Next year's starting lineup

[Sean Miller Fan]

QB: Grad Transfer (probably Max Browne)
RB: Moss
WR: Weah
WR: Henderson
WR: Matthews
TE: Clark
T: JJS
T: O'Neill
G: Bookser
G: Baker/Dintino
C: Officer
FB (when they take a WR off field): Aston

DE: Hendrix
DE: Blair
DT: Taleni
DT: Watts
MLB: Wirginis
OLB: Brightwell
OLB: Idowu
CB: Maddox
CB: Hamlin
FS: Ford
SS: Whitehead

Any disagreements. I think that's a pretty good lineup and if we can get DJ's replacement to step up and get consistent RB play and improved secondary play, I think this team can win every game it plays. Not saying we will, I'd say 8-4 but we will again be good enough to be right there in every game and with a few breaks, we could finally have that special season.

 

[King Of All Message Boards]

QB will be interesting. I think it's a very good idea to bring in a kid like Browne but even if he does come here I'd think that's gonna be a wide open battle.

It certainly sounds like MacVittie has the tools and some seem to think the coaches are high on him.

We shall see I guess.

 

[kma0043]

All depends on 2 huge factors: Canada staying and how quickly whoever replaces Peterman can become a reliable QB

 

[NCanton Panther]

All looks good but you unintendedly make Aston seem like an afterthought with the 'when they take a WR if the field' clarifier. He is fairly involved in the offense for a FB.

 

[Piranha]

QB: Grad Transfer (probably Max Browne)
RB: Moss
WR: Weah
WR: Henderson
WR: Matthews
TE: Clark
T: JJS
T: O'Neill
G: Bookser
G: Baker/Dintino
C: Officer
FB (when they take a WR off field): Aston

DE: Hendrix
DE: Blair
DT: Taleni
DT: Watts
MLB: Wirginis
OLB: Brightwell
OLB: Idowu
CB: Maddox
CB: Hamlin
FS: Ford
SS: Whitehead

Any disagreements. I think that's a pretty good lineup and if we can get DJ's replacement to step up and get consistent RB play and improved secondary play, I think this team can win every game it plays. Not saying we will, I'd say 8-4 but we will again be good enough to be right there in every game and with a few breaks, we could finally have that special season.

QB - that will be the key position (TMAC right now)
OLB - I think one of the R. Fr. start

 

[Sean Miller Fan]

QB will be interesting. I think it's a very good idea to bring in a kid like Browne but even if he does come here I'd think that's gonna be a wide open battle.

It certainly sounds like MacVittie has the tools and some seem to think the coaches are high on him.

We shall see I guess.

Come on. If Pitt brings in a high-level grad transfer like Max Browne, who has started games at US effing C, he will be promised the starting job and any "competition" will be just something Narduzzi tells the media. Browne is absolutely 100% not coming cross country for his last season to "compete" with MacVittie.

If Pitt lands a lower-level grad transfer, then, yes, there would be a competition. For example, I am completely making this up, but lets say Minnesota has a 5th year senior who got beat out by a sophomore, that's the type of player who would "compete" with MacVittie.

If Brown comes here, he's the starter without question.

 

[CaptainMurphy]

If Brown comes here, he's the starter without question.

Any grad transfer without significant starting experience will be competing for the job. Would he have a leg up? Sure. But I don't think the staff is guaranteeing him anything.

 

[9nationalchampionships]

I would like to be able to say "what can browne do for Pitt"

 

[PittPharmacy1989]

QB: Grad Transfer (probably Max Browne)
RB: Moss
WR: Weah
WR: Henderson
WR: Matthews
TE: Clark
T: JJS
T: O'Neill
G: Bookser
G: Baker/Dintino
C: Officer
FB (when they take a WR off field): Aston

DE: Hendrix
DE: Blair
DT: Taleni
DT: Watts
MLB: Wirginis
OLB: Brightwell
OLB: Idowu
CB: Maddox
CB: Hamlin
FS: Ford
SS: Whitehead

Any disagreements. I think that's a pretty good lineup and if we can get DJ's replacement to step up and get consistent RB play and improved secondary play, I think this team can win every game it plays. Not saying we will, I'd say 8-4 but we will again be good enough to be right there in every game and with a few breaks, we could finally have that special season.

