Which Pitt Players are Emerging as Surprises in Spring Camp?

PITTSBURGH — Every day after spring practice, Pitt head coach Pat Narduzzi breaks down the completed session and often provides insight on the players that stood out.

Some come as expected like wide receiver Kenny Johnson or linebacker Kyle Louis. On the other hand, there are players that are starting to surprise the 11th-year head coach.

Between the transfers and freshmen, there are plenty of options rubbing off on the coach in their initial four weeks with the program. There are several returners making some noise as well.

When asked about pleasant surprises, one of the first names he revealed was redshirt freshman offensive lineman Caleb Holmes.

“Caleb Holmes has come a long way since the beginning of spring ball,” Narduzzi said on Thursday. “We talk depth chart every single day. We go through the depth chart, ‘How he’s played today? What do you think?’ Caleb Holmes’ name has popped up here lately. Just one of those guys that’s returning that’s figured it out. The lights got turned on there.”

Pitt offensive lineman Caleb Holmes starting to surprise in spring camp. March 24, 2025 / Ed Thompson. PSN.

During camp, Holmes has played primarily at left guard. If Holmes and some of the other younger linemen can continue to progress the way Narduzzi has seen, the Pitt line will have welcomed depth that has been lacking in recent years.

Freshman running back Ja’Kyrian Turner — who they call ‘Boosie’ — has earned a lot of praise in camp so far. The offensive staff was really impressed with his workouts when he first stepped on campus and that has translated onto the field.

The 5-foot-9, 175-pound running back from Wildwood, Fla. has a lot of tools that have impressed Narduzzi so far, including his speed and elusiveness.

“Boosie keeps getting better every day. Some of the cuts he’s made the last few days, it’s starting to click for him as well,” Narduzzi said.

Mason Heintschel has brought in some healthy competition in the quarterback room. The freshman has received some high remarks from the offensive staff and has protected the ball well during scrimmages.

“Mason’s been really good,” Narduzzi said. “Getting mostly reps against the 3s, but he got some 2 snaps Saturday as well just to rotate those guys in just getting them looks with different receivers, different offensive line. Mason’s done as good a job as you can as a freshman quarterback right now.”

Pitt freshman quarterback Mason Heintschel in spring practice. April 3, 2025 / Ed Thompson. PSN.

When it comes to the wide receiver room, Narduzzi is excited about the depth of the unit with a handful of transfers, including Deuce Spann from Florida State.

“Deuce has done a nice job for us. He’s learning the offense. He can run, he can separate and he can catch the ball in the deep part of the field,” Narduzzi said on Tuesday.

As for returning receivers who have taken the next step for Pitt, Zion Fowler-El has been mentioned on a few occasions. The redshirt sophomore played in just three games last season, including a start in the bowl game.

“Zion Fowler’s doing a nice job right now just working on consistency,” Narduzzi noted.

Defensively, Narduzzi has been pleased with the play and depth of the defensive tackles, but there is one guy that has surprised in the coach’s eyes.

“Isaiah Neal’s playing really well for us,” he said. “He put on some weight. He’s a lot bigger than he was. I think that’s paid off for him and I think he sees that.”

Neal compiled 21 tackles, three tackles for loss and 1.5 sack last year in 13 games.

Along with Neal, Narduzzi pointed at redshirt sophomore Shadarian Harrison as someone in the defensive secondary who is surprising the staff throughout camp.

Harrison is coming off a 2024 campaign in which he played eight games with five tackles. The 6-1, 190-pound talent is looking to solidify a backup role behind Rashad Battle and Tamon Lynum