Pitt notebook: 14 former Panthers poised to work out Wednesday for NFL scouts
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Pitt will welcome scouts, coaches and executives from most, if not all, NFL teams Wednesday for Pro Day at the indoor practice facility it shares with the Pittsburgh Steelers.
A total of 13 players from the 2022 team, plus linebacker John Petrishen, whose last season was 2021, will participate in various drills, including the 40-yard dash, vertical jump and weightlifting, all with the aim of getting drafted or, at least, signed to a free agent contract in April.
Among the players participating will be All-American defensive tackle Calijah Kancey, safeties Brandon Hill and Erick Hallett, running back Izzy Abanikanda, offensive linemen Owen Drexel, Marcus Minor, Gabe Houy and Carter Warren, defensive ends Deslin Alexandre and Habakkuk Baldonado, linebackers Sir Vocea Dennis and Tylar Wiltz and wide receiver Jared Wayne.
Many members of the current team will witness the proceedings, especially the weightlifting portion when they will be in the weight room, encouraging former teammates in the 225-pound bench press.
“As they watch,” coach Pat Narduzzi said, “I hope they look and say, `I can do the same thing.’ It’s all about development. If you come in here and you listen and you learn …”
Tuesday, not so great
Narduzzi said he was pleased with the scrimmage Saturday that was originally scheduled for Acrisure Stadium but was moved inside due to inclement weather. He wasn’t satisfied with the team’s effort at practice Tuesday, however.
“Wasn’t particularly happy with (Tuesday’s) effort,” he said of the first day this spring the team practiced outside.
“It looked like it was the first day of practice. Sometimes, that happens. We took a step backwards and keep moving forward.”
When it was suggested that, perhaps, the Tuesday effort was inevitable after a tough workout Saturday, Narduzzi didn’t agree.
“That’s a great excuse. You can make excuses for them. I’m not making any,” he said. “Just a lack of focus.”
`Back-and-forth’ scrimmage
The defense won the scrimmage, but Narduzzi said, “It was back and forth. It was solid, well-run. You’re not mad at the offense or defense afterwards.”
The offense committed some turnovers that prompted Narduzzi to pull out a stat from his first eight seasons at Pitt.
“When we win the turnover ratio,” he said, “we have an 87% chance of winning.”
Overall, he’s not eager to make any solid assessments in March.
“We can grade the practice, grade the scrimmage. We’ll find out in September,” he said.
Other Narduzzi observations
• Senior defensive end Bam Brima has continued his strong performances after making an impact in bowl practice last year. Narduzzi said Brima came to him and said, “Coach, I bet you thought I’d never play for you.”
Narduzzi said he answered, “No, I thought someday you would. It’s taken you a little longer.”
• Narduzzi has been pleased with junior linebacker Solomon DeShields.
“He just keeps getting better,” Narduzzi said. “He’s confident. A year ago, he still looks at you and says, `Coach, can I go play receiver?’
“I think he thought he was going on the softer side (after moving from wide receiver). He’s going on the tougher side. He’s bought into the position.”
• Of freshman linebacker Braylan Lovelace of Leechburg, he said, “He wasn’t as good in the scrimmage as he was in practice. But he’s had a great spring ball so far.”
• Of freshman quarterback Ty Dieffenbach, “He has thrown some nice balls and looked sharp out there.”
• Junior safety P.J. O’Brien was called for an unsportsmanlike penalty in the scrimmage. “But he’s playing at a high level,” Narduzzi said.
• The coach also pointed out that defensive end Nahki Johnson of West Mifflin continues to practice well.