Optimism is high despite Addison exit
ACC champions still among the favorites in ’22
The defending ACC champions will look a little different next season. Since Pitt celebrated its conference title in Charlotte last December, the program has added six players from, and lost 14 players to, the transfer portal. That group is, of course, highlighted by Biletnikoff Award winner Jordan Addison leaving for USC last month.
That roster fluidity makes this summer a crucial one for Pitt. There’s still reason for optimism for the 2022 campaign. When the Panthers kick off their Backyard Brawl opener against West Virginia on Sept. 1, they’ll be an ACC favorite alongside Clemson, Miami and N.C. State.
The team’s positive vibes coming out of spring ball took a hit with Addison’s departure. But senior members of the program remain confident in this group as it pushes through voluntary workouts and 7-on-7s ahead of August training camp.
“The guys have been working hard and are excited to be back,” sixth-year offensive tackle Carter Warren said Tuesday at Pitt’s facility. “We’re pumped up for the season and ready to go.”
“How you start is everything,” sixth-year defensive endDeslin Alexandre added. “You want to start fast in the summer. We want a fast start to camp and then we want another fast start going into the season. It all comes together.”
By all accounts, Pitt’s start to summer workouts has come together nicely. Players are either lifting with the strength and conditioning staff or working on individual skills on a daily basis. Most of the Panthers returned to campus in recent weeks.
Alexandre, the only returning captain from 2021, said the team’s vaunted defensive line has kept its standards high. The front four ought to be the strength of the team with the return of preseason All-American candidate Calijah Kancey and last season’s sacks leader Habakkuk Baldonado, among other veterans and burgeoning stars.
Warren, who spurned a Senior Bowl invite to come back for one final season, is equally assured by the offensive line. Pitt brings back its full starting five from 2021: Warren, Marcus Minor, Owen Drexel, Jake Kradel and Gabe Houy.
“We’re sticking together, sticking to our same roots and grinding it out every day,” Warren said.
Warren and Alexandre have also been impressed with a few newer faces. USC transfer Kedon Slovis continues to compete with Nick Patti for the opportunity to replace Kenny Pickett at quarterback. Wide receivers Konata Mumpfield and Jerrod “Bub” Means — who transferred in from Akron and Louisiana Tech, respectively — have stood out during 7-on-7s, the senior linemen said.
Means and Mumpfield, as well as Jared Wayne, will be needed come the fall without Addison. Last year, Addison recorded 100 receptions, 1,593 receiving yards and 17 touchdowns, positioning himself to be a 2023 NFL first-round pick.
Addison’s decision to leave Pitt for USC in May was much-discussed nationally due to suspected tampering and name, image and likeness implications. But Alexandre and Warren — the first two players to speak with local media since Addison’s transfer — hold no ill will toward the superstar receiver.
“We’re happy for him,” Warrensaid. “He had a great opportunity. He left, and good for him. But we’re focused on this team right now. ... Not much to it.”
“Jordan made a decision for himself,” Alexandre said, “and we all wish him the best.”
Without Addison in the fold, Pitt’s ACC title defense will undoubtedly be more difficult. But with depth at receiver and at most other positions up and down the roster, the Panthers maintain a level of confidence as they navigate these summer workouts.
How they progress and how players like Alexandre and Warren set a tone before training camp could, ultimately, determine the fate of that title defense.
“Leadership’s been good all around,” Warren said. “... The biggest thing for us is winning every game. We’re coming out, working hard and giving it everything we’ve got. We just want to come out this season on top, and I believe this team is going to be doing great things this year. No doubt about it.”