in Pitt Football 444 Words

Reading Between the Lines – Jordan Addison Edition

The Jordan Addison situation continues to evolve. And per Mike Farrell, Pitt is no longer in Addison’s consideration set. The curious thing is why? You have to take all of these rumors with a grain of salt, but lets at least look at what is being said: (Per Pittsburgh Sports Now https://pittsburghsportsnow.com/2022/05/05/mike-farrell-on-the-latest-jordan-addison-rumors/)

  • Addison is no longer considering Pitt due to the losses of Brennan Marion, Mark Whipple and Kenny Pickett.
  • Decision to leave Pitt wasn’t about NIL deal and more to do with coaches that will get him properly prepared for the NFL.
  • Decision won’t be quick and going to USC isn’t a done deal.
  • Addison attended Pitt spring practices to evaluate how he’d be coached this season and decided a new home was needed.
  • Addison’s top priority for his next team is playing with the best quarterback possible.

First – It apparently isn’t about the money. *If* that is true, that’s acutally a good things, because it means the Pitt Booster community came up with enough cash to “not make it about the money”. Overall that is a good sign for the long term health of the program.

Second, it is apparently about the coaches – to some degree. Addison clearly enjoyed the benefits of being the alpha-dog in a pro-style pass-first offense. And he also clearly enjoyed being coached by Brennan Marion. Well the pass-first offense has been replace by a “balanced” offense. And even though Addison would have still been the alpha-dog (at least as far as the passing game is concerned), it’s fair to say that his targets, and likely his stats, would have diminished year over year. Not great for a player’s draft stock. Additionally, while new WR coach Tiquan Underwood is being cast as an upgrade over Marion (and very well could be), but Marion’s coaching clearly resonated with Addison, and Underwood’s *apparently* didn’t. PSN’s fourth bullet, *if true* is particularly telling: Addison attended Pitt spring practices to evaluate how he’d be coached this season and decided a new home was needed.

Third, (And I’m just going to come out and say it) Pitt is going to have a quarterback problem next season. Addison’s impending transfer is a pretty damn good indication of that. Addison’s top priority for his next team is playing with the best quarterback possible. Combine that with Narduzzi’s cagey comments around the quarterback play all spring, and the lackluster QB stats in the spring game, and my spider sense is tingling. You heard it here first.

Here is the Mike Farrell article in its entirely. https://mikefarrellsports.com/2022/05/jordan-addison-rumors-flying/

Hail to Pitt

Michaelangelo Monteleone

160 thoughts on “Reading Between the Lines – Jordan Addison Edition”

  1. “If you don’t eat your meat, you can’t have any pudding. How can you have any pudding if you don’t eat your meat”

    That’s sums up the Addison situation perfectly.

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  2. ” You go to war with the army you have not the one you want or wish to have at a later time.” Donald Rumsfeld

    Liked by 2 people

    1. Definitely about the money…surprised he didn’t want to work-out in Miami with Tyler Van Dyne

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  4. I don’t buy it, it’s about the money, USC was 4/8 last season, Texas 5/7.

    Slovis or Patti didn’t forget on how to throw a football did they?

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  5. Farrells article is utter BS! It’s all about the Benjamin’s $$$. This is simply a cover story made up after the fact to try to hush hush the illegal contact made by USC. Some agent is advising this kid and may have ruined his public persona. NFL is watching. No one wants another AB JR.

    Liked by 4 people

  6. I think we are going to have a solid team this year both offensively and defensively. Last year was great and KP had a spectacular year but I don’t worry about Nick or Slovis when the 1st whistle sounds in 2022. Our QB’s are experienced and will be playing behind an OL that has played together for several seasons and a slew of capable receivers who can cover/stretch the field. Narduzzi is doing a good job building this former train wreck of a program(i wanted his head after the ’21 WMU game) and keeps up-grading his assistants IMO. I am looking forward to a solid run game (if the OL can run block) QB’s who have time to make their progressions, don’t make mistakes and deliver accurate throws…remember, KP was always a gamer but only a great QB his 5th year…September can’t get here fast enough!!!

    Liked by 2 people

  7. Anyone that thinks that Cignetti’s offense wouldn’t have been built around their singular and absolute best talent is crazy. Other than the money Addison’s biggest goal should be to stay healthy.

    No one is going to blame him for taking advantage of a flaw in the new system and cashing in but to say he is shopping for better coaching is nonsense.

    When he came to Pitt, Whipple was highly questionable, KP was just above average and the O-line was awful. Credit him mightily for turning that around, too bad he won’t stay to finish the job.

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  8. Riley, Sark and Saban all have reputations of putting Wide Receivers into the NFL. Last year was last year.

    I don’t think the QB situation is dire at all. I think Duzz is just showing Patti respect and keeping it an open competition.

    Addison has to put himself in the best position to be as high a draft pick as possible. The higher you are, the more guaranteed money you get.

    If he has doubts about his ability to keep draft momentum in Pitt’s offense, he certainly should look around. Playing with the best QB possible is perfectly understandable. Slovis may be good but he won’t be Bryce Young or Pickett good.

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  9. It is about the money #1. And, although KP is off to the NFL I believe PITT will be fine at QB.

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  10. First round draft picks get a far more lucrative deal than other rounds. Do some research and you’ll see that first round picks make far more than even a second round. You need to be a first round pick. Pitt would jeopardize that given new OC, new QB and new receivers coach. Plus tougher schedule and target on back. Why is that difficult to understand.