That teams definitely looks pretty solid to me. I'm sure there will be a surprise or two where certain players step up and grab a starting role, but overall I think you are pretty accurate.

We have a couple areas of concern for me. We need the line to gel quickly and play close to the level they played this year. We need a qb that can come in and run this offense at a high level. Peterman get's short changed in my mind. He really ran this offense extremely well and made very few mistakes. If we can get similar results at this position next year and we keep Canada, the offense should be very close to last year's production.

I like to see the improvement in athleticism on defense. Looks like we are going to get younger, faster and more athletic. I think this is the side of the ball to look for some surprises. Not sure how Pugh will be coming back next year or what his time frame is but I could see him earning a starting position if healthy. I could also see Chase Pine getting in the mix with significant playing time. Add in Miller, Coleman and Reynolds and I think this defense has the chance to rotate players and stay fresh in the back 7. My bigger concern next year will be can the defensive line hold up strong for an entire season? Last year the back half of our defense was so bad, that I think we just have to assume they will be better this year. If true, teams will have to try and run more on us next year than they did this year. Do we have the horses up front to stay healthy and fresh to stop stronger running games all season long? And will we find someone to pressure the qb?

 

[vegasgreed]

At some point during next season, could be the 3rd game, could be the 9th game but I think Sibley will be the best RB on the team.

 

[oldpantherfan]

Browne is a step back, not sure why everyoine is excited about a kid whonwas #1 four years ago.
By the way do yoiu guys know hackenburg was in the same class and was lower but now collects a NFL check.
If not Zaire or proven qb go with mcvittie (not Browne) at least he has time to learn .

 

[Swervin27]

QB: Grad Transfer (probably Max Browne)
RB: Moss
WR: Weah
WR: Henderson
WR: Matthews
TE: Clark
T: JJS
T: O'Neill
G: Bookser
G: Baker/Dintino
C: Officer
FB (when they take a WR off field): Aston

DE: Hendrix
DE: Blair
DT: Taleni
DT: Watts
MLB: Wirginis
OLB: Brightwell
OLB: Idowu
CB: Maddox
CB: Hamlin
FS: Ford
SS: Whitehead

Any disagreements. I think that's a pretty good lineup and if we can get DJ's replacement to step up and get consistent RB play and improved secondary play, I think this team can win every game it plays. Not saying we will, I'd say 8-4 but we will again be good enough to be right there in every game and with a few breaks, we could finally have that special season.

someone posted about Dintino being center so they can move Officer to guard. Not sure if Officer has higher ceiling at Guard or center.. Regarding the star backer, I really hope we can do better..

 

[chethejet]

Pitt has to play the talent on defense to get better. Coleman, Ziese, are simply better athletes with upside over Idowu and Maddox. Officer has this off season to get in better condition than last year with his injury. If he loses weight and gains needed conditioning ala Jarrett, he may be a better guard than center.

 

[9nationalchampionships]

Good points! I can see Officer moving to G if he gets in better shape and Dantino playing C.

Pitt has to play the talent on defense to get better. Coleman, Ziese, are simply better athletes with upside over Idowu and Maddox. Officer has this off season to get in better condition than last year with his injury. If he loses weight and gains needed conditioning ala Jarrett, he may be a better guard than center.

 

[VAPITTALUM]

Browne is a step back, not sure why everyoine is excited about a kid whonwas #1 four years ago.
By the way do yoiu guys know hackenburg was in the same class and was lower but now collects a NFL check.
If not Zaire or proven qb go with mcvittie (not Browne) at least he has time to learn .

You keep posting this in every thread. Peterman and Browne are not as different as you would like to believe.

 

[thebadby2]

Any grad transfer without significant starting experience will be competing for the job. Would he have a leg up? Sure. But I don't think the staff is guaranteeing him anything.

This is exactly right. Browne isn't a "high level" grad transfer, having only a couple of starts in 4 years at USC. Russell Wilson was a high level, grad transfer. Jake Rudock was a high level grad transfer.

