O-line next season

[FKA VITAL]

What do you think?

Brown
Bookser
Morrissey
Herndon
Drake

Intrigued by Hargrove (perhaps over Herndon), Ford, Warren and Carrigan (know he is listed as Tight End). Along those lines, I've heard great things about Reeves but he is listed at 280-which seems high for a TE-would he be a candidate for oline?

 

[Sean Miller Fan]

What do you think?

Brown
Bookser
Morrissey
Herndon
Drake

Intrigued by Hargrove (perhaps over Herndon), Ford, Warren and Carrigan (know he is listed as Tight End). Along those lines, I've heard great things about Reeves but he is listed at 280-which seems high for a TE-would he be a candidate for oline?

My guess is Reeves is a starter at Tackle, the next O'Neill. I remember in a press conference early in the season when asked about Reeves, Narduzzi said something like the way he can run and catch, he doesn't play like a tackle, implying there are thoughts about moving him.

I doubt Reeves was truly behind Sear. If he was, its pretty much a sign that Sear is better meaning Reeves would have to improve to beat him out. I kinda think he redshirted so he can bulk up and play tackle

 

[TIGER-PAUL]

too early to call, especially if new oline coach and/or late addition.

 

[LeftCoastPanther]

Hopefully Herndon stays at D-tackle. He played better there than at guard.

Pitt needs Pilato to man the left tackle position so Brown can play inside. Right tackle will be interesting as it plays out in the spring and summer practices.

I hope Drexel pushes Morrissey at center and Brandon Ford, wherever he plays, shows something in the spring.

 

[wbrpanther]

My guess is Reeves is a starter at Tackle, the next O'Neill. I remember in a press conference early in the season when asked about Reeves, Narduzzi said something like the way he can run and catch, he doesn't play like a tackle, implying there are thoughts about moving him.

I doubt Reeves was truly behind Sear. If he was, its pretty much a sign that Sear is better meaning Reeves would have to improve to beat him out. I kinda think he redshirted so he can bulk up and play tackle

I'd prefer that Reeves stays at TE and becomes Pitt's version of Gronk. And I think that is what the coaches have in mind for him.

 

[GT74]

Another 5-6 Win season.. Unless Recruiting gets better, that’s the norm for Narduzzi..

Your opinion is welcome, but your 'tone' is not that of a Pitt fan. That is my opinion. I don't think Narduzzi would have been extended if expectations were 5-6 win seasons.

 

[FIVE4PITT]

That's just a stupid post 5 or 6 wins. Pitt is on the way up and it takes time. The recruiting is better than before Narduzzi came here. It should get up there with Wanny's classes. Takes time and look at the past recruiting classes listed by rivals. Most of those guys were no longer with the team. There were no DBs or many DL in that era. Now look at the roster and those positions look very promising. A couple things go their way this year Pitt is 7-5 so look up the recruiting site.

 

[gary2]

My guess is Reeves is a starter at Tackle, the next O'Neill. I remember in a press conference early in the season when asked about Reeves, Narduzzi said something like the way he can run and catch, he doesn't play like a tackle, implying there are thoughts about moving him.

I doubt Reeves was truly behind Sear. If he was, its pretty much a sign that Sear is better meaning Reeves would have to improve to beat him out. I kinda think he redshirted so he can bulk up and play tackle

Reeves redshirted because Clark and Flanigan were going to get the bulk of the playing time. Sear played because he has less potential than Reeves. There was less urgency to save a year of eligibility.

Reeves will stay at TE and be a huge playmaker.

 

[gary2]

Hopefully Herndon stays at D-tackle. He played better there than at guard.

Pitt needs Pilato to man the left tackle position so Brown can play inside. Right tackle will be interesting as it plays out in the spring and summer practices.

I hope Drexel pushes Morrissey at center and Brandon Ford, wherever he plays, shows something in the spring.

Agree about Herndon.

 

[gary2]

What do you think?

