Sometimes, the preseason depth chart is barely worth the ink used to run it through the copy machine.

It can change daily, and coaches, including those at Pitt, might be disappointed if it remains unchanged for too long. That means backups aren’t improving.

Pat Narduzzi released his first two-deep (in name only) depth chart Monday in advance of the opener Saturday at Heinz Field against Austin Peay. He lists two players at most positions, but there are five names at running back and seven spread across three spots at wide receiver.

That indicates either impressive depth or no one stepping up to seize either the starter’s or No. 1 backup job.

Here’s a look at some of the more interesting revelations:

Wide receiver

When filling out his depth chart, Narduzzi puts the word OR next to the name of a player who is sharing the position with the next guy on the list. He used an OR at wide receiver with senior Taysir Mack and sophomore Jared Wayne that indicates Wayne is progressing well.

Mack recorded 63 receptions for 736 yards and Wayne 18 for 261 last year, but they might be closer to equals this season.

Freshman Jordan Addison will be the slot receiver, and junior Shocky Jacques-Louis is the starter at the other spot over senior Tre Tipton OR Maryland transfer DJ Turner.

Linebacker

The only surprise was sophomore middle linebacker Wendell Davis leapfrogging Chase Pine, a senior who is 10 pounds heavier and is veteran of 34 games at Pitt.

Davis (6-foot-2, 240 pounds) has been one of the most consistent performers in training camp, Narduzzi said.

“I mean, the guy hasn’t missed a practice, hasn’t missed a beat. He’s been sharp with getting everybody lined up. He knows what’s going on.

“He just hasn’t stopped doing what he did the first day. Sometimes, you see a guy be up and down, ride the waves. He’s been very, very consistent.”

Cam Bright and Phil Campbell III will man the outside positions.

Offensive line

WPIAL products Jake Kradel, a sophomore from Butler, and Gabe Houy, a junior from Upper St. Clair, are listed as No. 1s at right guard and right tackle.

Houy (6-6, 300) is an interesting comeback story.

Narduzzi said he was “banged up more than anybody knows” last season, but he recovered and won the job over Keldrick Wilson, a transfer from Hampton (Va.) University.

“(Houy) has been really, really sound for us,” Narduzzi said. “We need to keep him healthy. That’s going to be critical at that position.

“The Wilson kid, who you haven’t seen play yet, is coming along every day.”

Returning starters Carter Warren, Bryce Hargrove and Jimmy Morrissey at left tackle, guard and center are the other starters.

Asked about his level of confidence with less experience on the right side, Narduzzi said, “I’m really confident. I’m confident until I’m not confident.

“That’s why you play games. We’re going to find out who they are, what this 2020 team looks like Saturday at 4 o’clock. That’s when we’ll really know.”

It should be noted neither Houy (eight career starts) nor Kradel (six) are novices.

Running back

Assistant coach Andre Powell has a crowded meeting room that includes five players competing for playing time. In other words, lots of ORs.

Senior AJ Davis is atop the list for now, followed by (in order of class) junior Todd Sibley Jr., sophomore Vincent Davis, redshirt freshman Daniel Carter and freshman Izzy Abanikanda.

The running game needs to improve, but working in camp against what is believed to be a strong run defense, perhaps, wasn’t a true indicator, Narduzzi said.

“It is so hard to tell against our defense and defensive line, the way we attack the line of scrimmage with our linebackers,” he said.

“If a guy gets in there, trips, falls down, he’s probably not going to see the next series. It’s going to be who shows up at game time, game day, and gets the work done.

“We’ll have some different packages for each of them, give them an opportunity to go showcase what they have.”

Backup quarterback

Again, the coach pulled out his OR between redshirt freshmen Davis Beville and Joey Yellen, a transfer from Arizona State.

“It’s a work in progress, really,” he said. “When you look at it, Joey has come in, it’s a new thing. Davis has played outstanding.

“If you went around the room, you’d have guys say both of them are the No. 2. We’ll find out when game time comes around and they get that opportunity.”

He added, “Don’t forget Nick.”

Nick Patti, who started the 17-14 victory against Delaware last season, missed time this summer with an injury.

Cornerback

Sophomore Marquis Williams was elevated to starting cornerback when senior Damarri Mathis was lost for the season with an injury.

“I’m comfortable (with Williams),” he said. “I’m also comfortable with AJ Woods (the No. 1 backup).”

Cornerback is one of the least experienced positions on the team, so Narduzzi will keep an eye on it.

“How does (Williams) practice? How he does he attack a game week? Does he know his opponent? He’s not playing Pitt anymore,” the coach said.

If opponents try to target the inexperienced Williams, Narduzzi said, “He’s from South Florida. He enjoys it.”

So far, Narduzzi has liked what he has seen from 6-3 freshmen Rashad Battle and Jahvante Royal.

“They’re long. They’re athletic, and they’re sharp mentally,” he said.

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Here is Pitt’s depth 2020 depth chart:

OFFENSE

Quarterback

Kenny Pickett

Davis Beville OR

Joey Yellen

Running back

AJ Davis

Todd Sibley Jr. OR

Vincent Davis OR

Daniel Carter OR

Izzy Abanikanda

Wide receiver

Shocky Jacques-Louis

Tre Tipton

DJ Turner

Wide receiver

Taysir Mack OR

Jared Wayne

Slot

Jordan Addison

John Vardzel

Tight end

Lucas Krull

Kyi Wright OR

Daniel Moraga

Left tackle

Carter Warren

Carson Van Lynn

Left guard

Bryce Hargrove

Matt Goncalves

Center

Jimmy Morrissey

Owen Drexel

Right guard

Jake Kradel

Blake Zubovic

Right tackle

Gabe Houy

Keldrick Wilson

DEFENSE

Defensive end

Patrick Jones II

Deslin Alexandre OR

John Morgan

Defensive tackle

Keyshon Camp

David Green

Defensive tackle

Devin Danielson

Tyler Bentley OR

Calijah Kancey

Defensive end

Rashad Weaver

Habakkuk Baldonado

Money linebacker

Phil Campbell III

SirVocea Dennis

Mike linebacker

Wendell Davis

Chase Pine

Brandon George

Star linebacker

Cam Bright

John Petrishen

Strong safety

Paris Ford

Brandon Hill

Free safety

Damar Hamlin

Erick Hallett

Cornerback

Marquis Williams

AJ Woods

Cornerback

Jason Pinnock

Rashad Battle

SPECIALISTS

Kicker

Alex Kessman

Sam Scarton

Ben Saulss

Punter

Kirk Christodolou

Cam Guess

Holder

Christodolou

Guess

Long snapper

Cal Adomitis

Byron Floyd

Kickoff returner

Addison

Woods

Vincent Davis

Turner

Punt returner

Addison

Turner

Jaylon Barden

Kickoffs

Kessman

Scarton

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