Athlon "Most under rated ACC players" link. pitt player on it, surprising IMO

[Swervin27]

Matt Galambos, LB, Pitt With eight starters back, Pitt’s defense is expected to take a step forward in the second year under coach Pat Narduzzi. This unit is anchored by All-America candidates in end Ejuan Price and safety Jordan Whitehead, but Galambos is quietly making a push to be considered among the ACC’s best at linebacker. The Pennsylvania native has played in 39 career games and accumulated 198 overall stops in that span. Galambos also thrived under Narduzzi last fall, as he finished 2015 with 88 tackles (10 for a loss) and five sacks. - See more at: http://athlonsports.com/college-football/accs-15-most-underrated-players-2016#sthash.NHke1oIs.dpuf


http://athlonsports.com/college-football/accs-15-most-underrated-players-2016

 

[9nationalchampionships]

IMO this is a beauty contest type article with every state represented regardless of talent ( physical ) to increase the readership.

 

[CaptainSidneyReilly]

Matt Galambos, LB, Pitt With eight starters back, Pitt’s defense is expected to take a step forward in the second year under coach Pat Narduzzi. This unit is anchored by All-America candidates in end Ejuan Price and safety Jordan Whitehead, but Galambos is quietly making a push to be considered among the ACC’s best at linebacker. The Pennsylvania native has played in 39 career games and accumulated 198 overall stops in that span. Galambos also thrived under Narduzzi last fall, as he finished 2015 with 88 tackles (10 for a loss) and five sacks. - See more at: http://athlonsports.com/college-football/accs-15-most-underrated-players-2016#sthash.NHke1oIs.dpuf


http://athlonsports.com/college-football/accs-15-most-underrated-players-2016

Thanks good find to share to learn on the Lair!

I am very worried Pitt may not have the Linebackers fast enough to stop the run and cover the pass, against Clemson, Penn State, UNC, Miami, and OKSU? Hope Lair Posters explain for me to relax and not worry? This helps after listening to reading Chris Peak's great article on Position By Position Roster Starters for Pitt!

Like to see the analysis of the Teams on Pitt Schedule if you can put them up Team by Team?

 

[Teh Teh]

Matt Galambos, LB, Pitt With eight starters back, Pitt’s defense is expected to take a step forward in the second year under coach Pat Narduzzi. This unit is anchored by All-America candidates in end Ejuan Price and safety Jordan Whitehead, but Galambos is quietly making a push to be considered among the ACC’s best at linebacker. The Pennsylvania native has played in 39 career games and accumulated 198 overall stops in that span. Galambos also thrived under Narduzzi last fall, as he finished 2015 with 88 tackles (10 for a loss) and five sacks. - See more at: http://athlonsports.com/college-football/accs-15-most-underrated-players-2016#sthash.NHke1oIs.dpuf


http://athlonsports.com/college-football/accs-15-most-underrated-players-2016

Thanks for the find and positive news

 

[CaptainSidneyReilly]

Boy does Pitt, Psu, and Wvu have a way to go to get to the top 25 in 2016, if you look at Athlon's rankings Expectations Link;

Athlon Ranking All 128 Teams For 2016:

38. Pitt: Pat Narduzzi's first year in the Steel City was a success, and the Panthers are aiming even higher in 2016. Standout receiver Tyler Boyd must be replaced, but Pitt returns 16 starters, including standout safety Jordan Whitehead and senior quarterback Nathan Peterman. The combination of James Conner and Qadree Ollison is one of the nation's best backfield duos.
3 CLEMSON
21 UNC
24 OKSU
27 MIAMI
29 VT
PITT 8-5?

39. Penn State: James Franklin has recruited well, but the Nittany Lions are still looking for a breakout season under their third-year coach. With scholarship sanctions ending, the depth and overall talent level is improving in Happy Valley. Franklin needs to find a new quarterback and replace a couple of key faces on defense.
2 OSU
5 MICHIGAN
13 MSU
19 IOWA
38 PITT
PENN STATE 8-5?

40. West Virginia: Is this a make-or-break year for coach Dana Holgorsen? With no long-term contract in place, Holgorsen is under a lot of pressure to win in 2016. The Mountaineers should have one of the Big 12's top offenses, but the defense features a revamped back seven.
6 OU
17 TCU
24 OKSU
25 BAYLOR
WVU 9-4?

LINK:
http://athlonsports.com/college-football/college-football-2016-team-rankings-1-128

 

[wbrpanther]

Matt Galambos, LB, Pitt With eight starters back, Pitt’s defense is expected to take a step forward in the second year under coach Pat Narduzzi. This unit is anchored by All-America candidates in end Ejuan Price and safety Jordan Whitehead, but Galambos is quietly making a push to be considered among the ACC’s best at linebacker. The Pennsylvania native has played in 39 career games and accumulated 198 overall stops in that span. Galambos also thrived under Narduzzi last fall, as he finished 2015 with 88 tackles (10 for a loss) and five sacks. - See more at: http://athlonsports.com/college-football/accs-15-most-underrated-players-2016#sthash.NHke1oIs.dpuf


http://athlonsports.com/college-football/accs-15-most-underrated-players-2016

Doesn't surprise me at all. One thing about Pitt fans. if a player doesn't play great in his early years he is branded for his career. Galambos has played much better as he gained experience.

