Pitt's new-look linebacker group tackles big challenge

There’s nothing simple about playing defense at Pitt.

Cornerbacks must learn to cover wide receivers without safety help.

A safety better watch for running plays while making sure the quarterback doesn’t throw the ball over his head.

Defensive linemen need to perfect the details preached by line coach Charlie Partridge.

Then, there’s linebacker. Let position coach Ryan Manalac explain what he expects from his players this spring:

“Fine-tuning all the details,” he said. “From situational awareness to locking in on our alignments, key reads, to efficiency of movements, the collision skills, getting off blocks and tackling, power, to all those different pass responsibilities.”

That’s all, coach? Who knew there was a skill to colliding with another human?

Linebacker is the most scrutinized position on defense after Pitt lost regulars Phil Campbell III, Cam Bright and John Petrishen from last season’s team. Working to replace them are junior Bangally Kamara, sophomore Solomon DeShields and Notre Dame transfer and senior Shayne Simon. Kamara and DeShields have minimal experience, and Simon wasn’t on the team last season.

Teaching the requirements of the position is second-year linebacker coach Ryan Manalac, who evolved from a walk-on to a four-year letterman at Cincinnati and went on to work for Pitt coach Pat Narduzzi at Michigan State.

His challenge to his young linebackers: “Fail faster,” he said.

“You’re going to mess up, but go 100 mph. Make those mistakes, and get better. Don’t make those same mistakes the next day.”

Kamara and DeShields gained a bit of experience last season in reserve roles, with Kamara recording 11 tackles, including two sacks, with three quarterback hurries and a forced fumble. DeShields contributed nine tackles and played well on kickoff coverage.

DeShields opened some coaches’ eyes in practice recently when he came around the corner — manned by offensive left tackle Carter Warren, who is about 100 pounds heavier and far more experienced — and recorded what Manalac called “a nice, clean sack.”

“He dipped and ripped,” Narduzzi said. “I haven’t seen anybody really do that. He’s big. He’s strong. He’s athletic.”

Added Manalac: “They’re long athletes. Both have great range and ability and long arms, the length, to get off blocks and make plays.”

All three new linebackers are slightly taller than last year’s trio. The problem will be getting them accustomed to the intricacies of Pitt’s defense, which explains why spring football exists.

“They’re taking great leaps every day,” Manalac said. “Figuring out what to work on and moving forward. It’s an exciting time for linebackers.”

Anchoring the middle will be senior SirVocea Dennis, whose knowledge of the defense is so keen that Kamara used the adverb “very” four times in front of the adjective “smart” when describing Dennis.

Dennis is the unquestioned leader.

“He always makes sure we’re doing our stuff. We appreciate Vos for that,” Kamara said.

DeShields is athletic enough to line up at wide receiver and linebacker, and he bounced between the two positions during his three seasons at Pitt. It appears he has settled at linebacker.

“At receiver, I had guys in front of me, and I still had a lot to learn on offense,” he said. “Linebacker was my best bet because I had an opportunity.”

A big night for the two close friends is visiting Dennis’ apartment and watching video of successful NFL linebackers. Kamara said he’s partial to LaVar Arrington and the Arizona Cardinals’ Isaiah Simmons. It’s just a part of the growth process.

“Honestly, I want to be the best linebacker to ever come through here,” Kamara said.

That would place him in a unique place in Pitt history. Pitt hasn’t had a first-team All-American linebacker since Scott McKillop in 2008.

“That’s what I aim for every day,” Kamara said, “and that’s what I came here for.”