Browne is looking for a prowl where he has the best shot to start, amd our coaches obviously aren't comfortable with the idea of MacVittie running the offense just yet. That's not to say TMAC doesn't win the starting job by next year's opener.

It would be nice if we could find one of those guys, a really good plug amd play type who has already done it at a high level.

 

[vegasgreed]

Many on here keep saying that Maddox will be benched next year, I'll believe it when I see it. Don't get me wrong, I'm not a big Maddox fan but I don't see this staff benching him next year as a senior.

Pitt has to play the talent on defense to get better. Coleman, Ziese, are simply better athletes with upside over Idowu and Maddox. Officer has this off season to get in better condition than last year with his injury. If he loses weight and gains needed conditioning ala Jarrett, he may be a better guard than center.

 

[Big Marty1]

Defense predictions are tougher to pinpoint with alot of young talent at OLB .There has been a recruiting focus there and Ziese coming back. Competition is good thing.. It will be interesting to see who emerges. I dont think any player starting there is set in stone.

 

[King Of All Message Boards]

Come on. If Pitt brings in a high-level grad transfer like Max Browne, who has started games at US effing C, he will be promised the starting job and any "competition" will be just something Narduzzi tells the media. Browne is absolutely 100% not coming cross country for his last season to "compete" with MacVittie.

If Pitt lands a lower-level grad transfer, then, yes, there would be a competition. For example, I am completely making this up, but lets say Minnesota has a 5th year senior who got beat out by a sophomore, that's the type of player who would "compete" with MacVittie.

If Brown comes here, he's the starter without question.

If he comes here and he's the better player he'll start. If not he won't.

And I doubt Narduzzi will promise him anything. The one thing that seems consistent - even some of the players' parents have said it - is that Narduzzi is no nonsense. The only "promise" is that kids will get their opportunities and the best man will play.

 

[EastOhioPanther]

I am not sure where anyone is getting the idea that the staff is not comfortable with MacVittie. We have not heard negative things about him from the staff.. I would say the more accurate assessment is that the Staff is not comfortable entering into a season with a RS Fresh that has potential, a True Freshman, and a RS Soph that has not proven alot in scrimmages. That shows the skeleton depth we have a QB. A Grad Transfer makes complete sense, even if MacVittie ends up being a solid starter... The Grad Transfer will have every opportunity to start and groom MacVittie, and provide a solid #1 & #2 incase of injury... Lets give TMac a little credit before being negative about him, especially when there is no true evidence of any negativity, except from the doomers on this site....

H2P

 

[NC Panther]

QB: Grad Transfer (probably Max Browne)
RB: Moss
WR: Weah
WR: Henderson
WR: Matthews
TE: Clark
T: JJS
T: O'Neill
G: Bookser
G: Baker/Dintino
C: Officer
FB (when they take a WR off field): Aston

DE: Hendrix
DE: Blair
DT: Taleni
DT: Watts
MLB: Wirginis
OLB: Brightwell
OLB: Idowu
CB: Maddox
CB: Hamlin
FS: Ford
SS: Whitehead

Any disagreements. I think that's a pretty good lineup and if we can get DJ's replacement to step up and get consistent RB play and improved secondary play, I think this team can win every game it plays. Not saying we will, I'd say 8-4 but we will again be good enough to be right there in every game and with a few breaks, we could finally have that special season.

That's what I have w/ one exception - Edwards over Blair.

 

[cruzer]

QB: Grad Transfer (probably Max Browne)
RB: Moss
WR: Weah
WR: Henderson
WR: Matthews
TE: Clark
T: JJS
T: O'Neill
G: Bookser
G: Baker/Dintino
C: Officer
FB (when they take a WR off field): Aston

DE: Hendrix
DE: Blair
DT: Taleni
DT: Watts
MLB: Wirginis
OLB: Brightwell
OLB: Idowu
CB: Maddox
CB: Hamlin
FS: Ford
SS: Whitehead

Any disagreements. I think that's a pretty good lineup and if we can get DJ's replacement to step up and get consistent RB play and improved secondary play, I think this team can win every game it plays. Not saying we will, I'd say 8-4 but we will again be good enough to be right there in every game and with a few breaks, we could finally have that special season.