Brown
Bookser
Morrissey
Herndon
Drake

Intrigued by Hargrove (perhaps over Herndon), Ford, Warren and Carrigan (know he is listed as Tight End). Along those lines, I've heard great things about Reeves but he is listed at 280-which seems high for a TE-would he be a candidate for oline?

Bookser
Warren
Morrisey
Dintino
Drake

 

[Gunga_Galunga]

Too many question marks that need to be worked out through spring and fall. I suspect they may move Bookser to tackle, but I'd prefer they leave him at guard. It would be nice if Pilato was ready to take over LT.

Dintino couldn't beat out Morrisey, don't see him starting. Herndon is a nice utility guy to have as a backup, not a starter. Time for some guys to step up.

 

[gary2]

You believe the glass is half empty

No, he believes the glass is totally empty and cracked.,

 

[Sarge25]

I think Sear played over Reaves because Sear could block and Reaves was not ready. Reaves was split out playing WR a lot in HS, I doulbt he came in ready to be used as an extra TE in run situations. I see 0 chance he moves to OT, as Pitt doesn’t have a need to move him there.

Brown, Warren
Ford, Herndon
Morrisey, Drexel
Bookser, Kradel
Drake, Pilato

I think Dintino is terrible and suprised he is still on the team. Would love to see Drexel beat him out. Drake will be the best OT on the team next year.

 

[gary2]

I think Sear played over Reaves because Sear could block and Reaves was not ready. Reaves was split out playing WR a lot in HS, I doulbt he came in ready to be used as an extra TE in run situations. I see 0 chance he moves to OT, as Pitt doesn’t have a need to move him there.

Brown, Warren
Ford, Herndon
Morrisey, Drexel
Bookser, Kradel
Drake, Pilato

I think Dintino is terrible and suprised he is still on the team. Would love to see Drexel beat him out. Drake will be the best OT on the team next year.

I thought Dintino provided excellent blocking when used either as a TE or FB in short yardage situations.

 

[jrnPitt]

I think Sear played over Reaves because Sear could block and Reaves was not ready. Reaves was split out playing WR a lot in HS, I doulbt he came in ready to be used as an extra TE in run situations. I see 0 chance he moves to OT, as Pitt doesn’t have a need to move him there.

Brown, Warren
Ford, Herndon
Morrisey, Drexel
Bookser, Kradel
Drake, Pilato

I think Dintino is terrible and suprised he is still on the team. Would love to see Drexel beat him out. Drake will be the best OT on the team next year.

I think may be a pleasant surprise to many here who have him playing behind Reaves at TE.

 

[Sarge25]

I thought Dintino provided excellent blocking when used either as a TE or FB in short yardage situations.

lol ok. So he was awesome 4 plays a year.
I prefer Aston at FB in short yardage.

 

[BuffetParrothead]

Are you on the basketball board under another name?

Like Souffooo in

Are you on the basketball board under another name?

Like maybe Souf The Squirrel Hill raincloud?

"It' five o'clock somewhere"
Signed: Mr Buffett

 

[passedout]

Well, what has he shown In Recruiting to think that he will win anymore? We are recruiting at the bottom of the ACC..

You realize recruiting rankings on sitess like Rivals and ESPN are not exact and are for entertainment purposes. Coaches have better eyes for talent and can mold recruits with raw skills into "players" - ever hear of "champions aren't born, they're made"?

 

[cashisking884]

I'm not very confident in it in an objective sense.
BUT, VT just had Settle declare. He was by far the dominant force on their DL.
Miami might be about to lose both their DTs to the draft. I'm sure they have 4* guys behind them, but still, losing both your starters is still losing both your starters.
And there really isn't another DL in the Coastal that scares me. So I think even with an OL that struggles, we could maybe hold serve against the other DLs in the division.

 

[rmf05]

Ford and Hargrave need to be in the equation or fire the OL coach at years end.