    There is cake and there is icing. Don’t conflate the two. Addison’s earnings in the pros will dwarf any booster payment. Let’s not get silly now. Homerism appears rampant. Let the kid make a rational as opposed to emotional choice. He needs to sign with Texas.

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  11. What great QB and Offense did Pitt have when Jordan committed a couple of years back? Come to think of it … what happened to the guy who recruited him? He left in Addison’s first year

    And yet Jordan still won the Biletnikoff

    Sent from my iPhone

    >

    Liked by 3 people

  12. I even get the timing of it all. The portal deadline corresponded with the last week of finals at Pitt. I would have done the same thing. Put my name in the hat after I finished the semester. Less drama on campus.

    The tampering accusations were certainly ugly and shady but the further we get from the deadline and the more info that becomes available, it sounds like Addison is approaching this the right way and truly making a business decision.

    Addison is in a difficult spot. He had a year that most likely can be immediately flipped into a high draft pick … but, in this case, he has to come back. At least, now, he can get paid like a draft pick since he probably should have been one.

    I don’t think him leaving has an impact on the field for Pitt. Certainly would prefer to have him but how many games will a wide receiver win you in reality?

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    1. Larry won at least three that I personally witnessed. Addison wins one. He won’t win any alone with slow footed Slovis or panicky Patti. And he’ll lose millions if he drops out of the first round. Some teams like Texas and usc might just need to win one extra game to get a BCS bid. Pitt will be lucky to win 8 total next season.

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      1. Yeah, I was thinking maybe one game. Larry was a generational talent and top 5 NFL WR of all time. But, you can win one game other ways, too. So while he could win you one game, that doesn’t necessarily mean you lose one more game because of him not being there either.

        Liked by 1 person

  14. Scouts know what Addison can do… if he would have had a solid year at PITT , even if his stats were lesser than last season he’s still a 1st rounder- he won the Biletnikoff for crying out loud… just move on young man and do it your way… hopefully, there will be some controls and order restored soon… real college football was my favorite sport but money/ power seem to infest all good things in sports- it just used to be a game!!

    Liked by 1 person

  15. Boy Reed, wish you could have recovered my post from the other day. It covers a lot of this stuff. I’m too lazy to try a 3rd time.

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    1. Was this the post?

      Well, I’ve awoken from my self imposed 6 month hibernation and find I missed some interesting stuff.
      1) Seems Pitt won the ACC, at least that’s what I think. Instead of joy and amazement I’m seeing “ what a fluke, or some such. Cripe , if they won a national championship I’m sure it’d be, heck, only 1 in the past 40 years.
      2) Seems the bball team stunk, was I asleep 6 months or is it just Groundhog Day.
      3) Seems some people have all the inside knowledge about what’s going on at every level of the university. If they are that involved I’d worry if I was Pitt that I have people with their fingers on the pluse freely sharing it on some blog.
      4) Seems a kid was paid by another school. Yawn, see #2.
      5) Seems some think it’s fine cause kid would have a new oc, receivers coach, and qb at Pitt. Hummm, wouldn’t he have all that PLUS a new HC at wherever he ends up?
      6) Seems as in all sports when you here it’s not about the $ it’s all about the $$$.
      7) Seems it’s time for another nap.

      Liked by 2 people

  16. I don’t get the pessimism on Slovis. The kid can sling it and he’s smart. USC was a terrible program and he regressed a little as the talent level around him slowly eroded but he has some arm talent. He can move around the pocket, too. He gets rid of the ball quickly as well. He’s not going to be one to extend too many plays. 3 seconds and let it rip. He is well ahead of where Kenny was at the same stage of his career.

    Liked by 4 people

  17. I don’t get the negativity for either one of our QB’s. Slovis has a great body of work and he was the most sought after QB in the portal. Patti has been waiting to prove his ability but looked pretty good
    in limited action.

    Sure Kenny is a hard act to follow, but he only had one stellar year. I think the loss of Addison makes it a little more difficult for either guy, good thing we are going to have a more balanced attack.

    Liked by 1 person

  18. As far as Addison dropping in draft status if he doesn’t match last year, that is just stupid. The NFL knows what he can do, last year wasn’t a fluke, the only thing that can hurt is injury.

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  20. There is only one reason he left. $$$$. No trouble with that.
    Trying to paint his situation at Pitt as anything but good is a joke. His draft stock wasn’t dropping at Pitt. He’s covering his rear end because of the tampering and someone dangled money in front of his face.

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    1. We can agree to disagree. He could have slipped from a first to second round pick if he stayed at Pitt. That would have cost him multiple millions. He’s getting good advice from some Texans I know. 🤠

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      2. Go back on hiatus Tex. You will take the opposite ire of anything you hat makes sense. Go find something else to do. We didn’t miss you when you we gone.

        Liked by 1 person

        1. I missed Tex when he was gone. That’s for sure. If you can’t be open and respectful of oppositional thoughts, that’s your fault, not his.

          Please don’t use “WE” as if you speak for the entire group. With all due respect, you do not. Thank you!

