Pitt is losing Gavin Bartholomew next season, but the Panthers received a boost in the form of Jake Overman.
Overman — a 6-foot-4, 245-pound tight end from Yorba Linda, Cal. — announced Tuesday night that he’s returning to Pitt for his final season of eligibility. It’s a big boost for a rather young, inexperienced unit.
Overman was, as Pat Narduzzi said, a pleasant surprise this season.
“Jake Overman has been impressive,” Narduzzi said in November. “I’m glad he has another year. He’s a tremendous — his family, him, he’s a first-class. I love Jake Overman, he’s done a nice job for us blocking and catch. You saw the one catch he had for us the other day, it was a little bit behind him. He’s had a couple of those catches. He’s been not surprising, but he’s been a pleasant surprise as far as he can do it all.”
Overman doesn’t pop off the stat sheet, but he hauled in 16 receptions for 149 yards (9.3 yards per reception) this season. He made some tough catches and effectively moved the ball with the ball in his hands. It was certainly a successful season.
According to PFF, he lined up inline on just over 50% of his snaps. He recorded 242 snaps, and that should go up next season.
The loss of Bartholomew leaves a major hole in the offense, and while the coaching staff is looking at tight ends in the transfer portal, Overman will have an increased role next season. He’s a capable blocker, but he has more to offer as a receiver.
Overman is slated to be joined by Malachi Thomas, Jake Renda and signee Max Hunt.
He’s the second Pitt player to announce that he’s returning to the team next season, joining cornerback Rashad Battle, who announcing earlier Tuesday.
