Pitt coach Pat Narduzzi has depth at LB, but he's not ready to name starters

When Pitt opened training camp, linebackers coach Rob Harley said he wasn’t sure who would play where and how much time on the field each player would earn.

And at that point, he didn’t care.

That’s why schools spend so much time, energy and money to hold training camp — to identify the best players.

But it’s getting to be that time when Harley, defensive coordinator Randy Bates and coach Pat Narduzzi must pick three linebackers to start the opener Aug. 31 against Virginia.

It’s a safe bet they already have a good idea, but they have no reason to reveal their choices. Why water down the competition by declaring a starter 10 days before kickoff? And why tip off the opponent when it’s not necessary?

After all, Pitt’s battle cry is “Lock The Gates” for a reason. Don’t let anyone in and don’t let out information that can compromise strategy.

Before practice Tuesday, Narduzzi said “some separation” occurred on the depth chart after the scrimmage Saturday. But he also said the running game had a good day, which means the defense wasn’t making enough plays.

“But still a lot of work to do,” he said.

Narduzzi said middle linebacker Elias Reynolds, who is battling Saleem Brightwell, has had a good camp, and bookend outside linebackers Kylan Johnson and Cam Bright have been solid.

Johnson and Bright offered no further clarity when they met with reporters after practice. Johnson said he shares snaps “50-50” with Chase Pine at the money position. Bright said he and Phil Campbell III are “neck and neck” as they continue to compete at star (a hybrid safety/linebacker position).

But Bright did say, “I feel like I stuck out (in the scrimmage).” He said he hit running back A.J. Davis so hard he felt the need to apologize.

“It wasn’t anything personal,” he said.

That’s six players, but Harley suggested he might need as many as eight at some point. That might open an opportunity for freshman Leslie Smith, who has been touted this summer as a quick learner.

The depth appears to be there. But this is only training camp, and no one has tried to tackle an opposing player yet.

Still, Harley said, “I don’t know if we’ve had that many guys (in the past).” He said depth is a “wakeup call” for players.

With teams running high-tempo offenses, Harley needs as many fresh bodies as he can teach. Opponents averaged 32 minutes of possession and nearly 69 snaps per game against Pitt last season. Central Florida and Syracuse ran off 80 and 82 in consecutive weeks. Virginia Tech recorded a season-high 90.

Players will need breathers, especially with Pitt playing four games — one-third of its schedule — before the first day of autumn.

“You’re going to need the same level (of production) from that guy that just came in,” Harley said.

Narduzzi fortified the depth by recruiting Johnson as a graduate transfer from Florida. The five-year college veteran speaks like he’s been at Pitt the entire time.

“Over the last week and half, I feel like I caught onto the defense, probably more than I thought (I would) by this time,” he said. “That’s because of a lot of work I’ve been putting in off the field. It allows me to play faster.

“I’m trying to learn it as much as I can because we have younger guys who need help, as well. I’m trying to learn it so that if I’m the oldest one doing the reps at the moment, I can help the young guys. And I just like to know everything myself. I want to know what the D-line does, what the middle linebacker, star and safety do. That just makes me play faster, and I’m more comfortable when I know that.”

Does he think he will be the starter?

“I guess we’ll all find out,” he said.

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