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  21. I will vote in agreement with the majority, it is clearly about the (potential NIL) money. However, I think there are some on field changes that come into play to a lesser extent. I don’t buy the BS that Whipple and the WR coach leaving are meaningful at all, but Pitt will be moving toward a more balanced attack next year, which means they will most assuredly throw less, and now that Pickett has graduated there is a reasonable question mark about our passing game next year; not saying the new QB will not be very good, but it’s an unknown. So I say it’s about both, but its really about the money 😉

    Liked by 1 person

  22. and let’s face it, this IS NOT Jordan making these moves, it is the adult/s around him that are trying to do the best for Jordan

    once the Biletnikoff happened this all began and accelerated from there without anyone knowing it until the rumor of transfer portal papers being filed when takeoff occurred, landing spot is the only question now

    there was a comment from someone “close to Addison” that went out saying he “could” decide to return to Pitt, THAT was BS which took some heat off Jordan

    imo, he is taking the riskier road now rather than “dancing with the one that brought you” as I think PN would’ve provided Jordan every opportunity necessary……and that’s not saying he won’t HEAR that same thing from his suitors, but JA is taking a bigger chance everywhere else

    .

    that said, I think he will be fine as long as he doesn’t get injured and even if he picks a school where he doesn’t get featured because he’s competing for the ball against a couple other good/great receivers, maybe Alabama fits that description, I still think he would need #’s to drop significantly AND also not have good combine numbers next year to screw up a first round draft position

    I wish him well, but now that he isn’t a Pitt guy really can’t care much

    .
    oh, yeah, anyone care to buy a couple JA #3 jerseys cheap? like new condition 🙂 ,

    no way they are getting worn by me

    I wonder how many other Pitt fans have wasted a few bucks on theirs, and I guess Pitt already has printed up a bunch that will never be sold 😦

    Liked by 3 people

  23. WordPress purgatory comment or just lost

    f’n hate when this happens

    and let’s face it, this IS NOT Jordan making these moves, it is the adult/s around him that are trying to do the best for Jordan

    once the Biletnikoff happened this all began and accelerated from there without anyone knowing it until the rumor of transfer portal papers being filed when takeoff occurred, landing spot is the only question now

    there was a comment from someone “close to Addison” that went out saying he “could” decide to return to Pitt, THAT was BS which took some heat off Jordan

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      1. unfortunately(for the readers) now some will see my attempts to salvage it in pieces below, lol

        thanks MM 🙂

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  24. imo, he is taking the riskier road now rather than “dancing with the one that brought you” as I think PN would’ve provided Jordan every opportunity necessary……and that’s not saying he won’t HEAR that same thing from his suitors, but JA is taking a bigger chance everywhere else

    .

    that said, I think he will be fine as long as he doesn’t get injured and even if he picks a school where he doesn’t get featured because he’s competing for the ball against a couple other good/great receivers, maybe Alabama fits that description, I still think he would need #’s to drop significantly AND also not have good combine numbers next year to screw up a first round draft position

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  26. broke some of it up and it posted above but lost some of the original

    I’ll add that I now have a couple of useless #3 jerseys that I will only wear now as a joke with Jordan not being a Pitt guy any longer

    I wonder how many Addison jerseys Pitt has already bought and paid for in anticipation of selling this upcoming year

    while not millions of dollars, I’m thinking Pitt immediately loses some significant money there

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  27. As I said two days ago in NOO Yawk we say “money talks and nobody walks”. Addison is running toward the BIG money and there is nothing that can or will stop him. Welcome to college football circa 2022.

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    1. yep, agree with Iek on this part, Jordan’s not really the one making these “judgements”

      aaaand, Narduzzi at this point naming a #1 or being anything but “cagey” would be premature

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  29. —At 6-feet and 175 pounds, I could see Jordan A. sliding down the draft list – unless he puts up a sub 4.5 forty time. He’ll be competing with guys who are a couple inches taller, which the pros prefer, especially in a first rounder…

    —Where ever he ends up, Addison will have a target on him plus ridiculous expectations. And he better hope that QB who he picks doesn’t get injured – at least there’s a decent backup QB at Pitt…

    —Seems several esteemed POVers have written off Slovis already — Reed, MM, and Erie to name a few…. Only thing I don’t like is Slovis doesn’t get a warm-up game…

    —Maybe JA didn’t hear Dorin Dickerson talking – from experience – that one of Cignetti’s strengths as an OC is getting the ball to the play-makers…

    Go Pitt.

    Liked by 5 people

    1. I agree with you Major. Addison is a very good talent. However, I am not convinced he is a !st round draft pick.

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  30. OT — Kenny Pickett had a full-page ad in the PG today. Full color photo plus this text:

    Thank you, Pitt!

    I will always treasure my five years at the University of Pittsburgh.
    I want to thank all of the coaches, players, staff, friends and especially the fans who supported me during my college career.
    I am so proud that we accomplished our goal of winning a championship. We did it. Together.
    I am proud to call myself a Pitt Man. The City of Pittsburgh is now my home.
    Hail to Pitt!
    Signed — Kenny Pickett #8

    Go Pitt.

    Liked by 6 people

      1. And I think is the fifth oldest player to have ever been drafted in the first round if my memory is correct. Hence why some saw limited upside and a lower ceiling. But now days a QB can effectively play until age 40 given the rules protecting QB’s. If anything, his age and experience means he should be able to start right away.

        Most draft experts have Addison as a top 20 pick. If he can go a school with elite playmakers around him and a system that produces nfl talent, why shouldn’t he. Look at the offenses of the schools recruiting him the hardest. Pitt just doesn’t have the talent to match them on the field or on the sidelines. Two of the schools will have heisman QBs throwing to him. The only trophies Slovis or Patti will win are for participation.

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      2. The psuX QB will be back for his sixth year in 2022.

        Sean Clifford

        I heard that from a psuX pundit who believes they will struggle again this season.