Offensive lineup looks pretty good. Of course, the big question mark is at QB. I'll go with McVittie until we have another viable alternative.

Defense is where I'd like to see changes. First, I'm hoping that Pine or Reynolds beats out Idowu. Not impressed by what I saw this season. I also hope that either Coleman or Miller beats out Maddox. Not counting on it, but I'm tired of watching him get burned and then listening to Narduzzi tell us he's their best CB. If Maddox is our best CB next year, we're in deep poo. Also, not sure if Ford will be ready at safety... to soon to tell.

Cruzer

 

[Sean Miller Fan]

Any grad transfer without significant starting experience will be competing for the job. Would he have a leg up? Sure. But I don't think the staff is guaranteeing him anything.

What about a player without significant HS experience? MacVittie played 7 games in HS. Max Browne started games for USC. Not a contest.

 

[MajorMajors]

Safety looks like a difficult position in the Coach Duzz defense, needing to be able to make quick decisions on when to cover a potential receiver. I expect it will take Ford some time to learn the ropes.

Maddox is damn good (when he doesn't fall down) and I doubt he gets beaten out by a redshirt freshman, but I do expect to see the redshirt freshmen playing a lot as they rotate in...

Zeise will be solid at OLB; perhaps Pine or Pugh will be more capable of bigger plays though. The good thing is they will all play.

I'm wondering who will back up Wirginis at MLB??? Could be a big deal if Wirginis gets dinged up...

Another thought - our kick coverage teams should be pretty good with the defensive talent coming available plus the guys coming back like Araujo-Lopes, who really came on as a special team's tackler toward the end of the season.

Go Pitt.

 

[Swervin27]

Safety looks like a difficult position in the Coach Duzz defense, needing to be able to make quick decisions on when to cover a potential receiver. I expect it will take Ford some time to learn the ropes.

Maddox is damn good (when he doesn't fall down) and I doubt he gets beaten out by a redshirt freshman, but I do expect to see the redshirt freshmen playing a lot as they rotate in...

Zeise will be solid at OLB; perhaps Pine or Pugh will be more capable of bigger plays though. The good thing is they will all play.

I'm wondering who will back up Wirginis at MLB??? Could be a big deal if Wirginis gets dinged up...

Another thought - our kick coverage teams should be pretty good with the defensive talent coming available plus the guys coming back like Araujo-Lopes, who really came on as a special team's tackler toward the end of the season.

Go Pitt.

I'm assuming Elias Reynolds is the #2 at MLB.

 

[King Of All Message Boards]

What about a player without significant HS experience? MacVittie played 7 games in HS. Max Browne started games for USC. Not a contest.

Browne is still a somewhat unknown. He's played some but hasn't done anything to be guaranteed anything. He's older and assume more mature with a little bit of experience. That might make him a slight favorite but it doesn't mean he's going to be promised anything.

 

[King Of All Message Boards]

I'm assuming Elias Reynolds is the #2 at MLB.

Hoping Pine is ready to contribute some too. DBs were obviously a weak spot but there's plenty of room for better play across the board at LB too.

 

[JokePa]

QB: Grad Transfer (probably Max Browne)
RB: Moss
WR: Weah
WR: Henderson
WR: Matthews
TE: Clark
T: JJS
T: O'Neill
G: Bookser
G: Baker/Dintino
C: Officer
FB (when they take a WR off field): Aston

DE: Hendrix
DE: Blair
DT: Taleni
DT: Watts
MLB: Wirginis
OLB: Brightwell
OLB: Idowu
CB: Maddox
CB: Hamlin
FS: Ford
SS: Whitehead

Any disagreements. I think that's a pretty good lineup and if we can get DJ's replacement to step up and get consistent RB play and improved secondary play, I think this team can win every game it plays. Not saying we will, I'd say 8-4 but we will again be good enough to be right there in every game and with a few breaks, we could finally have that special season.

