What may have started as a way to highlight Arizona State running back Cam Skattebo’s dominance morphed into a Desmond Reid appreciation post for Pitt fans — and a way to publicize his play on the field this season.
There have been six running backs to average more than 46 receiving yards per game in a single season since 2014, as pointed out by Adam Carter of Smart Football, and Skattebo is one of them.
But the other five are:
- New England Patriots running back Antonio Gibson
- Jacksonville Jaguars running back Travis Etienne
- Philadelphia Eagles running back Saquon Barkley
- San Francisco 49ers running back Christian McCaffrey
- Pitt Panthers running back Desmond Reid
And Reid has the highest total of the bunch, averaging 52.6 receiving yards per game this season. Is it safe to say Reid is still underrated after an All-ACC, All-American campaign with the Panthers?
He’s surrounded by NFL players (a couple of the best in the league), and a future NFL player in Skattebo.
Reid is returning to Pitt next season for his final season of eligibility and will have another chance to show he’s one of the best receivers in college football — regardless of position.
The All-ACC and All-American running back is one of the best playmakers in college football, not missing a beat as he made the jump from FCS to FBS.
Reid was one of the most dynamic players in college football this season, racking up 966 rushing yards (5.3 yards per carry) and 580 receiving yards (11.1 yards per reception) in just 11 games. He was the heartbeat of the Pitt offense, the lone constant during an up-and-down season.
His 154.9 all-purpose yards per game were sixth in all of college football, and he was the first player since San Francisco 49ers star Christian McCaffrey in 2015 to have three games with at least 100 receiving yards and 50 rushing yards. Reid truly was the do-it-all back for the Panthers.
Reid was targeted 32 times this season, which is tied for third-most on the team. He’s done the majority of his work short of the sticks (48 receptions on 63 targets for 455 yards and three touchdowns), but he caught three of his eight targets beyond 10 yards for 125 yards and a touchdown.
He was a yards-after-catch machine this season, which should be expected from such a dynamic target. He averaged 1.78 yards per route run this season, with an average depth of target of 2.3 yards (fourth longest among running backs with at least 40 targets).
“It’s hard to guard Desmond Reid 1-on-1,” Eli Holstein said after the win against UNC. “I don’t care who you are. It’s hard to guard that guy. So, when we get 1-on-1 with him on anybody, we’re trying to attack that guy because he’s gonna be able to make plays for us.”
Reid is tied for fourth in receptions (51) and second in yards (580) and receiving touchdowns (four) among all running backs with at least 40 targets this season. And he’s second in yards after catch (540) and sixth in yards per route run (1.78). Pitt quarterbacks have a 108.9 quarterback rating when targeting Reid this season.
But, of course, Reid is the leading rusher, too. He racked up 185 carries for 966 yards (5.3 yards per carry) and five touchdowns.
Reid has racked up 523 yards after contact this season (2.83 yards per attempt) and broke off runs of 10+ yards 24 times and 15+ yards 12 times — with a 39% breakaway percentage. And he forced 42 missed tackles.
Reid was very good this season, and with another offseason under his belt, he’s looking to be even better in 2025.
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