Pitt notebook: Pat Narduzzi says Ryland Gandy has put in solid claim as starting cornerback

With the exception of quarterback, no position on the field will get greater scrutiny during Pitt’s spring drills than cornerback.

All three cornerbacks who played the most significant minutes last season — M.J. Devonshire, A.J. Woods and Marquis Williams — are gone.

In their place has stepped redshirt sophomore Ryland Gandy, who leads a group that includes seniors Rashad Battle, Tamon Lynum and Jahvante Royal; juniors Noah Biglow and Tamarian Crumpley; redshirt freshman Shadarian Harrison; and freshmen Nigel Maynard and Davion Pritchard.

“If I asked most of the guys, ‘Who are our starting corners?,’ I think the first name will be Ryland,” coach Pat Narduzzi said. “He’s learned from some good guys.

“The great thing about Ryland is he’s been patient. He never got down. He’s never in my office whining. He’s trusted the process throughout.”

Gandy, who said he’s working to improve on his 4.49-second 40-yard dash, said he wants to be seen on ESPN as a player and announcer.

“I’d like to be in the booth like Tony Romo, Robert Griffin III,” he said. “Growing up, I didn’t want to do anything else other than sports. If I’m not playing it forever, I can, for sure, talk about it.”

Roles are reversed in Pitt’s secondary from how they were last season when the cornerbacks were the experienced ones. Now, it’s safeties Javon McIntyre, Donovan McMillon and P.J. O’Brien who show cornerbacks the way.

“I know they’re going to give me the right call,” Gandy said.

No fighting

The idea that coaches don’t mind when players scuffle briefly during practice appears to be a myth in Pitt’s case.

Players donned full pads for the first time this spring Friday — the third of 15 sessions that run into April — and Narduzzi called it “extremely intense.”

“Back and forth,” he said. “Couple fights. They’ll be running gassers.”

Narduzzi doesn’t want to see players injured during a meaningless physical confrontation, especially if it occurs after the whistle nearly six months before the first game.

“I had to calm them down and blow the whistle a few extra times,” he said. “I felt like the referee, breaking up different things. We have to contain it and control it. Control your emotions.”

Narduzzi said the offense “took control” of the first live period “pretty easily.”

“The last period, two-minute (drill), defense took control of that. Everything in between was pretty much back and forth and great competition.”

A new signing day?

There’s a movement among coaches and the NCAA to move the initial signing day for high school prospects from its December date to a week before the conference championship games or in the summer. December already is stocked with championship, playoff and bowl games and players entering the transfer portal.

Narduzzi would vote for a late June signing day.

“We bring them on campus in May and June (for visits) and wait five months and sign them in December,” he said. “It doesn’t make any sense. The calendar is all whacked out. There’s a good chance it could happen the last Wednesday in June. Visit in May and June, and sign them then.”

What’s up with the QBs?

Narduzzi briefly addressed what’s happening in the crowded quarterback room with Nate Yarnell, Christian Veilleux, Ty Dieffenbach, Eli Holstein and Penn Hills graduate Julian Dugger.

Yarnell is QB1, but Narduzzi said the others are challenging him.

“Eli is dinged up from winter workouts. He’s about 90%,” Narduzzi said. “But he’s out there doing everything because he’s tough.”

Keep an eye on Brookins

Spring football offers young players an opportunity that won’t be available in the fall when coaches, starters and No. 1 backups get ready for a different opponent every week.

“I tell those young guys this is your time,” Narduzzi said. “(When) fall camp comes around, there’s not a lot (of time) for (third stringers). It’s their time right now to show who they are.”

One of those young players who has made an impact — last season and now — is redshirt freshman safety Cruce Brookins of Steel Valley.

Narduzzi paid Brookins one of the highest compliments a coach can deliver.

“He’s a dude,” he said.

“He’s smart. He understands the defense, and he plays with an attitude. He’s a guy who you’re going to see (play) a lot of football next fall, for sure.

“He’s got a lot of innate skills his mom and dad gave him growing up. Some guys are great athletes and they’re not great football players. He’s a guy who’s a great athlete who is also a really good football player.”

Don’t be shy at suppertime

What does it take to be an effective offensive lineman? He must be strong and smart and be able to process information quickly before and after the ball is snapped.

A good appetite doesn’t hurt, either.

Redshirt junior Terrence Moore (6-foot-5, 307 pounds) said he puts away 4,000 calories a day by either eating three big meals a day or four medium-size meals.

Cooper fitting in nicely

Moore, who started nine games last season, said he has been impressed with N.C. State transfer Lyndon Cooper, who is practicing at center and left and right guard.

“He’s done a good job of putting his head down and just grinding,” Moore said. “He’s really been dominating. He put some boys on their back (Friday). It’s been nice to see that, for sure.”