I agree with most. I think Ford will be nickel or dime only. think one of the others start at safety. I think Wade will be top 3 corner and not sure Clark starts at TE based on his injury.

QB is TMac until something else happens

We will miss JC

 

[EastOhioPanther]

What about a player without significant HS experience? MacVittie played 7 games in HS. Max Browne started games for USC. Not a contest.

And averaged over 400 yds, 20+ TDs, 1 Int, against one of the toughest schedules in the country.... I would say there is plenty of potential there....
Im all for a Grad transfer.. but don't understand people's negative comments on MacVittie..

 

[thebadby2]

Safety looks like a difficult position in the Coach Duzz defense, needing to be able to make quick decisions on when to cover a potential receiver. I expect it will take Ford some time to learn the ropes.

Maddox is damn good (when he doesn't fall down) and I doubt he gets beaten out by a redshirt freshman, but I do expect to see the redshirt freshmen playing a lot as they rotate in...

Zeise will be solid at OLB; perhaps Pine or Pugh will be more capable of bigger plays though. The good thing is they will all play.

I'm wondering who will back up Wirginis at MLB??? Could be a big deal if Wirginis gets dinged up...

Another thought - our kick coverage teams should be pretty good with the defensive talent coming available plus the guys coming back like Araujo-Lopes, who really came on as a special team's tackler toward the end of the season.

Go Pitt.

Look, I don't want to turn this into a bash fest of Maddox, he's a good kid and a hard worker, but he was far from good this season. In fact he was awful. He plays really hard but is badly undersized and nowhere near physical enough to manage the field quarter without safety help, which he's not going to get in Narduzzi's D. I mean, he was a piñata out there all year against teams with good athletes on the outside. We all saw the same thing. It was hard to watch. Physically, he just isn't a P5 level corner, period. He will of course start next year, but hopefully one of the younger guys is ready to take some of his reps. Certainly guys like Coleman and Miller are bigger, more athletic, and physically better suited to play the outside in the quarters scheme. We just can't have another year like this one defensively. 127 out of 128 D1 teams against the pass-that is just horrid.

 

[thebadby2]

And averaged over 400 yds, 20+ TDs, 1 Int, against one of the toughest schedules in the country.... I would say there is plenty of potential there....
Im all for a Grad transfer.. but don't understand people's negative comments on MacVittie..

There are posters that are writing off TMAC and assuming he won't be a player here, which is stupid. Pretty clear that he is being groomed to be the Pitt QB of the future. But I don't think it's bashing him to assume that the coaches have real concerns about whether he will be ready to run this offense effectively next year as a RS freshman. Make no mistake, that's why we're pursuing grad transfers.

 

[steel_curtain]

The comical thought about this, is that all offseason last year, Pitt had the worst WR's ever in Pitt's history according to some people.

Then Weah gets a chance and puts up close to 1000 yards and 10TD's and should have been named an All Conference Player and Henderson is named a 1st Team All American. Two former Track Star Athletes.

You see, when you recruit athletes and track stars, their upside is huge when the light goes on. Tyler Boyd wasnt even missed on offense this year.

Our freshmen class, most of which was redshirted, is comprised of athletes. ATHLETES with big offer sheets. The light is going to go on for at least a few of these players on offense and defense next year. So when I mention an Athlete that is breaking track records and having an NFL caliber shuttle time, at least know they have big upside.

Now we have a bunch of experts saying TMAC isnt ready based off nothing. TMAC is an Athlete, an ATHLETE. So if his light even remotely comes on, all other QBs will be left in the dust and riding the bench. You can take that to the bank.

I will be stunned if Paris Ford doesnt start. Elite football player and big time athlete with size.

Ill say one other thing. Penn State's offensive lineman was a nightmare last year. They have 3 Freshmen Starting on their offensive line and just ran the Big Ten over. All their former senior starters got replaced by freshmen. And their offense is explosive this year. Dont automatically pencil in former starters when you start to recruit better talent and athletes.