        Liked by 1 person

      3. I think it is because Nardstop wasted his first year by starting him in the last game against Miami, right? Had Nardy redshirted him, he would still have one year of eligibility left. And perhaps, Addison wouldn’t be gone. And….who knows!! Just having some fun as we could never guess on all the what if scenario’s and doing so is unhealthy.

        Of interest however, is John Petrishen. He is either 25 or 26, by comparison.

        You may have confused K8 with BigB’s fellow north apolloan. Tre’ played 7 years if I recall correctly. That dude will be successful.

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        1. Right Huff the Third, after only a couple years a few around here were convinced he’d already played 5 years. Both Petrishen and Tre played 7 years. JP being the oldest.

          Speaking of Apollo Ridge…. Their girl athletics have done well this past year. Nice sr class?

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        2. I believe there are two sides to the “wasted his first year” pancake.

          As we know, players can move from school to school, particularly if they are better than the starter and understand their limited window to play. Kenny, from what I can tell, is a fiercely competitive, goal-oriented individual. Would make sense that the coaches needed to pay attention to that and consider what might happen if they didn’t find a way to get him game action in his freshman year.

          If one has heard Narduzzi’s version of the circumstances, he or she might choose another word than “waste”. Things aren’t always as they appear. If one is open to oppositional thought, there’s room for that as well.

          Liked by 1 person

          1. Absolutely! And what would make anyone think he would have stayed another year after his performance last year?

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        3. Crazy talk, he would have still left after the season he had. He almost left last year.

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  31. All eyes on Konata Mumpfield. The speedy receiver who left Akron for much greener pastures is listed at 6ft 1″ and 180lbs……an almost carbon copy of Mr. Addison. Will Mumpfeld be another JA, probably not, however, I have a gut feeling that he is going to be very productive no matter who is passing to him.
    I refuse to be obsessed by Addison’s choice to chase money….he is in a capitalist society and it would be
    unusual if he decided to pass on the largesse that will give him a huge headstart on a secure financial future. JA is chasing rainbows //perfecr coach//perfect qb//perfect teammates,,,,football Nirvana.
    I am moving on from this subject and have started to refocus on our quest to have a real basketball team.

    Liked by 3 people

  32. Leaving a championship team with many staters returning, a team where you are the “Alpha Dog” to a team with a losing record last year that is rebuilding (SC or Texas)…It’s all about the money, money, money

    Liked by 2 people

  33. Fact check: Pitt loses six WR’s from last season’s ACC championship squad.

    T.Mack
    Tre Tipton
    Shockey
    Stovall
    Vardzel

    Addison

    Plus TE Krull

    That’s a lot of production along with Heisman candidate QB Pickett, OC Mr. Whipple and WR coach Surehands Marion.

    Yeah, I doubt Pitt’s offense will struggle in 2022…much sarcasm

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  34. JA…..Thank Pitt for everything and just move on. KP, Narduzzi and the other coaches had a.lot to do with your winning the awards. Have some class!

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  36. Tweet from coach who would have been his position coach (Tiquan Underwood):

    Dear Pitt Fans,
    No need to bash this young man like it or not this is the new landscape of college football. U take the ⬆️ w/ the ⬇️. I wish JA nothing but the best! He’s humble, talented, & a hard worker. Like I tell the WRs “In life & in football CONTROL WHAT YOU CAN CONTROL.”

    Classy move, Coach!!

    Liked by 6 people

  40. Here are a couple questions for the peanut gallery.

    Does all of the publicity surrounding the Addison/NIL controversy help or hurt Pitt’s recruiting?

    Does the NCAA waive the year on the bench for Pitt’s latest receiver recruit like they award draft choices in the Pros as a kind of payback for their role in this mess? It seems only fair.

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  41. GC, sorry to cop out but my only response is ‘who knows? Stay tuned’

    Did you see that a BC WR Flowers turned down a $600k and $300 k offers?

    Sent from my iPhone

    >

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    1. I didn’t see that but he is very good. So there is more tampering going on if he hasn’t entered the portal.
      What if anything can the NCAA do to stop this if it is in fact breaking the rules?

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  42. No, Flowers never entered the portal. Face it, he spoke out because of the JA situation which just blew what’s happening wide open

    Sent from my iPhone

    >

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  44. I guess most people would say that Mark Emmett is the NCAA, but that is not even close to the truth. It is the colleges who elect the president, vote on the extent of his powers and provide his budget. And frankly, the he had his hands tied. In fact, many of his investigators would end up taking jobs with schools they were investigating as compliance officials. So there’s that

    The elites rule the roost. All they have to do is threaten to leave the NCAA and the lesser schools would back off because the vast majority of the TV money would be channeled to them.

    Sent from my iPhone

    >

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Been trying to explain that for years…..

      That said, Emmert made no plan when players and representatives and attorneys approached him for the last 2.5 years as the Alston case moved thru the courts. I know for a fact that Legislators met with him and asked him to provide a solution and he sat on his hands. So, he does have blame here, but the system is at fault. Whoever thought that 65 university presidents could get any decision right, was stupid! Again, look at covid scheduling, covid response, college football playoff number of teams, NIL and pay for play. The last two are not the same but being treated that way because there is no solidifying voice.

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      1. The ncaa is no different than FIFA

        It’s corrupt. It’s for control. It’s to protect the power base. its political of course. It’s foundation is greed.

        University presidents have no business being involved in profit making sports. They should stick with women’s softball or cross country.

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  46. You know how I can tell Pitt is more highly thought of nationally? I shopped at Macys, Boscovs and Kohls in the Baltimore area recently and at each store Pitt shirts were on the racks! Normally you would only see Navy, MD, PSU, NDame.
    Note – I always move the Pitt shirt to the front!!

