2013 Pittsburgh Spring Football Analysis

Pitt Panthers 2013 ... Head Coach: Paul Chryst

Pitt Panthers

2013 Schedule
9/2 Florida State
9/7 OPEN DATE
9/14 New Mexico
9/21 at Duke
9/28 Virginia
10/5 OPEN DATE
10/12 at Virginia Tech
10/19 Old Dominion
10/26 at Navy
11/2 at Georgia Tech
11/9 Notre Dame
11/16 North Carolina
11/23 at Syracuse
11/29 Miami

Why To Get Excited … at long last, there’s continuity on the sidelines. After enduring turmoil on the sidelines following the dismissal of Dave Wannstedt in 2010, the Panthers finally have a man with whom they can build around. Paul Chryst returns for his second season as the head coach, armed with a blueprint for guiding Pitt out of mediocrity.

Why To Be Grouchy … the O-line is still a liability in Western Pennsylvania. From a unit that’s had perennial problems in pass protection, solid veterans Ryan Turnley and Chris Jacobson must now be replaced on the interior. T Juantez Hollins is expected back from last year’s suspension, but Pitt still has a long way to go after ranking 102nd nationally in sacks yielded.

The Number One Thing To Work On Is … finding a replacement for Tino Sunseri behind center. Sunseri was a rock throughout his final season as a Panther. Lining up to replace him is a collection of unproven quarterbacks … and one with starting experience. The staff is eager to get a good look at former Rutgers hurler Tom Savage, whose last pass attempt was made all the way back in 2010.

Team Concerns For 2013: In the new world of the ACC, Pitt has to get more out of an offensive line that came up with a few shocking performances - Virginia Tech - but stunk overall. The pass protection was non-existent and the running game didn't work. Two starters have to be replaced up front, but figuring out the quarterback situation after losing Tino Sunseri is the first priority. The punting coverage team has to be stronger to help out veteran punter Matt Yoklic.

The 2013 Class Is Heavy On ... TraVon Chapman, and protecting him. While he might not be the best player in the class, Chapman might be the most important and the rest of the recruiting class is focused on beefing up the O line. If it's not Chapman, tackle prospect Dorian Johnson might be the best player in the haul, but Aaron Reese and Jaryd Jones-Smith are good prospects with great frames. It'll fly under the radar, but getting kicker Chris Blewitt and punter Ryan Winslow is big.

2012 CFN Recruiting Ranking: 45. That Class Was Heavy On ... Keeping Todd Graham’s recruits. New head coach Paul Chryst is behind and has to rally, but first he has to make sure the key recruits from the former head man – like superstar running back prospect Rushel Shell – are happy. Why did Chryst succeed as Wisconsin’s offensive coordinator? Offensive linemen, but that’s going to be for the 2013 class. This year will mostly focus on simply getting the best players possible in an abbreviated recruiting cycle. 

2011 CFN Recruiting Ranking: 53. That Class Was Heavy On ... Running back. New head coach Todd Graham needs receivers to get his passing game going, and he’ll hope that Darius Patton is worth the hype with his 4.4 speed able to stretch the field. The secondary got plenty of help with corner Jason Frimpong and safety Rodrick Ryles two talented prospects, and linebackers Nicholas Grigsby and LaQuentin Smith should be dangerous linebackers once they hit the weight room. The big question is if top recruit Lafayette Pitts will be the team’s No. 1 lockdown corner or if he’ll stick at running back. Either way, the Panthers loaded up in the backfield with Malcolm Crockett and Corey Davis two shifty runners who fit the Panther mold.

2010 CFN Recruiting Ranking: 33. That Class Was Heavy On ... Defensive linemen. T.J. Clemmings is a superior end prospect with 6-6, 260-pound size and the potential to be thrown into the mix right away, but he's hardly the only good defensive lineman signed with tackle Aaron Donald and end Bryan Murphy keeping the shelves stocked. Across the board there isn't a lot of sure-thing star power, but this is a diverse class with several strong prospect; because of the sheer numbers a few of these players will be better than originally expected. The secondary could be just as loaded as the line.

2009 CFN Recruiting Ranking: 26. That Class Was Heavy On ... backs. How do you answer the departure of star LeSean McCoy to the NFL after his sophomore season? You sign four young backs, who’ll be in a position to contribute in a year or two. There’s a nice blend of skills in the group. Dion Lewis and Jason Douglas provide the dash. At 205 pounds, Kevin Adams will bring the punch if he doesn’t move to safety. Raymond Graham, who was also pursued by Rutgers and Maryland, has a chance to be the best of the group.