 

[ChazzMo]

No, he believes the glass is totally empty and cracked.,

No - for him it’s more like “glass? I don’t see no stinking glass.”

 

[FKA VITAL]

First, an observation: when I wrote the initial post I didn't intend for it to devolve-was hoping to elicit a nice dialogue on a position group that is going to be a question mark.... but of course some folks crawl out from under. This type of post really identifies who the trolls are because they can't help themselves-they avoid the substance and go right to this year's recruiting rankings (I won't start that back and forth yet again other than to note their opinions are certainly subject to challenge). We're going to see it all year apparently.

Back to the fun stuff. I kind of like the idea of Bookser at right tackle. Like having a little more experience on the edge. Drake at left. Hargrove and Herndon at guard and with Morrissey at center. Maybe Brown instead of Herndon? (Agree Herndon was pretty effective on dline). Regardless, I think the two deep will be very solid albeit inexperienced.

 

[passedout]

Ok.. You Take Pitt next Season and I’ll Take Clemson.. Lets put 100k on who has the better season.. since recruiting rankings are Fake News
If you can’t afford it, I’ll let you make payments

Well, no sh*t, Cap'n Obvious. I'm glad you picked Clemson as the counterpoint in your argument. I said coaches have an eye for talent, and every one of them "TO A T" will tell you they have hits and misses. Swinney was fortunate enough in his timing becoming Clemson's HC -- he inherited talent when Bowden left midseason in '08 and their brand new facilities that every recruit talks about were already started being built -- the team moved into those in '09. So that helped tremendously with his recruiting. If you go by AVG stars, Pitt's recruiting ranking, which is subjective, is #30 in the country according to RIVALS. THAT is pretty DAMN good considering the coaching carousal the UNiversity went through before he got here, don't you think? Oh, and here's a little factoid for you comparing Duzzi and Dabo.... Dabo was 6-7 his 3rd year after a 9-5 2nd season. So to COMPARE him with Coach Duzzi:

Dabo Swinney - 19-15 in his first 3 years
Pat Narduzzi - 21-17 in his first 3 years

Duzzi has the head-to-head 1-NOTHING!

Oh, and I can afford it, "playa" ... you offer a fool's bet. As far as payments go, you might consider making them... on a better education.

 

[ChazzMo]

Hey.. if you are happy with 5-7, then woohoo

No - I’m not “happy with 5-7”. But I also don’t think 5-7 means the demise of the program, I don’t think it means HCPN is a poor coach. I don’t think it means we don’t have the potential for continued improvement. I don’t think it means doom and freaking gloom. You call it a reality check. I call it pessimism when you could choose to be positive and optimistic.

 

[kyfra]

Another 5-6 Win season.. Unless Recruiting gets better, that’s the norm for Narduzzi..

Okay, "pittfan"

 

[gary2]

lol ok. So he was awesome 4 plays a year.
I prefer Aston at FB in short yardage.

Dintino has played which is more than most of the candidates can say. He played center, fb and te. He was in last year with Aston on short yardage.

If you think short yardage is meaningless, try remembering Virginia Tech.

 

[wbrpanther]

Another 5-6 Win season.. Unless Recruiting gets better, that’s the norm for Narduzzi..

You do realize that this year's recruiting class won't have much to do with our upcoming record, don't you?

 

[cashisking884]

You do realize that this year's recruiting class won't have much to do with our upcoming record, don't you?

Why do you say that?

 

[wbrpanther]

Why do you say that?

Because few if any will contribute to any great degree with the possible exception of a rb or wr.

 

[VAPITTALUM]

Dintino has played which is more than most of the candidates can say. He played center, fb and te. He was in last year with Aston on short yardage.

If you think short yardage is meaningless, try remembering Virginia Tech.

... and Syracuse, and UNC.

