Pitt Camp Notes: Week 2 of Spring Practice Gets Underway

PITTSBURGH — Pitt football was back on the South Side Tuesday afternoon in full pads for spring practice No. 4.

The Panthers held their third spring practice on Saturday, which was closed to the media. Pitt head coach Pat Narduzzi provided some takeaways from the practice. He noted that there were roughly 126 plays and was much more clean than their “sloppier” Thursday practice.

Pitt will conclude Week 2 with a full scrimmage at Acrisure Stadium on Saturday.

Here are a few observations and notes from the start of Week 2.

• QB1 & QB2 — Eli Holstein spoke for the first time on Tuesday since his injury against Louisville in the fall. He said that he is feeling good and is prepared to take on more of a leadership role. Holstein looks loose on the field and is throwing the ball with ease through the first two weeks. His footwork also looks good. Behind Holstein, Julian Dugger has earned a lot of praise early through camp, which has carried over from his first collegiate game against Toledo in the bowl game. Narduzzi once again offered some comments on Dugger saying, “He’s night and day from where he was a year ago. I think that bowl game did wonders for him. We know he played darn well except for that one pass he threw and missed tackle after that. He’s grown up a lot. We’re really happy with what he’s done since December.”

Pitt quarterback Julian Dugger looks down field during spring practice on March 18, 2025 / Ed Thompson. PSN.

• Offensive line observations — There is still a ways to go before the starting offensive line is officially established. Michigan transfer Jeff Persi and Charlotte transfer Kendall Stanley are both working at left tackle with Keith Gouveia continuing to claim the left guard spot. Narduzzi stated that “we’re running the ball better than we did a year ago,” as he credited to the play of the offensive line, which he said he’s been happy with so far. Ryan Baer has also emerged as the vocal leader for this group and is back at right tackle after finishing last season filling in at left tackle.

Pitt offensive line during spring practice on March 11, 2025 / Ed Thompson. PSN.

• Linebackers — The unit I focused on for most of Tuesday’s practice was the linebackers, who were he subject of our sights and sounds. Kyle Louis has not missed a beat as he looks to become even faster and more physical entering his redshirt junior year. Braylan Lovelace, too. Cameron Lindsey and Jeremiah Marcelin are on pace to see increased snaps this season and look really good through the first few practices. Ohio State transfer Jayden Bosnu did not workout with the group today as he was with the strength coach off to the side. Freshmen Justin Thompson and Emmanuel Taylor are raw, but I really like their length and speed and like many of the older guys in the unit, could see some time as youngsters in limited roles.

Pitt linebacker Jeremiah Marcelin (32) during spring practice on March 13, 2025 / Ed Thompson. PSN.

• Who’s standing out at DE? — Pitt has a lot of questions remaining at defensive end, but I like what I’ve seen from some of the new pieces, especially Blain Spires from Utah State. Oregon transfer Jaeden Moore is also a promising player that has showed off his speed off the edge. For Narduzzi, Maverick Gracio was the first name mentioned when asked about defensive end. “Maverick has done a nice job. He’s using his hands better. He’s a new guy, but not a new guy. I’ve seen some spurts out of him. I really like what I see there.”

Pitt defensive end Maverick Gracio during spring practice on March 11, 2025 / Ed Thompson. PSN.

• Zion Fowler-El — This is a receiver that has gone under-the-radar with the addition of three transfers from the portal, along with a handful of incoming freshman. Zowler-El is now entering his redshirt sophomore season. He looks much improved with his speed and route running ability. Narduzzi also had some positive words to say about Folwer-El: “He’s grown up a little bit, maybe a lot… He’s got really good athletic ability; he can make plays. He’s put four good practices under his belt.”

Pitt wide receiver Zion Fowler-El at spring practice on March 13, 2025 / Ed Thompson. PSN.

• Mason Heintschel — I watched a bit of Pitt’s true freshman quarterback today. He has a nice, tight throwing motion and a quick release. He is also fairly accurate. He’s young and there is a lot of work to be done, but he will get a lot of reps with only four quarterbacks at camp right now.

Pitt freshman quarterback Mason Heintschel throwing during spring practice on March 13, 2025 / Ed Thompson. PSN.