Slovis isn’t sure yet: Stay or go
QB has options for 2023 season
When his teammates make their walk one by one to midfield with their loved ones Saturday afternoon to be recognized on senior day, Pitt quarterback Kedon Slovis won’t be a part of the ceremony.
Although he is a senior, Slovis informed reporters Tuesday that he won’t be part of the festivities that celebrate players who are suiting up for their final home game. Slovis said the decision was easy — a few members of his family won’t be able to attend the game, and he wouldn’t want to go through the senior day tradition without his loved ones there.
There is, however, another decision Slovis has to make involving his senior status, one
that he admits is far more difficult: Should he stay or should he go?
Due to the extra year of eligibility college athletes received during the pandemic, Slovis has one extra year to play in college. Based upon his production in the 2022 season, the NFL doesn’t look to be an option. His choices are essentially either returning for another year at Pitt or seeking an opportunity elsewhere through the transfer portal.
Just a few weeks ago, Pat Narduzzi said he and Slovis hadn’t discussed the possibility of his returning to Pitt for another year. However, things have changed. Slovis mentioned Tuesday that he and his coach have indeed talked about what’s best for both camps in 2023.
“We’ve glossed over it, really just the decision-making process,” Slovis said, “but we’ve got two more games and we’re really focused on that. We’re really just organizing the types of things I need to know or the types of information that I need to get to make the decision.”
So what “information” is Slovis looking to gain? He said it’s a multitude of things.
First, it starts with the offensive scheme. Slovis came to Pitt the same year Frank Cignetti Jr. rejoined the program as offensive coordinator. Both Slovis and Cignetti have had success elsewhere, but the results this fall — especially in the passing game — have been a mixed bag.
Slovis acknowledged the issues in consistency, saying that there was undoubtedly a collective struggle when it came to adjusting to Cignetti’s new playbook.
“Obviously you’re learning it, but everyone else is learning it,” Slovis said. “[Receivers] are running routes a way they’ve probably never done before. They’re learning, adjusting and getting better. So yeah, it’s a big process for everyone. Obviously for me, I haven’t played in an offense like this. It was a big learning curve for everyone. It was definitely more challenging than if everyone kind of knows it and just one guy is learning; that’s probably easier.”
Slovis said he and his teammates are now starting to feel more comfortable in Cignetti’s system and that perhaps another year with everyone could produce better results.
“This is Week 11 so the offense is a lot better than where we were at the beginning of the year at camp,” Slovis said. “I think that’s proven time and time again, that more reps, more confidence, more time in the system, the better you’re going to be.”
Another part of Slovis’ decision will depend on the decisions of others, particularly his teammates on offense. Veterans up front -— Carter Warren, Owen Drexel, Marcus Minor and Gabe Houy -— are out of eligibility, and key players, including primary receiver Jared Wayne, midseason All-America running back Israel Abanikanda and even tight end Gavin Bartholomew could either test the waters at the NFL level or enter transfer portal.
“That’s a big part of it,” Slovis said. “Again, that’s kind of part of the decision-making process.”
Slovis said he’s pleased with his overall experience at Pitt, but acknowledged there were times, especially in October, when his own production was lacking. All season, fans have debated the reason for Slovis’ struggles. Some pointed toward lasting effects from the concussion he suffered in Week 2 against Tennessee. Others blamed Cignetti. And some simply chalked it up to poor execution.
Slovis said he was fine physically and mentally after returning from his injury, but the week away from the game, along with the team’s conservative game plan in his first game back against Rhode Island, caused the passing attack to fall into a rut.
“I think I was fine mentally,” Slovis said. “I think the mental stuff wasn’t from the injury, more so just finding a rhythm offensively. I wouldn’t say it’s a confidence thing, just more so, just developing a flow offensively.”
Last week, Slovis helped Pitt churn out its biggest winning margin of the season, a 37-7 win at Virginia. Although his numbers didn’t jump off the charts, a few of his big throws, along with his efficiency on third down, showed aspects of his game that were clearly missing earlier in the season.
With there being a chance that Saturday could be his final home game at Pitt, Slovis will look to continue improving, knowing that better play will help his chances wherever suits up next season.