect a position change for him as well.
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I think Borbely has done a pretty good job with what he has had to work with.
Plus one year a running attack, the next a passing attack, and mostly new guys each year.
I do agree that recruiting has been below the line.
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If I have time omg going break down offensive recruiting by OC and I’ll also do the o line by o-like coach. Borbley is a veteran coach and an old salt but he’s no joe Palermo. He’s also a step up from Peterson IMO but that’s not saying much. I’d be willing to wager that Borbley’s evaluation skills are a little better than Peterson’s. It’s a little too early to tell that for sure though.
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Bleich the OT transfer from Florida looks like we lost him to Syracuse. A team that’s a slightly shorter distance from his hometown.
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Yeah, that was bad. Could have been a difference maker in this class.
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^ I would have loved to have him at PITT but I heard just today that he is a real piece of work to deal with.
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It would be interesting to see what you guys think about recruiting class:specifically, who do you think are our best players, under the radar players, and players that may make an impact as true freshmen? Very tough to judge highlights, but I could see Addison making an impact as a true freshman.
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Addison and Barden for sure since we need help at the WR position.
And obviously Krull and the JuCo tight end.
All others should be redshirted unless they really wow. Too many players are coming back to burn a kid’s redshirt just for special teams. I’m not thrilled that it was done to Woods and George this season. Three years from now when they’re seniors the staff is going to wish those two had another year.
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I saw Addison listed as weighing 160 lbs. I know he’s supposed to be dynamic, but he needs to muscle up a bit IMO.
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Tre Tipton was a light- weight… agree needs to bulk up
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I’ve read that Tipton may petition for another year? He’s a good kid, just not sure if they will need him?
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In looking at the rivals 2021 PA list, there are currently nine 4 stars. Most of them are out east.
OSU already has two of the 9, Clempsin has 1, and Pitt has 1 (Nahki, Yes!).
Elliott Donald is a hopeful!!
Interestingly, a couple of the highly ranked PA kids have familiar last names, Khalil Dinkins and Aaron Gunn. Any relation to Darnell and Adam? Dinkins looks like a possible TE with his size although listed as an athlete.
Borberly discussion is interesting to me. He has been here a few years and I can’t tell if he is better at producing OL run blocking talent or OL pass blocking talent as we struggle with both. He does need to recruit better. Maybe we are spolied because of the likes of Joe Moore. With him, you knew what you were getting and it was good. With Borberly and all his experience, I don’t think anyone is confident in knowing what we will get along the line. Maybe I am wrong, but I just don’t see it. Please don’t point to the RB 1000 yard seasons two years ago. Those OL were already trained and he may have tweaked them. Last year was year two and the OL struggled. This is year 3 and it looks like a repeat. Why do we have so few numbers in the OL ranks? Maybe some left because borberly is not so good. Look fellas, we are relying on TE’s to move to tackles because it worked once! Or, we rely on transfers which haven’t been great. How about recruiting big, solid OL talent that have been olinemen their entire lives?
As i see it, we will miss out on maximizing our young skill level guys (especially this wr class) if they can’t be put into situations to succeed, and it all starts in the trenches.
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All good stuff except I’ll poke a hole in your “all the OL were trained” last year statement. A full 40% of our line – ie both guards switched from defense and had minimal OL experience going into the season. Borbs turned them into excellent run blockers.
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Mike, I was about to reply to Huff the Thirds comment about trained line. How many times did I hear that these guys were going to stink to high heavens and they were a mish-mash of gobblity gook? I think they did way more than OK. imo.
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To be clear, their pass blocking flat out stunk. They were like 100th in sack rate. Their run blocking was a thing of beauty though.
Pass blocking has been the knock on Borbs for a while. Reed called it when Borbs was hired. I think he gets one more year and if it’s not up to snuff in 2020 whipple shows him the door
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I’m pretty sure that is Darnell’s kid and Gunn is related to Adam.
Glad there seem to be more prospects in the region other than Johnson, Davis, Donald and Ford.
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But has Pitt peed off former football letterman? Not sure how pitt treats it’s former scholar athletes. Probably not too well since Pitt has such paltry athletic donations despite a good number of players in the pros. Thank you AD. Pitt needs to treat 97 like 44 at Syracuse. You heard it here first heather. Now go and run with it.
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I think Dinkins harbors no ill will toward Pitt. Adam Gunn shouldn’t either.
Pitt needs to recirculate #’s 1, 42, 73, 75 and 89. Too many damn numbers have been retired. And I’m in agreement: keep #97 for special defensive linemen who want to wear it. It doesn’t have to be issued right after Twyman leaves. It can stay on the shelf until ready.
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Klancey. Narduzzi mentioned him a couple times now and said we may finally see him in the bowl game.
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I like a special number for offense and defense. 97 would be perfect for the D. Maybe number 1 for the O? I do think it has to be earned and should be used sparingly. But a great way to honor those Pitt legends, build a new tradition, connect back with history and market the program. But does Heather read this blog? I’ll bet my boots on it.
