PITTSBURGH — Pitt head coach Pat Narduzzi said on Thursday that he expects a number of his freshmen players to take the field this season.
Running back Vincent Davis has climbed up the depth chart, and Narduzzi said that he expects the three-star back from Ft. Lauderdale to play in rotation behind A.J. Davis and Todd Sibley.
Narduzzi also said that he expects to see wide receiver Jared Wayne on the field in Saturday’s season opener against Virginia. Wayne, a 6-foot-3, 190-pound Canadian three-star, could spell Aaron Mathews as another big, physical X receiver.
Since 2018, freshmen can play in up to four games before using their redshirt year. Here are some more players that Narduzzi thinks may see the field at some point this season:
“Kyi Wright has really been outstanding. Does he see the field this weekend, I don’t know, but he’s going to be a great player. I’m excited about him and his future is going to be outstanding. I could see him seeing the field this season, for sure.”
“Bam Brima is a kid that that’s done a nice job. I wouldn’t be shocked to see that sucker player later in the year. He’s big, tall, physical and he’s going to be a really good player.”
“At linebacker, SirVocea [Dennis] has done a nice job. He will play for us this year. He’s taking reps with the two’s and he’ll play for us. Leslie Smith is another guy. Leslie was banged up a little bit and SirVocea, being a post-graduate, kind of jumped ahead of him a little bit. They jockeyed back and forth. Leslie Smith is a great football player, as well I could see both of those guys playing.”
“Brandon Hill, safety is going to be in the mix. Little by little. Does he play Saturday? I don’t know. But you will see him on the field this season, no doubts.”
“A.J. Woods, he may be the fastest guy on our football team. I think I mentioned when we signed him, he came in ran a 4.4 in camp. It might’ve been the fastest 40 we had in camp. … A.J. will find a role somewhere soon. Hard to break into the corner lineup with Dane [Jackson],[Jason] Pinnock and Damarri [Mathis]. We hope he doesn’t have to break in and he can help us on special teams.”
I really like a lot of the young guys that Pitt got in this recruiting class. I’m Looking forward to seeing many of them play a significant role in the future but I’m very curious to see what Baldonado can do. He seems like a guy with tremendous talent just waiting to be honed and displayed to the college football world. Seems like a guy with unlimited potential.
Baldonado was of course the recruiting class of 2018 but he’s the young player I’m really looking forward to seeing. Above I was referring too the 2019 class even though the current recruiting class is 2020 so I apologize for the confusing statement. It’s one of those days I guess lol.
I wasn’t able to watch the game tonight so I listened on the radio. The only time I heard Baldonado’s name mentioned he got a sack. I don’t know if he played after that point or not but if he didn’t I have to wonder why he didn’t.
I’m never at ease until all the commitments are signed and enrolled. I find myself constantly checking the recruiting classes every year hoping that every guy will keep and follow through on their commitments. We have a really nice 2020 class so far and I hope each guy follows through and signs because I feel they are going to be a part of something special in the coming years if they do. Here’s to hoping commitments remain commitments.
I really like a lot of the young guys that Pitt got in this recruiting class. I’m Looking forward to seeing many of them play a significant role in the future but I’m very curious to see what Baldonado can do. He seems like a guy with tremendous talent just waiting to be honed and displayed to the college football world. Seems like a guy with unlimited potential.
Baldonado was of course the recruiting class of 2018 but he’s the young player I’m really looking forward to seeing. Above I was referring too the 2019 class even though the current recruiting class is 2020 so I apologize for the confusing statement. It’s one of those days I guess lol.
Good call Jeff. He’ll definitely have the opportunity to shine.
I wasn’t able to watch the game tonight so I listened on the radio. The only time I heard Baldonado’s name mentioned he got a sack. I don’t know if he played after that point or not but if he didn’t I have to wonder why he didn’t.
He did. Pitt actively rotated the defensive lineman.
The key will be getting Henry Parrish to keep his commitment.
I’m never at ease until all the commitments are signed and enrolled. I find myself constantly checking the recruiting classes every year hoping that every guy will keep and follow through on their commitments. We have a really nice 2020 class so far and I hope each guy follows through and signs because I feel they are going to be a part of something special in the coming years if they do. Here’s to hoping commitments remain commitments.