Johnsons win the spring, Karter and Nahki named most improved players at Pitt drills
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In advance of the Blue-Gold Game on Saturday afternoon, Pitt coach Pat Narduzzi named two Johnsons — tight end Karter and defensive end Nahki — winners of the Ed Conway Award, emblematic of the most improved players during spring drills.
Johnson, who transferred last year from Butler (Kan.) Community College, started two of his 12 games in 2022, with six catches for 89 yards. He is considered the best blocker among a group of tight ends that include Gavin Bartholomew and Jake Renda.
“Karter has really dedicated himself to becoming an all-around tight end at Pitt,” Narduzzi said in a statement. “He made some really great strides this spring, and I expect that to continue into his final season. His progress has been so impressive, especially considering he started his college career on the defensive line.”
Nahki Johnson, a West Mifflin graduate, played in eight games last season, and will be expected to be a weekly contributor this season after ends Hababkkuk Baldonado, Deslin Alexandre and Chris Maloney exhausted their eligibility.
“Nahki really started to flash during our Sun Bowl practices last December,” Narduzzi said. “He continued that momentum this spring and is ready to be a factor on our defensive front. Playing behind veterans Deslin Alexandre and Habakkuk Baldonado the past two years gave him great examples to learn from, and he is ready to put that to use this year.”
Johnson said his goal at the beginning of spring drills was to win the award.
“I mean this in the humblest way,” he said after the game Saturday when he shared a TFL with linebacker Nick Lapi and recorded a quarterback hurry. “I really wanted this award. I’m really blessed that everybody saw me do what I’m supposed to do.”
The Conway Award has been presented since 1975 in honor of Ed Conway, the radio play-by-play voice of Pitt football from 1970-73. Conway died in 1974.