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as far as not burning redshirts, I think that is a thing of the past considering the transfer portal. More and more kids who think they are not getting enough PT are now transferring at the drop of a hat
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Once again, I present The U …. the school that lost to GT, beat Pitt and demolished FSU and Louisville .. then lost to FIU and Duke. The team that gets great recruits, loses them and then gets some more
Pick Six Previews@PickSixPreviews
Annual tweet:
Miami had as many decommits (19) as commits (19).
The group of decommits would have been rated the #15 class, ahead of their actual signing class (#18)
POVers, if this doesn’t prove how much Location, Location, Location means in recruiting, I don’t know what will
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And Pitt is in a pretty good location. Far better than most schools in the big 10.
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False, Pitt is not only located in a dying HS football area, it also is in the same city where the pro football team is iconic.
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not to mention that most B10 schools have OCS and much higher student population (current and past)
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Yes. They have an OCS and Pitt refuses to even commission a feasibility study. Pitt has only itself to blame. And now you know why I’m so critical at the utter incompetence and lackluster leadership. I’ll copy you on my letter to heather. I plan on writing a doozy during by Christmas break. I’ll also copy the Pittsburgh newspaper rags. I won’t accept trash as entertainment and I have a real problem with Pitt losing millions each year trying to run a sports business.
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Pitt is not Indiana, Illinois, Wisconsin, Minnesota or Nebraska. What players come from those states????
Plenty of high end talent within 500 miles of campus. That’s a fact.
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^^ I would love to read this breakdown about location Tx. BTW, I think wwb was talking of weather and where the kids are from. You know, warm weather, the ocean, stuff like that. Not to mention that’s were these kids are all from. I would take a 3 * player from Florida any-day over one from Pa unless he was a legacy or had 3 brothers behind him in school. I’m really surprised that Narduzzi and his staff pluck as many southern kids as they do.
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Pitt also has a very strong pipeline to Florida thanks to Walt. Southern kids head north all the time. Florida is literally a swamp. Who wouldn’t want to get out?
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PITT gets the Florida players that the big three schools turned down. That’s right, Narduzzi coaches them up and the big schools regret letting them leave. It’s the recruiting eye. 😉
Wlat who?
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Wow, changing gears, but I just read Alan Saunders’ article in pgh sports now, regarding Pitt/Capel looking bad for not only not playing Duquesne this year, and not committing to games going forward, seriously, take a look at that:
https://pittsburghsportsnow.com/2019/12/19/saunders-pitt-looks-worse-and-worse-on-city-game/
Hey, I’m sure some people (probably mostly Duquesne fans) do care about the game, and that’s nice, but as an avid Pitt basketball fan, I can honestly say that I could not care any less about playing Duquesne, and nobody I know in my little circle feels any different, it is simply not a rivalry at all. Again, I’m sure someone cares about the game, but what an exaggerated, poorly written article, that I can only surmise is an attempt to create a rivalry that simply isn’t there. I honestly wish Duquesne the best, I have nothing against them. But good grief….
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Ohio St > Penn St > Pitt > WVU or Duquesne (depending on the sport) …. on the LDYNS
Looking
Down
Your
Nose
Scale
🙂
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Analogous to PSU not wanting to play us in FB…. play the game for traditions sake… it’s just an freagin BBgame
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It’s not about LDYN, it’s about whether a rivalry exists or not that would make the game intriguing, and in this case it simply does not. I’m not sure what it would take to make it a rivalry, maybe “controversial media stuff” combined with starting to recruit the same players, or something like that, but in terms of Pitt-Dukes hoops, there’s simply no pulse, hasn’t been for a long, long time. Frankly, it’s the exact same scenario with Robert Morris, fine to play them, fine to exclude them from our schedule; I think it’d be nice to play one of them each year.
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It’s not a rivalry. It does nothing for Pitt. If Pitt loses, it will be embarrassing.
All sounds like Nitter arguments to me.
The game should be played. It’s a city game, has history and tradition.
Plus I love beating up on the Dukes and picking up an easy win.
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The Dukes would probably beat us this year.
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And the point of the article was that Pitt is scared. Truth hurts Pitt fans and Capel isnt being honest about it. Moreover, not a word from Heather…so typical.
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Ha! I don’t think Pitt is scared to play the Dukes, I think the best team they beat this year was Air Force. They may have given us a game this year, who knows, but I think it’s naive to think we didn’t schedule them because we are scared. See below regarding PittMan2003’s comment, this is typical, nobody cares. I guess that’s the point. And I think it’s naive, without knowing any of the facts that were discussed, to suggest that Capel is lying. He probably cares about that game less than most Pitt fans, if that’s even possible.
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Not sure but I think there was some sort of controversy over where the game was to be played. I also believe the game should be played yearly as well as a city game with Robert Morris.
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play it at PPG
its part of history and tradition
it is a rivalry
and I as a student, didnt really care or see it that way
but now as an adult, i appreciate what it does for the city and how it connects me to the past
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We’d beat Duquesne by 15. They’ve played nobody.
