Only once during his 20-minute video conference call with reporters Tuesday did Pat Narduzzi respond to a question with the dreaded words, “I don’t want to tell you.”

For the most part, Pitt’s coach was willing to offer his take on what developed at the Panthers’ scrimmage Saturday at Heinz Field and how the 10th of 15 spring practices turned out Tuesday.

He mentioned battles for playing time at several positions, including kicker, where he described the battle between redshirt freshman Ben Sauls and sophomore Sam Scarton this way: “As heated as any competition we have on the field right now.”

The spring game April 24 might be more important for the kickers than for anyone else, Narduzzi said.

But probably the most scrutinized areas on the team are offensive line and running back. Pitt’s ground game finished 111th of 127 schools last season, averaging 119.9 yards per game. Yardage totals of 148, 152 and 317 in late-season victories against Florida State, Virginia Tech and Georgia Tech still left the Panthers 13th among 15 ACC teams.

Just as he did 13 months ago before spring practice was canceled by the pandemic, Izzy Abanikanda opened eyes with his breakaway speed.

“A run that popped through and nobody could catch him,” Narduzzi said.

Abanikanda, a 210-pound sophomore, did the same last spring, but he played in only seven games.

“He’s doing a great job in (pass) protection,” Narduzzi said. “He did have one bad block. That’s a lot less than he’s had in the past.”

Abanikanda, who rushed for a total of 95 yards last season, will compete for playing time with — among others — junior Vincent Davis, who led the team with 632 yards last year, and senior A.J. Davis, who has totaled 970 in four seasons.

At offensive tackle, seniors Carter Warren (21 starts) and Upper St. Clair graduate Gabe Houy (14 at guard and tackle) are working with the first unit, but Narduzzi said sophomore Matt Goncalves is “certainly pushing them.”

Narduzzi also praised left guard Marcus Minor, a transfer from Maryland who continues to make significant strides. “The best he’s looked since he’s been here,” Narduzzi said. He added that Jake Kradel (Butler) is doing well at right guard.”

But Narduzzi said it takes more than good blocking by the front five to make the run game go. He expects more physicality at tight end with Lucas Krull healthy after missing most of last season with a shoulder injury.

“Lucas is a beast right now,” the coach said. “Lucas is playing like first-round (draft) material, knock on a lot of wood here. Lucas is a lot more physical than he was a year ago, a lot healthier. He (enrolled) with the shoulder. We knew that was an issue. He wasn’t as strong as he needed to be.

“You look at him, and you might want to put him on the shelf and not practice him much more (this spring). If he keeps practicing like he does, you might not see much of him in the spring game. We want to make sure he’s safe and healthy.”

Narduzzi also said freshman Gavin Bartholomew, 6-foot-4, 260 pounds, “might be the most physical tight end we have.”

Wide receiver Jordan Addison was one of the nation’s top freshman pass catchers last season, but there’s a feeling among coaches that Addison can do more, and Narduzzi saw it in the scrimmage.

“He had a catch and broke about three tackles and got a lot of yards after the catch,” Narduzzi said. “That’s something a year ago I didn’t see out of him. He’s a lot stronger.”

Meanwhile, senior wide receiver Taysir Mack is healthy after making only four starts last season. He hasn’t missed a snap this spring, the coach said.

Quarterback Kenny Pickett took only 30 snaps of the 155-play scrimmage, mainly to keep him safe. But also so coaches can get a look at backups Davis Beville, Joey Yellen, Nick Patti and freshman Nate Yarnell.

“I don’t want to tell you,” Narduzzi said when asked about the battle for the top backup job.

“We saw good things out of all of them. We saw bad things out of all of them. We’re all fighting to find out who that guy is.”

On defense, junior Devin Danielson (Thomas Jefferson) has stepped up and become “a beast up front,” according to the coach.

“He really took over inside. He looks like our best D-tackle at this point after 10 practices.”

Narduzzi also continues to like what he sees from outside linebackers Phil Campbell III and John Petrishen (Central Catholic), safeties M.J. Devonshire (Aliquippa) and Judson Tallandier and cornerback A.J. Woods.

There’s “a tie” right now at middle linebacker between Chase Pine and Wendell Davis. “A lot of ball to be played,” Narduzzi said.

Senior Damarri Mathis, who missed last season with an injury, is playing “OK,” Narduzzi said.

“I have a higher standard for Damarri. He’s not where I want him to be yet. I know he’ll get there. It’s just a matter of time. Anytime you sit out for a year, it’s hard for a year.”

Narduzzi said punter Kirk Christodoulou didn’t have his best day Saturday.

“But Kirk had been playing great up to that point. Working on some details.”

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