Predictably, Pat Narduzzi pleased as Pitt approaches the end of training camp
Pat Narduzzi asked the important question Thursday morning.
“Eighteen days in, where are we?” he said before practice.
Predictably, he answered his own question by saying he is pleased, especially with the chemistry that has developed among players and their attitude through camp’s “ups and downs.”
“Our team has grown up,” Narduzzi said. “Things are right where we want them to be.”
Still, he will wait before making a final judgment. Responding to a question about how quarterback Kenny Pickett has improved, Narduzzi said, “I think you find those things out on game day.”
The final practice at the South Side training complex before game week was Thursday. Later, the team will vote on its captains and listen to an address from Pro Football Hall of Famer and former Pitt running back Curtis Martin. The Kickoff Luncheon at Westin Convention Center — also featuring Martin — is Friday, followed by a practice at Heinz Field.
Before practice Thursday, Narduzzi mentioned two more freshmen he said will play this season: wide receiver Jared Wayne and linebacker SirVocea Dennis.
Including Wayne’s name among those who could help is interesting because Narduzzi has been looking for playmakers at wide receiver throughout camp.
“Jared Wayne is a guy who’s stepped up in the receiver spot,” the coach said. “He’s getting better every day. He’s been steady. I don’t know what his 40 time is, but he runs well. He’s a long strider.
“He catches the ball really well. For a quarterback, you want to know if you throw it there, he’s going to make a play.”
After seeing Wayne in practice Wednesday, Narduzzi said, “Golly, how do we not try to get this guy on the field?”
Same with Dennis.
“Dennis is another one of those guys I look at and say, ‘We’re going to see these guys pop on the field sometime this season.’ I would be wrong if I didn’t mention those two guys.”
He also said the depth chart that changes from week to week is about 85 percent set for the opener Aug. 31 against Virginia. Of course, he offered no details, but it will be released Monday.
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Jerry DiPaola is a TribLive reporter covering Pitt athletics since 2011. A Pittsburgh native, he joined the Trib in 1993, first as a copy editor and page designer in the sports department and later as the Pittsburgh Steelers reporter from 1994-2004. He can be reached at jdipaola@triblive.com.
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