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Actually, I retract my comment above, I believe the best team they played was Indiana St, because Indiana St. actually happened to play Airforce and beat them. So yeah, I’m going with Indiana St.
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Tx, you do a lot of research but apparently sometimes you don’t pay much attention. The sad fact is that those midwestern states these days have more top players than PA .. and especially WPa. Heck, a couple of years ago, Hawaii had more blue chip players than PA.
And once again, there were only three 4/5-stars in the entire state this year. Maybe you should be happy that Pitt got one of them … and PSU got zero. BTW, someone asked above if PSU tried to flip any Pitt commits … and the answer is yes … and it is easy to guess who they were after.
Still PSU has at least 3 or 4 prime time games each year when they can show off their avid base of over 107k both in person and on TV …… that is how you attract national recruits. Michigan, OSU, Iowa and Wisconsin also fall into that category … although for poor Iowa and Wisc, it is only 70k plus
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Pitt has a ton to sell recruits. But even Jackie knew Pitt was a tough sell so it required a different approach and a different player. Like the Goose said – ‘if I wanted to learn a school song I would have gone to Notre Dame or Penn State. I just wanted to kill people.’ Something like that. Jackie knew you had to go after kids who loved concrete underneath their feet and not grass.
And for the one millionth time, Pitt could show its seriousness about football by committing to commission a feasibility study for a MPC. 40k in a 45k capacity venue (90% capacity) looks far better and has far more energy than Heinz at 60% capacity with 30k empty blinding yellow seats.
Although PA is down this year in recruits, other surrounding states not so much. All within a easy drive for the parents and relatives.
And not every recruit is turned on by 100k fans dressed as Klansman in a Creepy Valley. When Pitt is on national TV, they need to win. They dont do enough of that.
Like I said before, Narduzzi couldnt recruit a squirrel to a tree full of nuts.
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Tex you are consistent I will give you that!
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Yeah, a 42,000-seat stadium just seems doable, but the Pitt higher ups think it is a waste so we are never going to see it.
Sherrill had a comment saying the Pitt campus or Oakland “Isn’t for everyone.”
He wasn’t kidding.
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Is this Duquesne game snub a thing or is it just a media creation? I could care less about that game. Do people actually care?
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In regards to offensive line recruiting… I don’t believe it is fair to say it has been bad. The last 4 classes have been solid. The knock for me the last few years has been the quantity, not the quality as there are some pretty solid prospects in each class.
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I would say last year was bad, Dick & Gonclaves, both lightly recruited (though I’ve heard they think Liam Dick has shown promise), and the fact that both were lightly recruited and there were only 2 of them—- that’s a bad year of OL recruiting at least on paper.
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On paper (especially with ratings) last year looked bad but I have heard very good things about both of them.
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How about if a player, any player that is rated a 2* by any of the recruiting services, is it possible he’s a 2* despite that Rivals has him rated 3? Wouldn’t the same go for a 247 recruit rated a 4 and Rivals rates as a 3*? Look, any monkey can see a mature out of this world high school man-child and see he’s way ahead of his peers physically. Problem, can anyone see or tell what’s between his ears? Trying to rank and put a rating on the high school players that haven’t fully matured just yet is a fruitless adventure and shouldn’t be treated as the bible of college football. It’s the coach that can evaluate budding talent.
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So why do the teams that seem to win the national championships have the most 4 and 5 star players….
I get the premise, just wanted to bust your chops for a brief second as my Christmas Wish for you! 🙂
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We and PSU and Temple should play all of the PA based BB and FB schools. Keep money in state.
What is the problem?
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12 WPIAL/City players signed on to FBS schools. That includes 0 to 4 stars. The WPIAL/City is comprised of 7 counties and over 130 schools. Thus 1 player out of every 11 schools had a player sign on to about 130 FBS schools
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clarification …. there are 120 WPIAL schools and 6 City schools that play football. There are approx. a dozen more that play basketball and other sports but not FB
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Thoughts on the Oline:
—Just an impression, but it seems like we have recruited leaner Olinemen under Borbs, where Peterson seemed obsessed with extremely large human beings. I hope the leaner bodies, once strengthened, will be more mobile than the extremely large human beings.
—Appears we will have more options next season — Van Lynn and Houy have gotten experience. Kradel should be better. Morrisey and Hargrove seem pretty solid.
—Only thing that concerns me about Borbs is that I thought I heard him say the Warren was our most athletic lineman. To me, Warren looks like he really needs to improve his mobility and foot-work.
Go Pitt.
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This Branson kid from Ohio 6’7″ played hoops for his high school, maybe he can move his feet?
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Seems to me that the Pitt staff did a pretty good job with this early signing period group of recruits.
Keep in mind that Pitt is dealing with a smaller pool of recruits — that is, most of the higher rated recruits are not going to even consider a school as far north as Pitt that doesn’t have a big-time game atmosphere.
That’s just common sense — and it’s a set of circumstances that makes it difficult for Pitt.
