Former Pitt tight ends Grant Carrigan, Jason Collier improve depth on offensive line

Pitt bolstered its numbers on the offensive line on the first day of spring drills Monday when two growing men, Grant Carrigan and Jason Collier, shifted from tight end.

“Grant came to me (about making the shift),” coach Pat Narduzzi said. “It was like, `Hey, I’m a blocking tight end. Why don’t I start blocking all the time, instead of throwing passes with coach (Tim) Salem (tight ends coach)?’ ”

Carrigan, a rising junior from Pine-Richland, checked in Monday on the first day of spring drills at 6-foot-7, 285 pounds. He was 280 a year ago.

Meanwhile, Narduzzi revealed that Collier practiced with the offensive linemen last season during his freshman year, even though he was listed as a tight end. He did not appear in any games.

“We recruited Jason as a tackle,” the coach said. “I love his enthusiasm about the position.”

Collier was listed at 6-foot-5, 285 last season. He’s now at 315.

Also, sophomore Kaymar Mimes is moving from defensive end to tight end.

“Just trying to find a home for him,” Narduzzi said. “Less depth at the tight end spot, compared to the defensive end spot. I think Kaymar’s capable of being a tight end.”

The defensive end positoin is manned by several players with experience, including Rashad Weaver, who would have been a starter last season, but was injured in training camp. Also back are Deslin Alexandre, John Morgan, Habakkuk Baldonado and second-team All-ACC selection Patrick Jones II.

Injury updates

Offensive lineman Gabe Houy (Upper St. Clair), who can play guard and tackle, won’t participate in spring drills due to an undisclosed injury.

Houy was injured in the Duke game Oct. 5 last season, but only missed one game. He started at right guard in the Quick Lane Bowl.

“He was hurt all last year,” Narduzzi said. “He’ll be strong and ready to roll in the fall.”

Injured players Jerry Drake, an offensive lineman, and Albert Tucker, a linebacker, no longer are on the roster and won’t count against the 85-man scholarship limit. But they remain with the team on permanent medical scholarship.

Moving on

Narduzzi said his program won’t be affected by sanctions recently imposed by the NCAA for minor rules violations. Asked what the penalties mean going forward, he said, “Absolutely nothing.” He declined further comment.

As part of the punishment, Narduzzi must sit out two practices in August.

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