    Liked by 13 people

  47. OT – Pitt women’s BB 6-4 center Rita Igbokwe has transferred to Ole Miss. Arriving at Ole Miss she made comments not complimentary of her 3 years at Pitt. She said she looked at video of the games and felt like she hadn’t improved mentally or physically….

    The problem could be her – she was a great shot-blocker but struggled to score from in close. Still, not a good look for Pitt’s recruiting of “bigs” going forward…

    Sometimes I think that Coach White suffers from being too nice of a guy. Plays everybody and hasn’t let any coaches go.

    Tough to win without a decent center. And Pitt will only have a decent center by developing them…

    Go Pitt.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. I’ve often thought the same. What he does with engaging fans is tremendous. He needs a hatchet man or woman. Plain and simple.

      Liked by 1 person

  48. Capel is on the home stretch now. He has 3 more scholarships and needs a PG, a 3 pt shooter and a scoring forward. Can he bring home the bacon? Time will tell, but I give him credit so far.

    Liked by 2 people

  50. Reports of a transfer being announced soon for Capel. Sounds like a shooter as the tweet I saw was a replacement for Horton.

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  51. Once the writing was on the wall, the NCAA had no vested interest to protect the brand. More of a this is what you asked for instead of a solution to make it work. To be honest it will be better in the long run. The NCAA was a terrible and corrupt institution. Anything that expedites the P5 leaving will be good in the long run no matter the consequences now. College athletics have come full circle. This is how recruiting was done in the Pop Warner era. For those complaining it’s not fair, look at the CFB playoffs. Basically the same 6 schools rotating each year. And really the same 3 schools with the 4th spot changing. A better system will pop up but don’t expect a level playing field. The SEC will make sure of that.

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    2. T squared – the writing was being contemplated but the writers were using a number 1 pencil with a huge eraser. When the story breaks on this in a future 30/30 we will find that the legislators met with Emmert and asked Emmert to provide a solution for the NIL issue and they would get the proposal done. Emmert refused to do so and provided nil, nada, nothing, zilch. He was the subject matter expert and only wanted to protect his millions.

      Only at that point, was the writing with paint spray, officially on the wall!!

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  53. Illinois did a feasibility study on adding mens hockey only and stopped the process, allegedly due to Title IX. Easy to add womens hockey in their market as Chicago supports both mens and womens hockey very well. I am doing some consultency on addidng a D1 hockey program for a school that will be in Pitt.s footprint, albeit on its outskirts.

    So, would Pitt rather have mens and womens hockey or cross country?

    Liked by 1 person

    1. What are the costs of a hockey program vs cross country? There’s your answer.

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      1. In a time where university Brand will carry the big sports, I’d rather have hockey and or lacrosse, than cross country. I respect the point GG, but the competitive environment is evolving quickly.

        Temple will not be the only program that lost out on their conference affiliation. I am not saying that Pitt will be. I am saying that just because you are in a P5, doesn’t mean that 10 other schools each year aren’t trying to supplant you. And just because we think Pitt is stronger academically and athletically than those trying to get in, doesn’t mean politics and other variables are not in play to do something different. We probably don’t know how important it actually was to win the ACC this year, regardless of down season and down prospects throughout the ACC. Really important!

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        1. Richmond dropped men’s soccer and cross country to be able to change the men’s lacrosse club team to D1 and comply with Title IX. Dropping soccer… let that sink in… all to comply with Title IX. Its like navigating a fishing boat out of Oregon Inlet in to the Atlantic.

          Liked by 1 person

          1. Bingo JoeL. They may be thinking that there is a net gain financially by having more paying customers at a lacrosse game versus a cross country run and soccer tilt. Lacrosse and hockey can generate revenue if managed properly. Cross Country was never intended to money, and it may not fit into an athletics program by 2025.

            I haven’t studied Pitt athletics (obviously from my poor comments everyone can tell), but I do know we MUST maintain a certain number of sports according to the ACC rules. That said, if we are carrying extra sports, we might be wise to cut some sports that are financial losers, save those funds for a couple of years and then come out strong in new sports, with funding in place.

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            1. Is the ACC a hockey conference? Soccer, Lacrosse, Golf seem to be good fits
              The problem with hockey is that the overhead is huge and whether it would be a revenue producing sport is doubtful, certainly in the short run. A Pitt hockey team would face the same difficulty as the football team with a popular pro team in town.

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                1. Also if you quit cross country forget having any distance guys on your track team.

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                2. Would love to see the Pitt financials broken down by sport. I would bet a few of upitt’s dollars that soccer was not revenue neutral. Hockey most certainly can be. Mercyhurst, Bobby MO, State Penn, OSU, Bowling Green and others play division 1 in our footprint and do well. Bobby Mo stoppage was a TitleIX issue.

                  Many beef on here about Pitt having difficulty recruiting in football because of our poor weather and northeast location (debunked now apparently), yet a sport that is played in cold weather and has a plethora of recruits in its own backyard, gets mocked. Yes, there are costs to start it up. Will report back on the funding necessary as I learn more.

                  So Alabama, and Arizona St have started D1 hockey…UNLV is going thru a feasibility study and wants to start as well. These are not northern markets or is my 3 years of third grade geography playing tricks on me? The timing for local dollars is also good in my opinion. The Steelers will be going down hill for a bit in my opinion. At best the steelers are the second best team in the division and at worst, we are the 4th best.