So, as I see it, when we get a good player from the south, that’s a bigger recruiting win than Pitt is normally given credit for…
Hail to Pitt.
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Pedo recruited 5 OL recruits this year alone vs. a total of 4 recruits for Pitt over the past 2 years. There can be no errors or injuries with Pitt recruiting so few OLs. I don’t get Narduzzi and his recruiting objectives. If a particular position is in need then why don’t they recruit that position? If the roster requires 5 total TEs then get the 5 best players you can get at that position. There is no excuse for not bringing in another QB if one is needed.
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so you disagree with the premise that you shouldn’t just bring in anyone just for the sake of bringing one in? Fact is that right now, not only do they have 3 schollie QBs, they also have an PWO …. and they also have the transfer portal to look forward to which, if recent history holds true, will have a large handful to go after
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and they also have a total of 12 schollie underclass OL on the roster plus the 2 coming in.
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How many does Penn State have? (Just for comparisons sake)
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Someone posted on the Lair that besides Pitt, neither VT, UVA, Cuse nor BC has signed a QB in this class yet.
Must be a QB shortage…😊
Go Pitt.
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BTW, Twyman just made his fifth 2nd team All-America …. Football Writers Assoc of America (FWAA).
and today’s signee WR Jordan Addison will enroll in January … making that two 5.7 WRs who are beginning in January
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WWB, I can see that in any one year there are situations that could lead to under recruiting a certain position, especially for a new coach. But after 5 years the recruiting depth should be at a point where the long term planning should produce acceptable quantitative results. So if they need a QB they should be recruiting the appropriate number needed to get a good if not best option.
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I pointed out the fact of so many underclassmen OL on the roster that just because you may have quantity. it doesn’t necessarily mean that much
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FB transfers are so, so common these days that it is becoming the norm. Last year (2019) there were 21 graduate transfers at the QB position alone. These are grad transfers who have already graduated and don’t have to sit a year. There are many more (about 90) who entered the portal and either transferred or withdrew and stayed at their school or went home altogether. That is only taking into consideration the QB position.
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All the more reason that the required numbers should be met. If 5 is the magic number of QBs to have on the roster, then dropping to 4 means that an injury and unexpected transfer together could lead to a Freshman or scout team fill in running the first team offense. No team should need to sacrifice a season if this happens. It was apparent this year with the poor quality of RBs.
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Major, I heard Borbs has Warren chasing chickens like Mick did with Rocky Balboa…no worries. It worked for Rocky!
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the Quick Lane Bowl is only 6 days away. To prep for it, you can watch the Frisco Bowl tonight pitting Utah St (7-5) vs Kent St (6-6). If I watch ant FB tonight, it will be the D2 playoff game
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Saw an article that said that Clemson got seven of the 10 top players to join the ACC, Fl ST, Miami, and UNC each got one. Not likely any ACC team willl upset Clemson for a while.
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Spoke to a lower level coach on an ACC staff about recruiting versus Pitt.
Said they have easy time due to stadium atmosphere(attendance and off-campus location) and overall campus situation being a detractor for Pitt.
Also commented on the fact that the recruiting “game” is embraced more elsewhere from what they KNOW in the ACC.
Thirdly said the impression of some considering Narduzzi strategically and in particular the offensive play calling is not “advanced”. Specifically brought up the QB run to sideline for plays as a sign. Didn’t say more but kind of snickered at the “look”.
Overall Pitt is fairly easy to recruit against in this person’s opinion. Also thinks Pitt is doing well, all things considered which is more a compliment to their win/loss over last few years.
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You mean just finding a coach that can recruit might not be the answer. The marquis players first want to go to the football factories, or maybe stay loyal to their hometown team. This is why Pitt gets so few.
Then it has to compete for that second tier player with all of the rest.
For the first few years Narduzzi was wasting time going after those Marquis players that were never coming to Pitt. His new strategy of finding the best that will come to Pitt seems to be working much better.
I think losing Parrish and few others is a good sign of Pitt’s evaluation skills.
No doubt Pitt’s poor attendance made to look worse by the size of the stadium is an obstacle to getting kids to come, and is used by some of our competition, but like I said before, look at the current recruits offer sheets. We beat some solid schools for these kids.
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as a recruiter, I would hammer home the fact that Pitt plays in front of 40k empty yellow seats. That they dont take football seriously because they play off campus. That they go to crappy cold weather bowls. That they dont get ranked because their coach cant win bowl games and has a 9 win ceiling. That they play a boring brand of offensive football that is not for the modern game.
But that might be it.
Pitt has far more positives to sell a recruit. But again it takes a recruit that doesnt mind an urban campus. Thats the one thing that cannot be changed…concrete under your feet instead of grass.
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I have read in other places that campus itself (i.e. put aside the lack of a OCS) is a detractor in recruiting. At first I passed that off as someone who actually hadn’t been on campus, but after hearing it a few times I paused and reflected.
