For the past couple of seasons, people like myself have been begging the Pitt panthers to get their pair of talented tight ends more involved in their passing game.
That is finally happening this season as both J.P. Holtz and Scott Orndoff have made big plays every week.
Holtz in particular has garnered some attention.
The senior and graduate of Shaler Area High School, has been named to the midseason watch list for the John Mackey Award, presented annually to the most outstanding collegiate tight end.
Holtz one of the Panthers captains, has nine catches for 138 yards (15.3 avg.) and two touchdowns this season. He also has excelled as a run blocker during his time in a Panthers uniform. For his career, Holtz has 66 receptions for 719 yards (10.9 avg.) and nine touchdowns.
Since coming to Pitt as a freshman, Holtz has appeared in all 44 games played, making 40 starts, showing that he is a very durable player.
Thirty-three players were named to the midseason list for the John Mackey Award, which is named after Pro Football Hall of Famer John Mackey. Semifinalists will be announced on November 16 and the finalists will be named on November 24. The winner will be announced on December 9.
Holtz and the Panthers will be back in action on Saturday when they travel to Georgia Tech.
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