                  The Penguins will also be in trouble once Sid, Letang and Malkin hang it up. The city will not support a hockey loser (see Pens pre-mario). Well, the Pirates….ummm, not! I see great opportunity for Pitt in several sports, but they need a plan and i just don’t see that materializing. Maybe I am wrong on the pro teams forecasts? Pirates? Pens in two years? Steelers beginning this year? There’s a reason Colbert jumped with a long streak of winning under the belt.

                  Liked by 1 person

                  1. The University of Alabama-Tuscaloosa (the football powerhouse) does NOT have an ice hockey team.

                    The branch campus Alabama-Huntsville HAD an ice hockey team. The program at UAH hasn’t played since the Covid outbreak. It is currently in a hiatus due to lack of a conference membership and financial problems.

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                    1. https://www.alabamahockeyclub.com/team. Looked at their 2021-22 roster. Link says D1 Roster.

                      Alabama is a state system school located in Tuscaloosa and Huntsville is a member of the system, albeit, little brother. They appear to be still making a D1 go of it. Obviously the SEC does not prioritize hockey in the conference since they are clearly a bunch of southern schools, but not Pitt. I did see Bobby Mo on the Alabama schedule tho.

                      Like

          2. Pacific?

            Soccer at Pitt is becoming a powerhouse for men and very competitive for women.

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  54. Jordan Addison’s stats will drop this year. Guaranteed. Riley didn’t even have a WR in the top 50 last year. Texas had one at 43. Bama and Ohio State are his best bets. Assuming he can beat out all their 4 and 5 stars for the most looks, highly unlikely. I hope he makes his NIL money because his draft stock will drop by leaving Pitt where he would have been the focus of the entire offense.

    Liked by 3 people

    1. Also, if he (JA3) would have stayed at Pitt ( chance of him returning remains, but very slim, as he is known to be a high character guy ) he could a, should a and would a became a LEGEND.

      I do not blame the young man for seeking the millions as long that remains in his core value structure. I hope he aligns himself with good people. Riley and Sark are NOT good people – Saban is (IMO) and I don’t know much about Ryan Day. Tennessee and Ole Miss were also in the mix, and I hope young Jordan ran away from those two options quickly.

      At the end of the day, Pitt FB will produce similar results with or without JA3. HC Duzz must keep the remaining players focused on “we not me” – this definitely should help, but it is a huge price to pay. AD Lyke needs to make Stinkin Riley and USC very uncomfortable and not let the tampering aspect of this go away anytime soon.

      My way too early predictions have Pitt losing the 1st two games of ’22 (with or without JA3). The eers will be fired up and gun-slinging the ball all over the field (remember the Ok State Cowgirls?). The vols will test our D’s conditioning for the entire 60 minutes of regulation. Our “new” offense will need a few games to figure out how to play together (Mumfield, Means and Slovis) and be coached by the new staff (Cignetti and Underwood. I hope I am wrong…

      Rained out on a Saturday morning – psuX!

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    2. His stats were likely to drop at Pitt as well. No matter what he will be under a microscope now. That’s a lot of pressure. I think he will make enough splash plays no matter where he goes. He has the ability to separate from defenders as well as anyone and has great hands. He would have to have a miserable year or get hurt to drop in draft status.

      Like

    3. He was the focus because KP felt very comfortable throwing him the ball. He ran good routes. And had good hands. It’s a matter of trust. Addison had special chemistry with his QB and OC last season.

      His numbers will drop wherever he goes. But he’s in a far better position to replicate if he has the right OC and QB. Don’t knock the kid for figuring out that Pitt wasn’t It. Credit to him for seeing how the Spring game went. 10-7 proved it.

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      1. Sorry Tex but if you believe that Addison left for anything but the money I have a bridge in Frick Park that I could sell you. Your disdain for anything Pitt is showing. Addison is the best receiver at Pitt since Larry Fitzgerald. He was far and away the best player on the field and that is why Whipple built his offense around him from day one. It had little to do with chemistry and all to do with Addison’s ability to get open.
        I don’t think anyone is knocking Addison for getting paid but plenty are using his leaving to knock Pitt.

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      2. Addison has been at Pitt long enough to know the spring game means nothing. He left for money, which is fine. Pay for play.

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      1. Well, the player did seem to be smoking a lot of weed and drinking a lot. I guess the coach is to blame for that behavior. I like consequences for behaviors.

        Good story as it seems he is doing just fine.So few make it to the big time! Hope well for his future!!

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      2. Well, Shell was known to be a bit of a diva, had attitude, didn’t practice well, and so on.
        Thought Chryst showed a lot of backbone at the time by waving buh-bye to Shell.

        Delighted that Shell has matured and has his priorities straight.

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  57. S Marcus Hooker from tOSU and formerly of New Castle is in the transfer portal.

    Also, (3) Tex-a$ WR’$ entered the portal just before JA3 – two are 4-stars and one is a 3-star like Jordan was.

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  58. ”And even though Addison would have still been the alpha-dog (at least as far as the passing game is concerned), it’s fair to say that his targets, and likely his stats, would have diminished year over year. Not great for a player’s draft stock.”

    Nice objective run-down on this topic, MM.

    I think it’s still going to be difficult to persuade the masses, however, in terms of being fubared. (I’m still going to harbor the angst, regardless, because one can’t smooth over the rusty blade that is Addison’s now-legacy and the tainted impact-impression of his decision on the fb program.)

    The damage has been done, really. And it’s a turning point in college ball that centers on Pitt both today, as it will be tomorrow, too.

