Gavin Bartholomew has been the best Pitt receiving option this season, but it’s been hard getting him the ball for much of the season.
It’s been a very, very difficult season for the Pitt passing attack, with both Phil Jurkovec and Christian Veilleux under center, and the unit ranks last in the ACC in yards and offensive efficiency. But he also hasn’t always been on the field in big moments either.
Bartholomew has played 207 offensive snaps this season (79% of Pitt’s offensive snaps this season), but he’s only taken 91 passing snaps (35% of offensive snaps). His total snap percentage is up from last season. His passing snaps aren’t.
But good things have happened when Bartholomew has been targeted this season.
He’s hauled in nine of his 12 targets (team-high 75% receiving rate) for a team-high 216 yards and a touchdown. 24 yards per reception at 6-foot-5, 255 pounds. There shouldn’t be any situation where Bartholomew is off the field on third and obvious passing downs (as has been the case at times this season), but Narduzzi said that if he is, it’s because he tapped out.
“There shouldn’t be any situation, but if he’s coming off the field, it’s because he’s tired and tapped out because I don’t think we take him out,” Narduzzi said. “It depends on how many plays in a row he went, but I would imagine if it’s first down, second down and third down, I don’t think he’s out on the first third down. But if it’s six or seven plays, if they (tap their helmet), that means they pulled themselves out.”
Bartholomew has feasted on opposing defenses working the seam this season, using his size and speed (and soft hands) to haul in impact catches. But Narduzzi said he trusts the tight ends as a whole to make plays when called upon.
“We have confidence in Karter Johnson as well,” Narduzzi said. “That guy has made plays when he’s had the opportunity. I haven’t seen Karter drop a ball yet either. So, we’re not taking him out on purpose, I can tell you that.”
Bartholomew is averaging about four targets per game this season, sitting fourth in total targets through four games, and that feels like something that ought to change. Bartholomew has been Pitt’s most effective, and most efficient, target this season. Maybe it’s time to up the snaps, up the targets and see if he can carry the offense a bit.
Narduzzi said there’s no question that Bartholomew should be a safety blanket for whoever is starting at quarterback for Pitt.
“You know who is making those contested catches and who’s not. He’s one of those guys that is, and you certainly have to go to him. I think everybody feels good with Gavin out there.”
Bartholomew caught both of his two targets against UNC last weekend, turning two catches into 59 yards. Two big plays to set up a touchdown and a field goal. He should be more active against the Hokies Saturday night.
