All things considered and short notice Nubyas did a really nice job of compiling some notes. He did a good job of highlighting some of the offensive line battles, particularly left tackle. I will continue to post post-practice interview videos and some more sights and sounds as I sort through it all.
pittsburgh.rivals.com
Thursday practice notebook: Left tackle battle in focus
By Nubyas Wilborn
For Pitt Sports News
On a cool, overcast Thursday morning, Pittsburgh Panthers head coach Pat Narduzzi directed his players during the fifth of 15 scheduled practices for the 2025 spring football season.
Eli Holstein, the presumptive starting quarterback, and his teammates gathered at the UPMC Rooney practice facility on the Southside, creating an atmosphere filled with anticipation and determination.
As the players went through various drills, Coach Narduzzi emphasized the importance of teamwork and technique, focusing on refining their skills in preparation for the upcoming season. The sounds of cleats on the turf and the echoes of encouragement filled the air, showcasing the Panthers' dedication and hard work as they aimed to build a strong foundation for the 2025 season.
Members of the media were allowed to observe six periods of Thursday's practice session. Here are some highlights from the third padded practice.
* During the open segment, Holstein demonstrated a high level of confidence, delivering accurate passes to several wide receivers and tight ends. He appears to have a stronghold on the starting position, as he primarily worked with the first team.
* Julian Dugger, a redshirt freshman and a proud graduate of Penn Hills, is emerging as the frontrunner for the backup quarterback position on the team. In a standout performance during last season's GameAbove Sports Bowl against Toledo, Dugger showcased his skills by throwing two impressive touchdown passes and demonstrated his mobility by rushing for an additional touchdown. His combination of passing accuracy and athleticism leaves fans and coaches excited about his potential as he prepares for the upcoming season.
* Pitt running back Desmond Reid had lofty praise for Dugger after Thursday's practice.
"He's a dog," Reid said. "He wants to compete. He wants to win and it shows. Him being a younger guy didn't stop him from getting out there and balling. He's very talented.
* Narduzzi said the team had a good practice on Thursday with the team moving inside because of the weather.
"I'm happy with where we are right now," Narduzzi said. "We've done a great job of keeping guys healthy."
* Jeff Persi, a recent transfer from Michigan, and Kendall Stanley, who joined from Charlotte, are both vying for the crucial left tackle position on the offensive line. Their competition has been intense as they showcase their skills and adapt to the team’s system. Meanwhile, Keith Gouveia has solidified his role as the left guard, consistently demonstrating his strength and technique in protecting the quarterback and opening running lanes.In a time when many teams are abandoning spring games, wary of revealing too much and risking the poaching of players through the transfer portal, Narduzzi stands firm in his old-school approach. He clings to the traditions of the game, valuing the essence and spirit of spring practices while navigating the modern landscape of college football.
"We going to continue to do what we do," Narduzzi said. "We can't worry about what guys will take away. We're hoping we don't lose any of our guys but we understand how the portal goes. We do our best to coach our guys up."
* Last season, Braylan Lovelace recorded 53 tackles, 10.5 tackles for loss, four sacks, and one interception resulting in a touchdown. Growing up about 35 miles from Pittsburgh, he was a Panthers fan and is now embracing a role as an ambassador and team leader.
"I let all the guys know that I'm always a phone call or text away," Lovelace said. "I want to help the guys get acclimated to the city and the program. It's an honor to wear the script Pitt across my chest."
Thursday practice notebook: Left tackle battle in focus
By Nubyas WilbornFor Pitt Sports NewsOn a cool, overcast Thursday morning, Pittsburgh Panthers head coach Pat Narduzzi
Thursday practice notebook: Left tackle battle in focus
By Nubyas Wilborn
For Pitt Sports News
On a cool, overcast Thursday morning, Pittsburgh Panthers head coach Pat Narduzzi directed his players during the fifth of 15 scheduled practices for the 2025 spring football season.
Eli Holstein, the presumptive starting quarterback, and his teammates gathered at the UPMC Rooney practice facility on the Southside, creating an atmosphere filled with anticipation and determination.
As the players went through various drills, Coach Narduzzi emphasized the importance of teamwork and technique, focusing on refining their skills in preparation for the upcoming season. The sounds of cleats on the turf and the echoes of encouragement filled the air, showcasing the Panthers' dedication and hard work as they aimed to build a strong foundation for the 2025 season.
Members of the media were allowed to observe six periods of Thursday's practice session. Here are some highlights from the third padded practice.
* During the open segment, Holstein demonstrated a high level of confidence, delivering accurate passes to several wide receivers and tight ends. He appears to have a stronghold on the starting position, as he primarily worked with the first team.
* Julian Dugger, a redshirt freshman and a proud graduate of Penn Hills, is emerging as the frontrunner for the backup quarterback position on the team. In a standout performance during last season's GameAbove Sports Bowl against Toledo, Dugger showcased his skills by throwing two impressive touchdown passes and demonstrated his mobility by rushing for an additional touchdown. His combination of passing accuracy and athleticism leaves fans and coaches excited about his potential as he prepares for the upcoming season.
* Pitt running back Desmond Reid had lofty praise for Dugger after Thursday's practice.
"He's a dog," Reid said. "He wants to compete. He wants to win and it shows. Him being a younger guy didn't stop him from getting out there and balling. He's very talented.
* Narduzzi said the team had a good practice on Thursday with the team moving inside because of the weather.
"I'm happy with where we are right now," Narduzzi said. "We've done a great job of keeping guys healthy."
* Jeff Persi, a recent transfer from Michigan, and Kendall Stanley, who joined from Charlotte, are both vying for the crucial left tackle position on the offensive line. Their competition has been intense as they showcase their skills and adapt to the team’s system. Meanwhile, Keith Gouveia has solidified his role as the left guard, consistently demonstrating his strength and technique in protecting the quarterback and opening running lanes.In a time when many teams are abandoning spring games, wary of revealing too much and risking the poaching of players through the transfer portal, Narduzzi stands firm in his old-school approach. He clings to the traditions of the game, valuing the essence and spirit of spring practices while navigating the modern landscape of college football.
"We going to continue to do what we do," Narduzzi said. "We can't worry about what guys will take away. We're hoping we don't lose any of our guys but we understand how the portal goes. We do our best to coach our guys up."
* Last season, Braylan Lovelace recorded 53 tackles, 10.5 tackles for loss, four sacks, and one interception resulting in a touchdown. Growing up about 35 miles from Pittsburgh, he was a Panthers fan and is now embracing a role as an ambassador and team leader.
"I let all the guys know that I'm always a phone call or text away," Lovelace said. "I want to help the guys get acclimated to the city and the program. It's an honor to wear the script Pitt across my chest."