I have to admit that when I look at the campus area critically, I must acknowledge some merit in that perspective. There is green space, but its a bit chopped up. Those who value the traditional look and feel of a collegiate campus similar to UVA, Duke, UNC might feel that Pitt is missing something.
And when I see freshman dorms at other schools and compare them to the Towers…well, Pitt is at a disadvantage.
The good news is that the school recognizes the campus issue and has identified improvements in its master plan.
At the risk a starting an avalanche of OCS comments from our friend in the Lone Star State, I would say that an OCS would certainly help the sense of campus.
In the end, these are challenges that Narduzzi has to deal with in recruiting players for the program. One would be in error to discount/dismiss them in evaluating the coaching staff’s ability to compete for top players. Doesn’t mean that other factors don’t play a greater role; but it cannot be pushed aside.
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Sullivan Hall at the top of the hill by the VA is a very nice freshman dorm, and as of a few years when my son was at Pitt, the football team lived there. Also as regards the campus, looking at the Cathedral as an example, growing up locally a generation or two ago when ethnicity was still “a thing”, the Classrooms from around the world seemed cool. The Millenials, farther removed from when their families moved to America don’t seem to give a fig about the International classrooms. Maybe they should tu4n that area into a Hogwarts exhibit 🧙🏽♂️
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To be fair Tex in a proper sized stadium we would be 10,000 short.
We will never be a 70,000 draw.
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Pitt is the perfect 40k draw and when the draw is closer to 60k (Nitters, Domers, Hoopies), play at Heinz or Rooney Stadium located in Cranberry in 10 years.
40k in a 45k Multi-Purpose Center will awe any recruit, fan, student, architect, engineer, politician, booster, grandma and foreign spy.
Pitt doesnt have to draw 70k. MPC’s bring other revenue streams.
Stade Pierre Mauroy any day of the week.
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@ TX, I just read a post of yours that stated with “40,000” empty seats at Heinz” which figures out to be about 28,000 butts in seats for Pitt games, means that your 40,000 OCS argument comes up about a quarter short of capacity even in a dinky stadium like that. Not so good with numbers?
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even 28k in a 45k venue looks better than 28k in a 68k venue. Pitt has the lowest attendance as a percentage of capacity in the ACC and is one of the lowest in all P-5. Other schools use this against Pitt…off campus stadium, empty yellow seats.
I personally dislike Heinz since it reeks cheap pro stadium and provides little protection from the elements…I dont like cold rain or sun beating down on me. I’ll too old for that.
During Pitt’s glory years, Pitt averaged 52-53k in a 55k stadium. During Fitzgeralds Heisman year, Pitt averaged over 60k. But it was also aided by some big marquee schools on the schedule and some meaningful games played at Heinz.
Pitt has a core base of about 25-30k fans…mainly season ticket holders.
Not enough casual fans. Not enough new fans. Poor job of marketing and growing supporters by Pitt. Look to the Premier league for how they do it. Pure genius and hard work.
A new modern venue could be a very attractive draw (Stade Pierre Mauroy concept). Better marketing by Pitt will help. A new exciting coach whose ceiling isnt 9 wins. A Heisman or All American candidate will help draw fans.
Theres no reason to believe that Pitt couldnt sell out a 45k venue consistently. It would also create a demand for tickets since capacity is reduced. A Pitt ticket would be hotter than a Steelers ticket.
I wouldnt use dinky to describe a smaller venue. I use the words intimate, character, charming.
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I don’t see the point of bringing in a QB if he isn’t good enough from the start. If they can get a transfer able to compete with the three they have great. I still would like to see the emphasis placed on getting a top quality running QB at some point.
I do think three O-linemen per year is the minimum, unless the plan is to move defensive linemen that grow into the position, like they did two years ago. Or find that transfer O-Tackle that can actually do the job, however unlikely since if they are that good they would be going to the NFL.
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Aren’t a couple of tight end recruits being moved to o-line, Salem needs to get on the stick and recruit actual talented te’s from the high school ranks. Too many seem to be transfers at this point.
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To be fair with Salem, Watson hurt recruiting the TE position. A lot!
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Let’s not forget that our Rivals ranking of 47th includes DT 3 star recruit from Florida who has not signed yet.
This class could end up in the high 50’s out of 65 P5 schools (+ ND).
I don’t see where some think this is a good class. GT recruited better than Pitt with a first year coach.
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I’m not here to support recruiting results per se, and I’m specifically disappointed with having NO DT and only 2 OL (Gordon Conn’s comment about the QB position above makes sense), but if you’re going to go by the star system, then it’s more important to focus star averages moreso than total points, due to differences in class sizes, as has been pointed out before. This is why being potentially rated in “the 50’s” is not very relevant. Personally, I especially like to focus on positions of special need and value as well.
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It is positions of need. No QB and only 2 OL scare me
And its how you do against other Coastal schools
I look at percentage rated 5.7 and above
Pitt is just middle of the pack in their division regarding recruiting
Narduzzi isnt getting any better at recruiting…after 5 long years
That my friends is a problem
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There is one DT who’s pending legal issues. Just one DT was needed in this class and if he doesn’t end up at Pitt then that was out of Narduzzi’s control.