 

[Bethlehemjohn]

QB: Grad Transfer (probably Max Browne)
RB: Moss
WR: Weah
WR: Henderson
WR: Matthews
TE: Clark
T: JJS
T: O'Neill
G: Bookser
G: Baker/Dintino
C: Officer
FB (when they take a WR off field): Aston

DE: Hendrix
DE: Blair
DT: Taleni
DT: Watts
MLB: Wirginis
OLB: Brightwell
OLB: Idowu
CB: Maddox
CB: Hamlin
FS: Ford
SS: Whitehead

Any disagreements. I think that's a pretty good lineup and if we can get DJ's replacement to step up and get consistent RB play and improved secondary play, I think this team can win every game it plays. Not saying we will, I'd say 8-4 but we will again be good enough to be right there in every game and with a few breaks, we could finally have that special season.

From all we hear, Dintino will be center.

 

[Sean Miller Fan]

If he comes here and he's the better player he'll start. If not he won't.

And I doubt Narduzzi will promise him anything. The one thing that seems consistent - even some of the players' parents have said it - is that Narduzzi is no nonsense. The only "promise" is that kids will get their opportunities and the best man will play.

If Browne comes here, its because he's promised the job. He's not coming here otherwise. There are plenty of schools that will promise him (low level P5s and G5s) so he will go to those places then.

 

[Sean Miller Fan]

And averaged over 400 yds, 20+ TDs, 1 Int, against one of the toughest schedules in the country.... I would say there is plenty of potential there....
Im all for a Grad transfer.. but don't understand people's negative comments on MacVittie..

Was MacVittie going up against HS defenses is the half-season of ball he played? Lets not compare that with actual high level D1 football Browne has played.

 

[King Of All Message Boards]

If Browne comes here, its because he's promised the job. He's not coming here otherwise. There are plenty of schools that will promise him (low level P5s and G5s) so he will go to those places then.

He's not gonna be promised anything.

And I'll play along a little just because. This kid was an enormous recruit as high school student. He's seen it all. He's probably wise enough to know a promise now means NOTHING. If he comes here it'll be because he sees a chance to play in a potentially great and dynamic offense. But, if he gets outplayed in camp - guess what?? He won't be starting. And you can bank on that.

As I alluded to before. Kids and families like Duzz because he's a man of his word. No way he'll promise this kid anything and box himself in. He may tell him that he thinks or isn't sure that MacV isn't ready. He may tell him he thinks he has a chance to be the guy. But I don't see him promising him a thing.

 

[CentPaPittFan]

All looks good but you unintendedly make Aston seem like an afterthought with the 'when they take a WR if the field' clarifier. He is fairly involved in the offense for a FB.

That is for sure.
Aston will be on the field more than 3 receivers, not to mention he is on every kick team expect XP/FG blocks. If any All American teams recognized a fullback, like they should, he'd be on it. He is the best FB in college football, does it all.

 

[thebadby2]

Was MacVittie going up against HS defenses is the half-season of ball he played? Lets not compare that with actual high level D1 football Browne has played.

With QBs, you never really know what you have until they get to college, learn the playbook, and run the offense against live defense. Some guys with all the ,measurables and hype fail, some guys who don't look so great on paper and who were overlooked as prospects move the team down the field when they're in. That's why you want to bring I'm a sucker many as you can and let them compete. Give them all live reps and give the job to the guy who moves the team the best. There are a lot of intangibles to QB, way more than any other position.

 

[Sean Miller Fan]

He's not gonna be promised anything.

And I'll play along a little just because. This kid was an enormous recruit as high school student. He's seen it all. He's probably wise enough to know a promise now means NOTHING. If he comes here it'll be because he sees a chance to play in a potentially great and dynamic offense. But, if he gets outplayed in camp - guess what?? He won't be starting. And you can bank on that.

As I alluded to before. Kids and families like Duzz because he's a man of his word. No way he'll promise this kid anything and box himself in. He may tell him that he thinks or isn't sure that MacV isn't ready. He may tell him he thinks he has a chance to be the guy. But I don't see him promising him a thing.

You're half-right. With a wink and a grin, Narduzzi will tell him he will "compete" with MacVittie.

 

[PhPanther1]

Dintino to Center
Officer to LG

Edwards over Blair at DE
Pine over Idowu at LB
Garner over Ford at safety