A name that just entered the NCAA transfer portal will no doubt get the rumor mill buzzing in Pittsburgh.
Former Pine-Richland and Notre Dame and more recently Boston College quarterback Phil Jurkovec announced on Friday his intentions to leave Boston College.
The obvious connection will be made between Jurkovec and current Pitt offensive coordinator Frank Cignetti, Jr.
The pair had a lot of success in 2020 when Jurkovec decided to transfer to Boston College from Notre Dame. Jurkovec had his best year in college by completing 205 of 335 passes (61%) for 2,558 yards, 17 touchdowns and only 5 interceptions. In an injury marred 2021 season, Jurkovec was 52 of 96 for 914 yards, 7 touchdowns and 4 interceptions.
Jurkovec had this to say about Cignetti following the first year in his system.
”Coach Cignetti has been great. What he brings to us is NFL scheme, really an NFL style, which I think makes us a little bit different than every other team in the ACC,” Jurkovec said. “With that comes a learning process, so that’s taken some time for us. But now that we’re in year two, he’s really guiding us, and we’re feeling a lot more comfortable with it.”
The question now is what direction will Pat Narduzzi and Cignetti want to take?
Kedon Slovis has the option to return and assuming he wanted to, all signs were pointing towards Pitt wanting to give him another year in Cignetti’s offense.
Will the availability of the talented Jurkovec and the fact that he’s familiar with Cignetti’s system change things?
One thing to keep in mind though, it’s one thing for Pitt to have interest in Jurkovec but in the end, he has to feel the same way.
At this point, it’s going to all be speculation until the Slovis and Jurkovec decide on their next move.
Hope it’s happens.
I bet he goes back to Notre Dame. Notre Dame Ohio D2 that is.
Very interesting development. I have been following Pitt football since the early 1970’s. I also read as much as possible about high school football in the WPIAL. There are many connections from the local athletes and the pipeline to Pitt. The one that immediately and recently come to mind is Aliquippa’s to Pitt pipeline and the great athletes. In particular the defensive backs such as Pitt’s current MJ Devonshire. Although you see these great connections you very seldom hear one of these young men compared to one of the Pitt greats. You never hear of a WPIAL DB called the… Read more »
going to his 3rd school and I believe he’s a senior. I’d pass and develop a QB with more eligibility left 9not to mention Phil can’t stay healthy). Should look at the kid from PSU, Vellieux. Multiple years of eligibility and a good player
I should clarify and state that it might not be logical or the best move to bring Jurkovec in for the reasons you stated. But what a story this would be if Slovis decides to leave and Phil fills the void. Plus the learning curve with Cignetti is minimal. Plus the cannon on Jurkovec makes it interesting.
We do not need a 1 yr QB. Better to go with Nate. And hope we see more of the pro style offense develop.
No better to go with Slovis. Who’s experience they certainly need….considering the schedule. Which you obviously didn’t take into account. Nate. lol
How mobile is he .. aren’t we losing loads of guys on the O-line ? From limited times viewing each perform, I’d rather go with Armstrong. It’s all spec at this point and much of it comes down to Kedon. I assume that if he isn’t the odds on fav to start next season, he will take off.
He might be mobile but gets hurt all the time, his career has been filled with serious injuries.
The key is Kradel, he has a Covid year. Concalves, Taylor and the big freshman from Ohio are good starting points for next year. Beginning of season is brutal, Cincinnati, WV and Notre Dame, we could be 0 – 3 before seeing an FCS team. Scott Barnes, roast in hell.
Hated him after his commitment to Notre Dame, felt that if he ever showed a desire to return home, Pitt should tell him to get lost. At this point though, if there is a possibility that Slovis does not return, I’d take him in a second.
It’s going to look really bad for Jurkovec if Pittsburgh does not offer him. Jurkovec regressed substantially this year behind the worst offensive line in at least P5 if not FBS. So as poorly as Jurkovec played, there’s an excuse.
But if Cignetti doesn’t grab Jurkovec, that will say an awful lot. Other schools will ask themselves what’s going on, and Jurkovec will wind up on a much dimmer stage than he hopes.
ND’s Drew Pyne just went into the portal. He’s perfect for pitts offense with multiple years left. Much better choice than Phil
Funny anytime Pitt was in the 2 minute hurryup…..Slovis performed very well !
So what’s that say ???
Slovis has a great connection with Wayne, different qb the last 3-4 games. Need him back
he is slow
Come on guys, please no Slovis! We won the last four games in spite of him being the QB. I reviewed all his games this season, starting with WVU, Slovis was not good enough to play in any of them. Do we forget he is slow and can’t run? Cignetti needs to get the best experienced portal QB out there. Of course we need one to commit. A few receivers and linemen from the portal would complete this team.