While a lot of attention in the Pitt passing game this season will focus on sophomore wide receiver Tyler Boyd and whoever steps up to replace the departed Devin Street, it could turn out to be a group of talented tight ends that proves to be the biggest difference makers in the Pitt aerial attack.
With a new quarterback under center this season, likely sophomore Chad Voytik, having a good tight end or two can serve as a nice security blanket.
And Pitt has a more than a couple of options for Voytik.
Now a junior, big things are expected from J.P Holtz, who started all 13 games last season and recorded 23 catches for 209 yards. This came after appearing in all 13 games as a true freshman with 10 of those being starts.
I expect the Shaler product to take a big step forward as a junior and if he does, the Pitt offense will benefit greatly.
If he doesn’t there are a couple of other options, including the talented Scott Orndoff.
Orndoff missed the final four games last season with a knee injury, but prior to that he was a capable red zone threat, something he could be relied on to be this season as well.
The Seton LaSalle product only caught six passes last season, two of which were touchdowns, but I would expect him to be heavily involved in the offensive game plan last season.
Throw in sophomore Jaymar Parrish, who will once again fill a role as an H-back and there is certainly some weapons that can work the middle of the field.
With the change in signal callers for the Panthers, from a guy like Tom Savage who had the arm strength to stretch the field, to a guy like Voytik, it goes without saying that the tight ends should play a big role in the Pitt offense in 2014.
Last season Pitt’s tight ends combined for 71 catches and 690 yards, which is not bad production at all.
They will lose some of that with senior Manasseh Gardner moving outside to wide receiver, but the likes of Holtz and Orndoff especially should be able to increase their production and provide solid contributions from the position.
If they do, this Panthers’ offense could surprise some people in 2014.
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