 

[big marty]

Linebacker position will be a strength. It's not my opinion. The staff says it and they say that's without any freshmen contributing. I like college ball because good, tough, hardworking kids grow up in front of our eyes. The key position is both Defensive tackles. If we're solid there, look out.

 

[vegasgreed]

wouldn't that be exciting!

Linebacker position will be a strength. It's not my opinion. The staff says it and they say that's without any freshmen contributing. I like college ball because good, tough, hardworking kids grow up in front of our eyes. The key position is both Defensive tackles. If we're solid there, look out.

 

[VAPITTALUM]

Boy does Pitt, Psu, and Wvu have a way to go to get to the top 25 in 2016, if you look at Athlon's rankings Expectations Link;

Athlon Ranking All 128 Teams For 2016:

38. Pitt: Pat Narduzzi's first year in the Steel City was a success, and the Panthers are aiming even higher in 2016. Standout receiver Tyler Boyd must be replaced, but Pitt returns 16 starters, including standout safety Jordan Whitehead and senior quarterback Nathan Peterman. The combination of James Conner and Qadree Ollison is one of the nation's best backfield duos.
3 CLEMSON
21 UNC
24 OKSU
27 MIAMI
29 VT
PITT 8-5?

39. Penn State: James Franklin has recruited well, but the Nittany Lions are still looking for a breakout season under their third-year coach. With scholarship sanctions ending, the depth and overall talent level is improving in Happy Valley. Franklin needs to find a new quarterback and replace a couple of key faces on defense.
2 OSU
5 MICHIGAN
13 MSU
19 IOWA
38 PITT
PENN STATE 8-5?

40. West Virginia: Is this a make-or-break year for coach Dana Holgorsen? With no long-term contract in place, Holgorsen is under a lot of pressure to win in 2016. The Mountaineers should have one of the Big 12's top offenses, but the defense features a revamped back seven.
6 OU
17 TCU
24 OKSU
25 BAYLOR
WVU 9-4?

LINK:
http://athlonsports.com/college-football/college-football-2016-team-rankings-1-128

To be fair, this is also the same publication that has James Franklin ranked ahead of Pat Narduzzi (accept based on lack of experience), Jim Mora, Larry Fedora, Paul Johnson, Bronco Mendenhall...what a terrible publication!

 

[CaptainSidneyReilly]

"big marty, post: 1454606, member: 3998"]Linebacker position will be a strength. It's not my opinion. The staff says it and they say that's without any freshmen contributing. I like college ball because good, tough, hardworking kids grow up in front of our eyes. The key position is both Defensive tackles. If we're solid there, look out.
This is my worry....if you read Chris Peak's Article Link below one can see Pitt needs to find one DB, DT, and LB, to help create a consistent Defense, and then all must stay healthy. If they can do that I totally agree with you but won't know and until i see it and Pitt does not have time to do it, since facing PSU, OKSU, UNC early.

Excerpt From Peak's Aryicle & Link To All Positions:

STAR LINEBACKER
This is a big one for Pitt. As the defensive staff adapts to facing more spread offenses and dangerous speed, the coaches need the “Star” linebacker - a hybrid strong safety/outside linebacker - who can be strong in run support but also drop into coverage. It’s a unique position but one that defenses have to incorporate as offenses continue to evolve.

The problem is, the coaches don’t seem to have a great option right now. Nicholas Grigsby was the starter last season but he graduated, leaving no one with any significant game experience at the position. Redshirt senior Mike Caprara took a few snaps there last season, but his focus is at the other outside linebacker position (the “Money”).

The problem was compounded this spring when a few players who could potentially take over the Star position - Anthony McKee, Bam Bradley and Quintin Wirginis - were out with an injury. So the position ended up being manned by two converted safeties, Jalen Williams and Oluwaseun Idowu, and a converted receiver, Elijah Zeise. Idowu and Zeise are listed as “OR” starters in the media guide’s preseason two-deep, but the competition will change significantly in training camp.

In addition to McKee (who will work exclusively at the Star) and Bradley and Wirginis (who could get a look there), Zeise and Idowu will also have to watch out for a freshman or two. The coaches have been steadfast in their belief that any of the three newcomers - Kaezon Pugh, Chase Pine or Elias Reynolds - could play any of the three linebacker spots. The staff probably has a bit more specific plan for the freshmen, but at least one, if not more, of them will get a look at the Star.

The starting job probably won’t go to a freshman, but there should be plenty of competition with Zeise, Idowu, McKee and possibly one or more of the other upperclassmen. Bradley might be a top option here given his experience, but the coaches will have a lot to consider in training camp.
LINK:
https://pittsburgh.rivals.com/news/pitt-camp-preview-five-position-battles-to-watch

Unless Pitt finds another Hugh Green & Ricky Jackson that were LB at DE, in the same year, the talent must overcome the inexperience this year and very fast and early on the schedule.

Why I think Hudson & Pugh could have been that combination. Fats, Smart, and tough Linebackers without becoming injured are needed to stop PSU Moorhead Offense, as well as KSU, UNC, MIAMI and GT!

This is why I put up the Link so others can address my concerns and ignorance on what can happen and who will be able to play like Narduzzi needs and wants them to execute.