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Newsstand: Former Notre Dame QB Phil Jurkovec trying new positions for Pittsburgh before Week 9

Kyle Kellyby: Kyle Kelly10/27/23ByKyleKelly
Phil Jurkovec
Former Notre Dame quarterback Phil Jurkovec now plays for Pittsburgh. (© Matt Cashore-USA TODAY Sports)

When the No. 14 Fighting Irish (6-2) host Pittsburgh (2-5) at Notre Dame Stadium on Saturday, they could see one of their former signal callers … at tight end. On Thursday, Pitt coach Pat Narduzzi confirmed to reporters that quarterback Phil Jurkovec is giving a new position a try. 

“He wants to play a little bit over there,” Narduzzi said. “He doesn’t have a position change, but he’s played on kickoff return, he’s on the punt team. He’ll play anything.”

Jurkovec transferred to the University of Pittsburgh last December after three seasons at Boston College. The 6-foot-5, 235-pounder from Pittsburgh Pine-Richland signed with the Irish in the 2019 recruiting cycle. He was a four-star recruit, No. 90 overall player, No. 10 quarterback nationally and No. 2 prospect in Pennsylvania in 2019, according to the On3 Industry Ranking.

He lasted two seasons (2018 and 2019) in South Bend before bolting to Boston College. In his Irish career, he attempted 18 passes, completing 12 for 222 yards and 2 touchdowns. In 24 games with BC, he connected on 404-679 throws for 5,184 yards, 35 touchdowns and 17 interceptions. 

Jurkovec started the first five games for the Panthers and completed a career-low 50.9% of his passes. Pittsburgh started the season 1-4 before Narduzzi benched Jurkovec in favor of junior Christian Veilleux. 

Jurkovec has not taken a tight end or special teams snap for the Panthers in a game this season.

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