One more O-lineman will be added in February. I thought four were needed in this class but Collier practiced at tackle this fall and likely adds to the total number on the roster.
Not adding a QB is perplexing.
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Chris Peak’s 3-2-1 column this week gives a nice wrap up of this years class IMO. I was surprised a little with the name he came up with as possible the steal of the class.
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Well again, imo I think Narduzzi has recruited fairly good considering the accolades handed down by the ACC and the writers for the NCAA on a few players not so highly thought of coming out of high school. I have zero delusions that PITT will plucked a bunch of 4 and 5* players in any given year and especially when the WPIAL has a down year with those type players. If anyone thinks PITT is going down to Florida and haul in a 5* player is, to put it mildly, basically NUTS!
This not to say I don’t think PITT can compete on the football field come game-day, because they can and have. PITT had many of us here really excited before the most recent letdown and late season swoon. Yet there is no question in my mind that they competed once again for the coastal championship. If any of you are hell bent on seeing a bunch of 4 and 58 players under your Xmas tree I suggest you start rooting for another team cause that just ain’t happening with PITT. If you want a team that can win 8, 9 or 10 games any given season you’ve come to the right place. Also, I honestly think that PITT can and will play in the playoffs one year. Yes. it will be the year when absolutely everything goes right for PITT. << which is another thing that hasn’t happened for PITT in a long long while. It will take a senior laden team with a lot of Lady Luck on their side!
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To all those who follow the program:
If you’re happy with 6-8 win seasons and the occasional 9, then Narduzzi is the coach for you
If you’re happy with crappy bowls
If you’re happy with unranked season ends
If you’re happy with participation trophies leading to blowouts in the championship
If you’re happy with a gutless coach and what he did against Penn State this year
If you’re happy with closed practices
If you’re happy with low and declining attendance
If you’re happy with recruiting results
If you’re happy with player development
If you’re happy with running a clean program
If you’re happy with running a bland offense
If you’re happy with paltry football donations
If you’re happy playing at Heinz without tarps
Then Narduzzi is the coach for you.
I’m just not happy with many of these things and so I advocate for a new coach.
Narduzzi has a long 5 year track record. I dont see progress (except on D). I’ve seen enough to conclude that if you’re happy with mediocre football, then Narduzzi is the coach for you.
I respect one’s desire to go through life just wanting mediocre. But I personally want more. I’m not afraid of risk and change. I’m afraid of stagnation and SOP.
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Agree 100%. Narduzzi not the answer and you are being kind using the word mediocre. WE have 5 years of proof to the above!
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Tex, son-t blow a gasket ’cause he is going to be here another year…….
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Tx Not to toot my own horn but I indeed did donate $ well into 4 figures each of the last few years. Yes I’m happy with Narduzzi, at least for now. Maybe if you donated, your voice could be heard over your constant complaining? Validate yourself Tx.
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I donate to soccer and volleyball. 2 programs on the right path with excellent coaches. Both coaches were not hired by Heather but she better extend them now.
I wont donate to the crap show called Pitt football. I may give some money to Capel depending on how this year goes.
I’ll give money to Heather for a feasibility study on an MPC and I also have a list of 5 potential replacements for Narduzzi. All Heather has to do is call me.
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That’s why I said to football. Relax Tx, I feel your frustrations, we just deal with them a little (a lot) differently.
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after Dec 26, its all basketball talk. You only have to wait 6 more days.
And I’m far far more positive on basketball. And dont forget Pitt wrestling.
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Tex – I have to chuckle when you post this stuff. You act like you’re the only fan on here who is unhappy with the football results.
I wonder who you are addressing. Certainly not anyone who posts on the POV.
Go Pitt.
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I’m addressing Heather’s minions who read these forums and blogs. And any influential booster who really cares. But some on here I’m sure are fine with these results. The results are not bad. They just arent good enough for me and a few others who arent as vocal as me…possibly the silent majority. Problem is…they are silent. And you cant be if you want change. I was born in the wrong decade. I would have made a good hippie.
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In another life i founded an internet startup and became wildly wealthy by my 35ht birthday.
I then proceeded to become the T Bonnie Pickens of Pitt Football.
Sadly that is not true of my actual life and all I can do is maintain this humble blog to give you good people a voice
Hail to Pitt
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and that Michael is a great public service to all us fans, students and alumni.
Really anyone who cares about Pitt sports. Because for the past 40 years Pitt surely hasnt care enough and surely doesnt possess the level of leadership and basic competence needed to run a sports business.
Understanding that its a business is the first critical step that Pitt has yet failed to grasp.
There is power in numbers. T Boone could donate millions and Pitt doesnt have an equivalent since Tepper is more interested in buying a MLS team, but thousands of Pitt fans could stop attending. And those thousands will get noticed and will impact the financials as well as the recruiting and perception/brand of the school.
