The video in question, is Wisconsin left tackle Michael Dieter scoring a touchdown last Saturday, on a throwback play exceedingly similar to the one that made O’Neill a household name and the Piesman Trophy winner a year ago.
Here’s Dieter, breaking down his performance for his first collegiate touchdown as the Badgers beat Illinois, 24-10, on Saturday.
Wisconsin, is of course, led by former Pitt coach Paul Chryst, who recruited O’Neill to Pitt as a freshman in 2014. But O’Neil said that Chryst, who has a penchant for developing offensive linemen, never had the play in his repertoire. Instead, it was former Pitt offensive coordinator Matt Canada that jump-started O’Neill’s touchdown scoring career last season.
But that doesn’t mean O’Neill is upset about the Badgers stealing his play. He seemed to enjoy another lineman getting a piece of the spotlight. O’Neill was tackled a yard short on his only attempt this season.
“I appreciate the tribute,” O’Neill said. “They got it in and we didn’t. The guy looked like he had a good time doing it, so good for him. They need to get him the ball more, too. He can score.”
O’Neill was recognized on Thursday as one of 11 semifinalists for the Wuerffel Trophy, given to the FBS player “who best combines exemplary community service with athletic and academic achievement.” The trophy, given annually since 2005, is named after former Florida State quarterback Danny Wuerffel.
Here’s the rest of the player and coach interviews from Pitt’s Wednesday practice session:
