Pitt Training Camp Notes: Transfer WR Sticking Out to Players, Coaches

By: PSN’s Adam Borst

PITTSBURGH — The Pitt football team completed practice No. 8 of training camp ahead of the team’s first camp scrimmage of the fall.

While there is still a little over three weeks until Pitt plays host to Duquesne on Aug. 30 in the season opener, the Panthers’ staff needs all of the time that they can get as there are still plenty of things to sort out such as starters and snap counts for a handful of key positions.

Transfer Wide Receivers Shines in Camp

While Kenny Johnson and Raphael “Poppi” Williams are cemented as the top two receivers heading into the season, a fierce battle for next man up has been underway during training camp.

One player that has caught the attention of players and coaches alike through the first two weeks of training camp has been Louisville transfer Cataurus “Blue” Hicks.

Narduzzi said prior to Friday’s practice that Hicks closed out a two-minute drill the day prior by taking a quick screen over 70 yards for a touchdown.

“We saw it in the spring so I knew that he would be a guy that is going to be a difference maker,” Narduzzi said. “I am really excited about what he is going to give our offense this year. I think he is our best ball-in-hand guy that we had over the last couple of years. He is a guy that can make plays when catching the short pass and that is what you want.”

Additionally, both Johnson and cornerback Rashad Battle commented on Hicks’ big-play ability following Thursday’s practice.

Young Linebacker Draws Lofty Comparison From Narduzzi

Another young player that Narduzzi highlighted prior to Friday’s practice was linebacker Braylan Lovelace.

Lovelace bursted onto the scene for the Panthers defense in 2024 as he played in 13 games and started four of them. He was not just a depth option but a quality player for Narduzzi’s defense last season as he racked up 53 tackles, 10.5 tackles for loss, four sacks and one interception as a sophomore.

Despite totaling double-digit tackles for loss in 2024, fellow linebackers Kyle Louis and Rasheem Biles stole the show which is pushing Lovelace into the starting Mike linebacker role this season. His ability to do that, and do it at a high level had Narduzzi comparing him to former Pitt All-ACC standout and current Tampa Bay Buccaneer SirVocea Dennis.

“The first thing is just being able to move him over to play that Mike position so he is smart like Voc is and it is an easy, smooth transition for him,” Narduzzi explained. “He has done a nice job out there so let’s hope that he is tough which we will find out. We can make that comparison in August but I want to make that comparison after December and January.”

Entire Defense Has Ability to Make Plays

Narduzzi stated that the entire defense is built to make plays and there is truth to that statement.

The only group with question marks is the defensive end room with a flurry of new transfers in Blaine Spires, Joey Zelinsky and Jaeden Moore. The Panthers will count on Spires, returner Jimmy Scott, sixth-year senior Nate Temple and others to make impact plays along the line.

To touch on the linebackers once more, Louis and Biles are coming off of historic seasons in which they combined for 181 tackles, 13 sacks and four interceptions. Both are expected to make a similar impact for the Panthers’ defense in 2025.

Then, the Panthers’ secondary has the ability to be elite this season. With two of their top corners, Rashad Battle and Tamon Lynum, returning for another season, it gives the Panthers comfortability at the position.

Safety is really the only other question mark on defense as the Panthers will rely on redshirt sophomore Cruce Brookins to step into a bigger role as the team’s boundary safety while redshirt senior Javon McIntyre will likely be the team’s free safety.