Many fans just choose not to take this path. I’ve blazed the trail. Your decision to follow or not. I’m fine walking the path alone but would enjoy company.
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You would make an awful hippie. You are too wound up to be a hippie. You are right where you belong, in the angst-filled, noisy GenX. The mantra was “make love, not war”.
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Lest my motives be questioned, my post was intended to be playful.
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^^ Playful JoeL, yes, spot on, another yes. It’s good to leave it out like a fart. Better out and bear the shame then to keep it in and bear the pain. Good for Angry Tx.
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I have ideas. I have passion. I have that anger. But I’m not naive or innocent. I’m doing something about it by financially protesting and have helped create a site (since placed on hiatus) with a fellow alum for an OCS and have been published by two school newspapers, Pitt and UB News. I am a warrior on a lonesome path.
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I’m happy, but then again, I’m a glass half full kinda guy.
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Ike is a full glass guy. I’m an empty glass guy. I see you as a half full glass or what others might say as half empty.
UPitt is a special glass guy.
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Last row @ 7AM….
Is Warren chasing chickens or chicken sammiches??
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Local paper. MD got the 5 star WR from LSU.
https://www.fredericknewspost.com/sports/level/high_school/titans-addison-picks-pitt/article_92c92c3e-fa52-5bcf-a745-316048a61e37.html
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Paul Hackett 1990-92 13-20-1 4.3 wins per year
John Majors 1993-96 12-32 4 wpy
Walt Harris 1997-2004 52-44 4.3 wpy
Dave Wannstedt 2005-10 42-31 7 wpy
T Graham 2011 6-7
P Chryst 2012-14 19-20 6,3 wpy
P Narduzzi 2015-19 35-29 7 wpy
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That’s an interesting stat layout, fwbb, thx for sharing that. I do think it tends to lend perspective, beside the obvious that Hackett was a historically bad coach. Also, I believe the overall our schedules were easier in the Walt-Wanny eras, but I also think they played one less game back then?
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Narduzzi has extra games plus bowls to reach 7. Walt didn’t have that. Walt was the best coach of the lot and he was forced out for not winning enough and reaching his ceiling. Why is Narduzzi treated differently? Heather that’s to you.
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BTW, Walt’s wpy was 6.7 and I agree that may have been the best, all considered. But he was trending downward in his last 2 years, and he apparently wanted out (or maybe his agent did).
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correct. The word at the time was that the boosters did not believe Walt’s ceiling was higher than 9 wins. His agent saw the writing on the wall. Given the budget at the time, Walt exceeded expectations. Damn man deserves a statue at the new MPC in 10 years.
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Tx threw this in there as to why he is dissatisfied
“If you’re happy with paltry football donations”
He’s actually talking about himself as part of the problem since he doesn’t donate to football, which is very much his prerogative. Look, I really like Tx and he can say anything he wants and I’m not trying to silence him one bit, it’s just too bad he didn’t attend OSU instead of PITT when he went to school. He would be a much happier camper right now.
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Pitt receives only about $10 million each year to overall sports. It’s been this way forever. Fans would donate if pitt won more than 7 games each year. But they haven’t in 40 years on average. I support winners. I have a prove it first mentality. Soccer and volleyball fit my donation criteria. Football fails.
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Pitt should pursue players who are on, or just below, the bubble of NFL talent and sell playing time as their ticket. I don’t understand the talented players who dream of being Big Man On Campus at a football factory for 3-5 years when they are know they can come to Pitt and likely be superstars who make the NFL if they get playing time and likely financially set for the next 70 years. I don’t get it. Men are usually logical. Nerds sacrificed instant gratification in youth for the same reason. Pitt should promote all our alumni who were bubble NFL talent and who made it. Heck, put up a poster of HOFer Jerry Rice and how he went to Mississippi Valley State to drive home the point for cryin out loud!
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^^ Good point Pete but you just may be leaving out one important factor. $$ ? Sitting on the bench and driving expensive cars can sooth the pain.
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Rivals 4 stars= Jahvante Royal, Dayon Hayes
24/7 4 stars= Israel Abinakamda, Jaylen Barden, Branson Taylor, Bangally Kamara, Jordan Addison
4 on offense, 3 on defense
I actually like this class. We picked up some lower rated guys at the end who brought the star average down a bit, but I think we have more 4 stars in this class than any other Narduzzi class if you look at both sites.
And don’t forget that we have 2 players committed for next year and both are 4 stars. I’d say that’s a positive trend. I’m not sold on Narduzzi after this season, but the optics look better to me for the future. And no, I’m not content with 6-7 win seasons. We should all want better than that.
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Sure, but riding the bench behind all that other talent at football factories is short sighted relative to the ultimate goal of making NFL money.
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and hey Pete, I agree with you but some of the young players and their families Want to take the money and run. This is another way the portal may be of help to teams like PITT.The kids will take the money and then run off a year of two later.
