Pitt will enter the 2018 season with four losses from the offensive line with the departures of Brian O’Neill, Alex Officer, Jaryd Jones-Smith and Brandon Hodges.
Protecting and keeping Kenny Pickett upright and healthy will be crucial to Pitt’s success.
Last year, Pat Narduzzi brought in Hodges as a graduate transfer to help with depth and they’re looking to do that again this year.
Marcus Applefield has been an offensive lineman for the last four years at Rutgers but has graduated and is looking to play his final season with a different program.
Last season, Applefield (6-6, 270) started 10 games at right guard for the Scarlet Knights. Over the last three years, he’s played in 27 games so he’d be an addition with experience.
Because of that experience and with their departures, Pitt has been in contact with Applefield and he has interest in the Panthers.
This morning, PSN spoke to Applefield about his upcoming decision and his thoughts about Pitt.
”Talking to Pitt, they’re looking for someone with some experience on their offensive line. The Pitt coaches contacted me and we’ve been taking ever since. I’m just looking for a place that I’d fit comfortably with and get along with the players and coaches. I’m just looking for a program that I can enjoy my fifth year at,” said Applefield.
“I’ve been talking with Coach Peterson and Coach Salem for about a week and a half two weeks now. Coach Salem actually stopped by and visited me for a minute while I was in New Jersey.”
“I’m not sure exactly what position they want me to play. I’m pretty sure they’re looking for me to play guard but they’re losing two tackles so I could end up playing there. In college, I’ve played all five positions so I’d do whatever they’d need. I’d prefer to play on the right side but once again I could play all five spots,” said Applefield.
What’s next for Applefield?
He told PSN that he plans on making three visits in January starting the weekend of the 14th. The other schools that he’s considering going to see are Virginia Tech, Virginia and NC State.