    Bitc**s get stitches in JA’s case and I know this from firsthand experience.

    Nice try, though, m’man, MM! I appreciate the effort on your behalf to soothe us!

    Like

  61. Pitt baseball beats Duke 14-4

    Good pitching matched with good hitting.

    All of the veteran starters who were injured are back in the line-up OR out of the doghouse as some may believe.

    Double header tomorrow starting at 11am.

    Golf was a total washout in Central PA today and yesterday.

    Go Pitt!

    Go Pitt!

    Liked by 1 person

  62. The Pens just scored a chili 🌶 goal and I just bought fried chicken. 🐓 😞 oh well.

    Like

  63. So when is the next time players are allowed to enter the portal? Pitt had been getting the best portal results up to Addison leaving, what happens next?

    Also wondering when all the new Pitt BBall players arrive on campus so they can start practicing together?

    Like

    1. Currently, football players can enter the portal anytime they want. They just are ineligible to play in the upcoming 2022 season. I’m not sure on other sports especially the spring sports.

      Liked by 1 person

        1. Basically yes. After reading prior articles some sources say May 1. Other say “BY” May 1. So, it was either 11:59PM April 30 or 11:59PM May 1.

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  64. Mike, how can anyone even think that any new WR coach is going to be an upgrade over Marion? The stats below alone say that he coached his top two WRs to be the 2nd best two single season WR combo ever at Pitt… (a very close 2nd)

    Combined 2021’s WRs Addison and Wayne did this:

    147 catches for 2251 yards for a 15.1 ypc and 23 TDs.

    Back in 2003 when Fitz went wild the combo of he and WR Prince Brockenbrough combined for this:

    127 catches for 2282 yards for a 18.0 ypc and 26 TDs.

    So we can see that even with the Fantastic Fitz in 2003 last year’s guys were also great with 20 more receptions and very close other stats overall.

    This wasn’t because of KP only – another indicator that Marion made all the difference last season is the fact that KP had the same HC, OC and QB coaches as the year before yet progressed immensely in his SR year with his WRs coach being new.

    That is the difference between 2021 and 2020 – a great WRs coach. Watch what happens now that Marion is gone…

    Like

    1. Reed,

      Marion made a difference, but you forgot to mention a much better offensive line, a more experienced and healthy Addison, two very good tight ends, much more depth at wide receiver before Mack’s and Stovall’s injuries and good hands coming out of the backfield. Plus a more experience more accurate QB with more time to throw. Also KP was injured.

      The previous year you had Addison as a freshman who missed games with injury, Mack with injury and Jacques Louis dropping passes and most importantly a porous O-line causing KP to run more often. A much less effective running game. Also don’t discount the impact of Covid on the 2020 team.

      All of these things contributed to a great passing game and great year.

      Liked by 1 person

    2. “…all the difference last season…” – I struggle with the word “all”, particularly since Marion followed Chris Beatty, whose work with WRs is highly regarded – at least the NFL thinks so.

      Narduzzi hired Beatty, then he hired Marion. And well documented that Marion was a bit of a problem towards the end – did you see his tweets? Only weeks prior to that, folks wanted him named OC after Whipple. My understanding is he was a problem for the other coaches on the staff

      The offense had more receiving weapons than the year before. Krull and Bartholomew were game changers, which one would guess created more space for the WRs. I really dont think we talke enough here about the impact that TWO good pass catching TEs had on the offense’s performance.

      I don’t think its really that big of a reach to believe that an upgrade was/is possible. Pitt’s profile is raised and there are a lot of coaches out there. We have an improved roster with depth and the school has stepped up to pay more for assistants. None of that is to say that Marion didn’t help last year, but Im not ready to conclude that his impact was much more than that.

      Liked by 3 people

    3. You’re the right. The drops decreased significantly, which helped Pickett tremendously. You don’t lead the nation in drops in back-to-back seasons then all of a sudden it is no longer an issue because of luck. It was due to Marion’s coaching.

      I expect a step back year for the corps under Norwood and the drops to return only because I need to see that they don’t before saying all will be fine. There were some bad drops in the spring game I read.

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Erie – I arrived to Pitt in August 1995. That was the year before me but lots of teammates and friends were.

        Like

  66. Marion’s WR coaching will revert to the mean, every possibility below

    why you’d pick that single variable when as many others are critical as GC points out

    ability to catch a ball is mostly innate and especially the “easy” ones, fighting for a 50/50 ball is too, Jordan did that more than most but imo none of the others did so did Marion only coach JA?

    I wonder if we will have ANY good receivers this year that remain from Marion’s coaching,,,,, or will those WR’s that were here last year forget what they had learned under him?

    there’s evidence they are forgetting Marion coaching with the drops I saw in the spring game 😦

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  67. It’s a wide receiver coach. He didn’t make that big of a difference. The was popular with the players, however. And, the new guy may not be an upgrade but he’s not a downgrade. Very well respected coach. The team was more mature and overall better. That’s the reason for the improvement. Wide receiver coaches don’t teach you how to catch. Lol. That’s a skill that is already expected. That’s the player working on it on their own.

    Liked by 3 people

  68. Quote about KP and Pitt from Kevin Colbert:

    “I give Kenny credit. He returned for that extra year,” Colbert said. “That was huge for him. It’s almost like he spent his rookie NFL season at the college level and really mastered it. Coach (Pat) Narduzzi and coach (Mark) Whipple provided him an opportunity to take that step in a pro schematic. And it is easier to project those types of players and those schematics to our level. It’s not that the others that play in a more college-type offense can’t do it. It’s just more guesswork.”