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I agree all things considered Fitz this was a good class. How about 8 wins though? If PITT can win the bowl game (they better win) that would be three 8 win seasons in 5 years and should have been 9 or 10 win seasons. PITT and Narduzzi are not that far away as some may want you to believe. imo
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I’m surprised that the NFL hasn’t interceded in the lack of parity in college football. It’s overdue. The NFL product is under more scrutiny than ever before, while we see 4 and 5 star players riding the benches at the football factories, failing to develop the talent of these players into better NFL players for their performances on Sundays. Fans are losing faith in college football as its’ obvious that more money buys more talent. College Football Money spend is only going to decrease, while the NFL can’t afford to field a product that could be better by spreading out the 4 and 5 star players to other colleges where their talents will be better developed for Sundays by seeing more playing time on Saturdays. Spreading the talent would be a win-win.
Crowd noise level is not the important statistic that the football factories pretend it is. I would take an NFL paycheck over the crowd noise ego stroke 8 days a week if I was a 3 or 4 star player.
Strangely, this current scenario is good for Pitt to brag about getting more 3 star players into the NFL, but not so good for our wins column.
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Ike, “should have been 9 or 10 win seasons” is where I agree with you, but none of the past 5 seasons ended as we believe they should’ve. And I am worried that a decent part of that is due to coaching (and a lack of discipline/dumb mistakes)…not necessarily a talent discrepancy. That is why I’m not sold on Narduzzi, but also not completely writing him off either. I do think if we can’t get to 9 total wins next year, we should begin to look around at who else is out there. And this end of the year collapse cannot happen again. It killed momentum and general fan interest.
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Narduzzi looking at QB Brandon Dawkins, a graduate transfer from U of Arizona.
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Oops, not sure of the QB’s name. I clicked on the wrong link.
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Ben Dinucci, wins QBs rating 180, 2 TDs 0 interception, he and coach cignetti on to fcs national championship.
Merry Christmas Huff.
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If Pitt ever decides to move on from the duz…do we like Cignetti?
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So do we think Kenny Pickett would have had the same level of success that DiNucci is having at James Madison? And if not, why does Pitt always seem to play the wrong QB???
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Pickett no, its only down 1 level. When I stood up for the potential of DiNucci several years ago where Pitt beat Miami by throwing slant ins I noticed several things as DiNucci and I were personally insulted out of town. The reason why we so often fail. Be aware I am aware of the different level. our lousy blocking a catching. That said, the reasons
1) Favoritism – HC promised Pickett obviously to play as his man, you all bought into how this also lightly recruited QB had a “strong arm” It may be stronger but he has and still does have a tendency to throw high
2) Lack of competition – He was annointed from day 1 as the QB for the next four years, period. Competition breeds improvement – KP has not. Ben through 5 ints in last years FCS competition and new coach Curt Cignetti stripped Ben of his startership and opened the competition – he improved to the fact that all this year he threw only 5 interceptions.
3) Through favoritism aside and analyze on improvement. The first time Ben ran out of bounds for a 5 yard loss my initial though was here we go again like Sunseri. Ben was chewed out on the sideline and never did it again – once underhanding to ball out to avoid a loss.. lHe learned. Another example on a third and long after a long run he slide short of the first down marker to avoid a tackle. Again chewed out on the sideline and never did it again. He learns
4) Objectively look at pluses and minuses. Ben was faster and had more pocket pressence. Yeah in his first and only year he might have broke too soon but coaches should correct that. Picketts arm is/was stronger but he still throws high (yeah I know receivers drop too much but they are bad). The QB guru of the site once said that DiNuccis ball was so weak it barely beat the DB even though the receiver caught. Another view is that he knew his arm strength and was able to put it there.
5) Pitt has become a QB graveyard for some of the above reasons and more.
Simply put quit picking a favorite son or coaches pet and analyze and develop QBs. Nobody but nobody should be promised a job for five years, let’s have competition like we do at every other position.
ps. After the treatment of Ben on here with insults turning personal and my inability to rise above the fray i have not looked at the site since then. Hoooray and good luck MM.
I have gotten word that Heather is not thrilled she gave the HC an extension but is stuck with it – arrogance, inability to suck up to donors and what I hear was a shameful performance at the late Jerry Cochrane’s memorial service (my source in on holiday break and I on recovery from 9th knee surgery. His failling on his face in the last two games got us a ticket to Hoffaland and he still has not won a bowl game. Two more years of 7-5 and HC will be on very thin ice. I hope he turns it around but I am having doubts. Success is the only thing that makes people tolerate arrogance.
HAIL TO PITT!! Happy New Year Big B!!!!!!!!
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We wouldn’t have won 5 games with Denucci this year. He was a great local high school qb who couldn’t cut it at this level. Good for him at the fcs level, but let’s not get carried away here.
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I agree Fitz. I never thought Ben belonged at this level. I think the only reason he was offered a spot by Duzz was to curry favor with the Pine Richland coaches because he knew Phil Jurkovich was next up and he might be able to land him as well.
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Are you our Batman!?!?
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Merry Christmas Mr R. 🙂
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