Three former University of Pittsburgh players came to terms on contracts as undrafted free agents, and one agreed to a tryout deal. Tight end J.P. Holtz signed a deal with the Cleveland Browns. Holtz may see some time in the backfield as a full back or H-back hybrid due to his blocking ability. The Browns' depth chart is rather thin at tight end, after Pro Bowler Gary Barnidge. Holtz will compete with draft pick Seth DeValve of Princeton, who was drafted in the fourth round, and holdover E.J. ... Read More
Pitt names team captains for 2015
The Pitt Panthers announced their team captains for the 2015 football season on Friday. Leading the first-year head coach Pat Narduzzi’s squad will be four seniors: tight end J.P. Holtz (Shaler), defensive back Lafayette Pitts (Woodland Hills), defensive lineman Darryl Render and offensive lineman Artie Rowell. Holtz has played in every game for the squad since making his Panthers debut as a true freshman in 2012, and has started all 13 games in each of the past two seasons. In 2014, he made ... Read More
Pitt loses Artie Rowell for the season with torn ACL
Not much has gone wrong for the Pitt panthers in their impressive 2-0 start to the season. That was until today when it was announced that starting center Artie Rowell was lost for the season with a torn ACL. Rowell, a junior, has started 15 games in row and made all the line calls for the Panthers. He was hurt Friday in the victory against Boston College and was replaced by sophomore Gabe Roberts. Chryst didn’t sound optimistic after the game about Rowell, who left on crutches and the ... Read More
Pitt offfensive line hoping to build off dominant Week 1 performance
Looking back at Pitt’s big opening week win against Delaware, there was plenty to like about the Panthers opening 62-0 victory. The Panthers played as near a perfect game as they have in quite some time, but it was the offensive line that set the tone. That’s an offensive line that came into the season surrounded by question marks and while the opponent was only the FCS’ Blue Hens, the Pitt offensive line passed with flying colors. At the minimum that is an encouraging sign heading ... Read More