    Should be good for Pitt’s QB recruiting…

    Go Pitt.

    Liked by 3 people

    1. Speaking of QB recruiting — has Pitt ever offered as many QBs, and high-rated QBs, as they are now?

      (Remember when Wanny couldn’t find a QB and sent out letters looking for any interested parties….)

      Go Pitt.

      Liked by 1 person

  69. To piggy back on my wide receiver coach comments, the bigger impact is in recruiting then on the field. All they’re doing is running drills and teaching technique. Pitt had a drop problem but a lot of the guys who were the drop problems were no longer with the program or had their impact reduced (like Taysir Mack). You either can catch or you can’t by the time you get to college. Or you put the work into it on your own. I liked Marion, however. I was hoping to see some of his go-go offense introduced. He does have an innovative mind. But, by all accounts, Pitt replaced him with a good one.

    Like

    1. Pitt baseball wins game two vs Duke 3-2 behind great starting pitching and shaky relief pitching.

      Pitt was outhit 10-3.

      One to the 3rd game soon today.

      Let’s double up the blue devils!

      Liked by 1 person

    2. “… a lot of the guys who were the drop problems were no longer with the program or had their impact reduced (like Taysir Mack).” – Yep.

      Like

    3. Well, Krull kept dropping passes. Too bad Marion didn’t share his secrets with Coach Salem…. 😊

      Go Pitt.

      PS: Krull did make up for his drops with some big catches. The winning TD catch against UNC in the pouring rain is one I won’t forget.

      Liked by 1 person

  70. There is way too much emphasis on the WR coach here. Maybe some route running help,and some technique for going after 50/50 balls, but that is about it. The new WR coach will be just fine. Also, Addison’s numbers were due to come down this year. Good teams have many weapons, and can attack from many different ways. It is a good thing that there will be more balance this year, and since there are only so many plays in a game it would have probably come from Addison’s workload.

    Liked by 2 people

  71. As far as QB recruiting, Pitt finally gets it that a top QB is necessary to win a division or conference title. In quantity there is quality, so these many offers could lead to getting a top QB. Let’s hope that they find a good one as a Freshman rather than constantly relying of the transfer portal.

    Liked by 1 person

  72. Pitt baseball getting pounded by Duke in game 2 of a double header 12-1 in the top of the 4th with the blue devils still batting.

    The Panthers have no pitching beyond their #1&2 starters.

    The bats are pretty silent too today.

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    1. I was watching/ listening to the game while on a walk. I turned it off after the grandslam with 2 outs. And that was the 3rd pitcher we had there this game…ugh. Not looking good for the rematch with the Hoopies this week.

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      1. Annie – of the seven pitchers who have graced the mound in this pounding by Duke, the lowest ERA is 5.68 and there are a few in the double digits with a high of 12.00.

        Pitching will be a challenge when we face the hoopies.

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  73. In men’s basketball news:

    WPIAL Quaker Valley Star Adou Thiero Commits to Kentucky

    Former Pitt guard Femi Okudale commits to Seton Hall

    Like

  74. A Mother’s Day thought from a Panther-lair commenter:

    Penn State Moms who send sons there should reconsider where they have their sons matriculate. Just a word of warning, considering the sexually perverted culture they promote up there.

    Liked by 1 person

  75. I hope this wasn’t you, Ike, or if it was that they don’t find out: “Penn State announced Sunday that the Nittany Lion Shrine had been vandalized overnight.”

    Liked by 4 people

    2. Wasn’t me buddy, I’m thinking it may have been acquaintances of the poor young student who died at the hands of negligent frat brats?

      Meanwhile if poopy-pants statue would still be up, I may just swing by and relieve myself and take a little pee on it.

      Liked by 1 person

  76. Great article this morning in PG about the terrific new recruits to Lance Whites Womens BB Team at Pitt. Most important is he got a studette point guard, still sorely missing on the mens team!

    Liked by 2 people

    1. Dan – seems like the lack of a true center will hurt the women’s team. Fingers crossed that they find someone with that last scholarship…

      Go Pitt.

      Liked by 2 people

  77. I am in Columbia. Grandson plays tonight in a state baseball quarterfinal match up.

    I have a new article scheduled for 6:00 am tomorrow morning.

    Liked by 5 people

      1. This year he is playing shortstop. Like Kenny Pickett (smiling at you Ike), he is in his 6’th season of playing varsity ball. First season was as the backup catcher. Became the starting catcher for 4 years but this year he became the starting shortstop.

        They won a district tonight. 8 districts of 4 teams. Many games to go before championship.

        Liked by 1 person

  78. A good opportunity for pitt to showcase campus. But a very bad look when the host isn’t even invited. Pitts softball coach has to go.

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  79. Hi all – there is someone on Panther Lair who has a Red5A season parking pass and is looking to move to Red6. If anyone here is in Red6 and would like to move with the Red5A tailgate gang, let me know and I will try to connect the two of you.

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    1. I used to be in Red 6 and received a call from the ticket office telling me that they were eliminating spots there because an apartment building is being built. Your friend needs to check with them for sure.

      Liked by 1 person

  80. Finally a good weather week in Pittsburgh. Hopefully some recruits are visiting.

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  81. USA Today has new power rankings out, and Pitt is 5th in ACC behind Clemson, NCS, UNC and Wake. ( Miami is 6th). No mention of Addison

    This is fine with me. They can drop even lower as far as I am concerned

    Sent from my iPhone

    >

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