It can be difficult for a true freshman to crack the two-deep at Pitt, but if the 2023 season was any indication, it’s time to unleash the youth.
Pitt stuck with its elder statesmen last season across the lineup, perhaps waiting a bit too long to inject the lineup with the fresh, new players. But even then, a handful of true freshmen received starts last season — BJ Williams and Kenny Johnson.
All 21 members of the class of 2024 are in Pittsburgh now, and while it may be unfair to expect multiple members of the class to start games this season, it may not be out of reach.
The most impactful true freshman offensively — so far — is the last member of the class.
“Malachi Thomas, I don’t know if you guys have even met yet,” Pat Narduzzi said Wednesday before practice. “Young tight end, has done an outstanding job so far picking up stuff. He’s tough; he’s physical. I think he’s going to be a special football player for us. That’s a guy that stands out to me that’s going to get some time if he continues to progress and that’s a big if. We’ll see that when we go to Acrisure on Sunday.”
Thomas — a 6-foot-4, 225-pound tight end from Thomas County Central in Thomasville, Ga. — announced his commitment on National Signing Day in February, a surprise February arrival.
Thomas committed to Pitt sight unseen, simply wanting to go to the Power Four level. He didn’t have any other Power Five offers but certainly impressed during his senior season. He helped TCC to an unbeaten season capped with a state title. And he led the Yellow Jackets with 30 receptions for 542 yards (18.1 yards per reception) and eight touchdowns.
There’s an opportunity behind Gavin Bartholomew and Jake Overman, if Thomas is able to continue to progress this summer.
There are more candidates on the defensive side of the ball.
Pitt landed three four-star defensive linemen in the class of 2024, and while Jahsear Whittington didn’t arrive until the summer, all three have the potential to work into the defensive line rotations.
“Sincere (Edwards) will be a guy just because of what he did in the spring,” Narduzzi said. “Francis Brewu is another young guy that can get some playing time. Jahsear Whittington, the same thing. A guy that shows spurts out there, gotta get the individual to transfer over to the team periods.”
Edwards — a 6-foot-1, 250-pound defensive end from Wekiva in Orlando, Fla. — has put together a nearly perfect offseason. He’s not the biggest, but his blend of speed and aggression off the edge is what the Panthers missed last season. He’s taken advantage of the situation he’s stepped into.
Edwards looks like he could be one of the next great Pitt edge rushers.
Brewu is already the strongest player on the roster — benching 475 pounds and squatting 700 pounds. He’s another “undersized” defensive tackle but his strength at the point of attack should translate against collegiate centers and guards. The same can likely be said for Whittington, who is every bit of 300 pounds. The true freshmen are more of a long shot to work into the rotation at defensive tackle, but the opportunity is there.
It’s unlikely that one of the young linebackers will be able to crack what is shaping up to be a deep rotation, but it’s not out of the question — and there’s always special teams work.
“Cam Lindsey has done a nice job as well,” Narduzzi said. “Davin Brewton. Davin and Cam are the other guys that are going to get on the field somehow some way.”
Neither Lindsey nor Brewton were on campus in the spring, but both have made an impact in their short time on campus. Lindsey already has three “takeaway” stickers and is working at Star linebacker. Brewton has a “takeaway” sticker of his own and has the look of a Mike linebacker.
I’d expect both to see time on special teams this season.
That A coaching Colorado will be watching with $$$$ in hand.
I don’t think you have to worry about him. As soon as his kid is gone, he will be out of there
Narduzzi should have this batch ready for their step up to the SEC or Big Ten in about two years. Pitt is devolving into the Pittsburgh Pirates of the Power Four. Get them ready to play and then watch them play somewhere else.