 

[VAPITTALUM]

No - I’m not “happy with 5-7”. But I also don’t think 5-7 means the demise of the program, I don’t think it means HCPN is a poor coach. I don’t think it means we don’t have the potential for continued improvement. I don’t think it means doom and freaking gloom. You call it a reality check. I call it pessimism when you could choose to be positive and optimistic.

And chose to ignore the first two of the three years he's been coaching at PITT.

 

[cashisking884]

Because few if any will contribute to any great degree with the possible exception of a rb or wr.

But even a lack of contribution can mean it impacted a season.
Weak units need instant impact recruits. Those recruits not being capable of contributing, does impact the record.

 

[Mikefln]

I will avoid all the recruiting talk that is mentioned every thread. I will say this I expect good things from Gabe Houy before he leaves Pitt. It may not be next year but he will make an impact. I watched USC play a lot as my nephew used to be on the team. Houy is going to be a good one. I do expect Ford to be a starter also.

 

[gary2]

I will avoid all the recruiting talk that is mentioned every thread. I will say this I expect good things from Gabe Houy before he leaves Pitt. It may not be next year but he will make an impact. I watched USC play a lot as my nephew used to be on the team. Houy is going to be a good one. I do expect Ford to be a starter also.

Hope you are right

 

[jrnPitt]

You do realize that this year's recruiting class won't have much to do with our upcoming record, don't you?

Last years recruiting recruiting class could have contributed greatly had Narduzzi inserted Pickett in the line up a lot sooner than he did. That's also saying that several more of the more talented freshman should been given the opportunity to play last year. You can't tell me Narduzzi and either Watson or Conklin couldn't have found playing time for Ford somewhere that would have helped last years squad.

 

[wbrpanther]

Last years recruiting recruiting class could have contributed greatly had Narduzzi inserted Pickett in the line up a lot sooner than he did. That's also saying that several more of the more talented freshman should been given the opportunity to play last year. You can't tell me Narduzzi and either Watson or Conklin couldn't have found playing time for Ford somewhere that would have helped last years squad.

There were obviously reasons other than talent that prevented them from using Ford.

 

[poconopanther]

There were obviously reasons other than talent that prevented them from using Ford.

Getting back to the original post I think Pitt is still in the mix with a few other ACC schools for grad transfer from Rutgers - a lineman who started 10 games this year on the offensive side of the ball. OLine is a major question mark going into spring ball but at least there are a number of viable prospects hopefully a few will emerge.

 

[Jpripper88]

Good recruiting matters - Recruiting RANKINGS don't

Wrong.

 

[Panther Parrothead]

Well, what has he shown In Recruiting to think that he will win anymore? We are recruiting at the bottom of the ACC..

Not an original thought, but I’ve never understood why Pitt is usually ranked in the Top Three in the category of “Most Difficult Out-of-Conference Schedule”. If we played the same level of OOC games as the rest of the Power 5 teams, we’d have more wins because of the easier schedule, and we wouldn’t be having this discussion.

And before anyone says it: No - Pitt’s attendance does NOT improve when they play better teams. The poor attendance for the Oklahoma State game this past season should bury that argument forever.

 

[cashisking884]

Last years recruiting recruiting class could have contributed greatly had Narduzzi inserted Pickett in the line up a lot sooner than he did. That's also saying that several more of the more talented freshman should been given the opportunity to play last year. You can't tell me Narduzzi and either Watson or Conklin couldn't have found playing time for Ford somewhere that would have helped last years squad.

Yep. Nearly every team has units that need better talent. These units have low ceiling returning starters, and could really use more talented players to come in and at least work their way into the 2-deep, if not steal the starting job. Even Alabama does. There's a reason why guys like Ridley and Cooper were plugged into the starting lineup from day 1.
If a freshmen class is not impacting the W-L record, it's because the staff did a poor job of bringing in players capable of helping to improve the weak units on the team. Which in itself impacts the W-L record.
Simply saying, "Well, because none of them will play, so they can't impact the performance on the field," is missing the point.