Takeaways from camp after Week 2

Deep pass game, safety McIntyre among storylines

While for some it might feel like it was just yesterday when Pitt reported to its facility on the South Side to begin training camp, two of the four weeks are already in the books. From tight position battles to changes in scheme, numerous notable storylines have developed over the past few practices. Here are five takeaways as we arrive at the halfwaypoint:

Airing it out

Throughout the spring, players and coaches spoke about how this year’s offense would feature a more aggressive passing attack. Narduzzi opened his talk with reporters Monday by highlighting successful deep-ball efforts from multiplequarterbacks, saying it looked like the offense’s rust from the opening week of camphad faded away.

“Phil [Jurkovec] and Christian [Veilleux] connected on somedeep, deep throws,” Narduzzi said. “The receivers were definitely not as rusty yesterday,for sure.”

Tuesday, the media was able to get a close look. For the firsttime during fall camp, the media had access to 11-on-11 sessions. While only a few plays were run, it was notable that the three pass plays were alldeep balls.

Jurkovec started things off by connecting with Bub Means on a go-route down the left sideline. Despite being closelycovered by cornerback M.J. Devonshire, Means used his size to gain position and haul it in. That trend continued as both Veilleux and Nate Yarnell went deep on their first pass attempts, though neither throws were completed.

Whilepractice completions don’t show up on the stat sheet, the mere notion that Pittwill likely take more shots down field is a reason for fans to be excited. The team’s returning talents on the offensive line and in the backfield should again create a successful rushing attack. If that ground presence can be complemented by any sort of threat through the air, the offense will be far more dangerousthan 2022.

Options at wide receiver

Despite two weeks of opportunities, the narrative is that there are still many available playing opportunities at receiver. Returning starters Means and Konata Mumpfiled have led the way, as expected. But after that, the depth chart looks to be undetermined.

During the first week, Pitt’s four-man group of true freshman

receivers dominated the conversation. Spring camp darling Israel Polk received praise, as did Zion Fowler-El and Kenny Johnson. However,Narduzzi mentioned Friday that the passing game is still experiencing some growingpains.

“Our run game has gotten better. I see the improvement,” Narduzzi said. “The pass game, I’m still waiting to seemore improvement.”

Narduzzi has said that those on the offense are both more knowledgeable of the playbook and confident in the passinggame. With that being said, it seems like execution is the final missing piece to the puzzle.

Incoming Florida transfer Daejon Reynolds has seemingly yet to assert himself ahead of his freshmen teammates. Polk seemed to be a potential camp darling but lost steam due to a minor injury. Fowler-El and Johnson have shown flashes but are still learning the playbook. And redshirt freshmen Che Nwabuko has been praised for his speed displayed on short routes, but not much else.

Altogether, the message seems to be that while there is certainly talent behind Means and Mumpfield, the coaching staff is still looking for consistencyfrom the rest.

McIntyre standing out

At the start of camp, Narduzzi and defensive coordinator Randy Bates mentioned that both starting safety spots were open. It now seems like one of those spots will belong to redshirt sophomore Javon McIntyre.

“He’s been the guy,” Narduzzi said of McIntyre on Thursday. “I told you all four daysago he’s done the best job. The cornerbacks feel very comfortablewith him because he’s giving them the calls fast. He knows exactly what he’s doing, and he’s doing it becausehe’s studied it.”

Pitt fans were given a brief tease of McIntyre’s abilities last fall, when he received notable playing time against Miamiand then made his first careerstart in the Sun Bowl.

While he intercepted a pass in both contests, he also made many mistakes. However, those youthful errors have seemingly been minimized dueto his strong preparation.

McIntyre said he is comfortable playing both safety spots, but the bulk of his experience came at strong safety. Juniors Phillip O’Brien Jr.

and Donovan McMillon and redshirt sophomore Stephon Hall remain in the mixfor the other safety spot.

Baer’s stock on rise

Offensive line coach Dave Borbely said his goal for both spring ball and fall camp was to find the team’s five best overall linemen. Based upon how things look after two weeks it seems like redshirt freshman Ryan Baerwill be in that group.

After redshirting as a freshman, Baer looks to be on track to make his first start in Week 1 against Wofford. The question isn’t when he will play, but where.

Baer came to Pitt as a four-star offensive tackle. This spring, Borbely challenged Baer to also learn guard, but that project was cut short due to left tackle Branson Taylor coming up witha minor injury.

While Taylor has returned, it was Baer who was seen receiving first team reps at left tackle during the team’s 11-on-11 work Tuesday. However, Baer says he will be prepared to play either spot by the start of the regularseason.

“WhenI first got here, all I played was tackle, so I’m a Baer whole prettycomfortable bit Rather more at guard, said. camp comfortable “But I than think under if a I with battle I can my can there,” get it.” belt get between a guard, Ryan Baer the and Jacoby new redshirt matchup at left senior looks and Taylor. to be between Whoever Jacoby can perform better at their respective spot will start, and the worst of the two will be replacedby Baer in the startinglineup.

NIL deal

Pitt’s preferred NIL collective Alliance 412 announced Thursday that it has signed a team-wide, seven-figure deal with the football program, ensuring each of the 85 scholarship players will receive at least five figures of annual income.

Known for his strong opinions on NIL, Narduzzi spoke about the deal Friday, saying he was very much in favorof each player getting a sliceof the pie.

“(Alliance412 CEO) Chris Bickell is a good friend,” Narduzzi said. “We’ve talked about what I’d like to have. To me, it’s about ‘we.’ We have a sign over there that says ‘we not me.’ It bothered me when some guys hadit and others didn’t.”