Karter Johnson will not be returning to Pitt for his final season of collegiate eligibility.
Johnson, a sixth-year senior tight end from Pickerington, Ohio who transferred to Pitt from Butler (Kan.) Community College, initially announced that he would be returning for his sixth season of eligibility, but that will not be the case.
A source told Pittsburgh Sports Now that there was a disconnect between the Pitt coaching staff and Johnson on him returning and the staff decided to move forward with a new vision in mind. So, Johnson will not be returning for the 2024 season and will likely look to use his eligibility elsewhere.
It is a loss for Pitt considering Johnson’s blocking ability and untapped receiving ability (and the relative inexperience behind Gavin Bartholomew), but it’s not a crushing loss. It’s the direction in which the Pitt coaching staff wanted to move toward.
Johnson played in 11 games last season, recording 351 offensive snaps in the process. He caught 12 balls for 175 yards (14.6 yards per reception) and two touchdowns — including eight catches for 91 yards in the final two games of the season.
In two seasons at Pitt, he racked up 18 receptions for 261 yards (14.5 yards per reception) and two touchdowns.
Bartholomew is back for his final season, expected to finally serve as a featured weapon in the new system under Kade Bell, and he’s joined by Jake Renda and Cole Mitchell. Jake Overman arrived from Oregon State, and he should immediately compete for playing time as that No. 2 tight end.
Malachi Thomas is a recent signee from Thomasville, Ga., and while it would be a surprise to see him contribute immediately, the coaching staff is very high on his ability.
Pitt TE Depth Chart
|
Class |
Games |
Catches |
Yards |
Yards/Catch |
Touchdowns |
| Gavin Bartholomew |
Sr. |
37 |
67 |
935 |
14.0 |
7 |
| Jake Overman |
R-Sr. |
24 |
8 |
70 |
8.8 |
0 |
| Jake Renda |
R-Jr. |
12 |
2 |
14 |
7.0 |
0 |
| Malachi Thomas |
Fr. |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
| Cole Mitchell |
R-Jr. |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
I think if he was a good fit for the new offense, Bell would have made more of an effort to connect with him. His experience will be missed, but his skill set can be replaced.
He showed some promise late in the season when Pitt finally figured out that their 3rd string quarterback had the most promise of the bunch. That in truth was terribly disappointing. Wait all year with mediocrity while you’re 3rd stringer was obviously your best option.
Johnson started to make some nice plays when they finally put in a competent quarterback at the end of the season.
Tomlin and Narduzzi must have been sharing strategies when they both waited to the end of the season to figure out that their 3rd string QB was their best.
Well said — and don’t forget about the similarities between the two for hiring disastrous OC’s and both waiting too long to terminate them. Eerie.