Pitt Emphasizing Athletic Quarterback Room to Utilize Legs

Less than two minutes remained in the 2024 Backyard Brawl when quarterback Eli Holstein led Pitt on a game-winning drive to defeat West Virginia 38-34.

While Holstein found Gavin Bartholomew and Konata Mumpfield for big gains through the air, it was the youngsters’ legs that made the difference. The drive started with a seven-yard scramble from Holstein. Before Derrick Davis Jr. punched in the touchdown, Holstein added five more yards on a designed keeper on the ground. However, there was one other play that defined the drive.

At the WVU 30-yard line, directly after the snap, the play broke down as Holstein took off. He was met by a Mountaineer defensive lineman, who spun Holstein around, but the quarterback maintained his balance and sped off into the second level of the defense for a gritty 17-yard run and a first down.

Pitt quarterback Eli Holstein on the big 17-yard scramble on the game-winning drive to set up deep into WVU territory. pic.twitter.com/WYSTmizMNF

— Nathan Breisinger (@NateBreisinger) September 18, 2024

Plays like those displayed Holstein’s ability to create when needed to complement his pass game.

Holstein and Pitt head coach Pat Narduzzi recently sat down to review that specific scramble against WVU and the countless other runs from his first year at Pitt and the results showed the impact he had with his legs.

“I just watched 38 scrambles with him either Friday or Thursday,” Narduzzi said on Tuesday. “Do you know what he averaged per scramble last year? He averaged 8.53 yards per scramble. It’s a good play. That was part of the message: ‘Don’t think you have to throw it every time.’ If it’s not there, tuck it and go. He averaged last year 8.53 yards per rush. To me, that’s impressive. Those are good plays. I want to make sure I emphasize that. Coach Bell’s emphasized that.”

Pittsburgh Panthers quarterback Eli Holstein (10) September 21. 2024 Photo by David Hague/PSN

Pitt’s quarterback room is full of athleticism. Holstein proved himself last year and Julian Dugger was already a known dual-threat commodity and he’s confirmed that recently. Freshman quarterback Mason Heintschel has a bit of running ability in him, too.

“There’s no doubt about it that our quarterbacks can run,” Narduzzi said. “You guys know Eli can run. Those are three athletic guys that can win with their feet in the pocket and also create in the run game.”

In Dugger’s first-career game against Toledo in the GameAbove Bowl, he ran 21 times for a net total of 88 yards. That speed has translated right into spring as Narduzzi highlighted a 69-yard zone read touchdown run for Dugger in the second scrimmage this past Saturday.

“He made a couple guys miss. He just can run. It doesn’t look like he’s running fast at times. He’s got those long strides and he glides,” Narduzzi said.

With Holstein as the starter, it would not be surprising if Dugger comes in at times for specialized packages, Narduzzi admitted.

“You saw the bowl game, so there’s no question about it. You’ll have to defend him in the run game and he’ll hurt you in the pass game, too. There’s always going to be a special package for him,” Narduzzi said after the second spring practice in March.

Pittsburgh Panthers quarterback Julian Dugger (12) December 26, 2024 David Hague/PSN

In years past, Pitt has not had many quarterbacks that could be a full-on threat to run — even with Kenny Pickett who did some damage at times when he took off. Now, Narduzzi is encouraging that his athletic quarterbacks utilize their legs when needed to defeat defenses.

“We want to get the quarterback runs in. We want them to scramble. We want them to fight for yards,” Narduzzi said.

The ability to run at the quarterback position adds yet another layer to Bell’s offense.

“Coach Bell does a great job letting them go through their progressions and just be smart with the ball. If there’s pressure and you feel like you can’t get it off, then get out. There’s always going to be pressure. That’s why it’s so important to have a quarterback that can make plays with his feet. The protection’s not going to be perfect all the time. I think that’s what we lacked near the end of the year last year is we couldn’t create in the pocket and make something happen, taking sacks, negative plays that put you behind the sticks,” Narduzzi said.

Last season, Holstein finished with 328 yards on the ground with three touchdowns. If this spring is any indication, expect more of that from Holstein and Dugger as well for the 2025 season.