Maybe he really is standing out in spring drills. Maybe it’s because he’s one of the new faces. Whatever the reason, there seems to be a steady bit of buzz regarding Freshman CB Jovani Chappel.
Chappel, a Big 33 game performer, might be the most intriguing player. He has a lot of talent, but is the least experienced.
“He’s ahead of some of our veterans from a knowledge standpoint,” Rhoads said. “He’s very self-motivated.”
That was evident after a brief conversation.
“All I think I have to do is show that I’m improving,” Chappel said. “Coach Rhoads said that he doesn’t want me making the same mistakes twice, and I want to show him that I’m actually learning the system.
“So, I watch film and give 100 percent,” Chappel said. “He says you can’t coach effort, so I want to give 100 percent every time I go out there.”
Not that Junior Kennard Cox and Senior Reggie Carter are ready to concede the open starting CB spot to him. It’s just that attention seems to be directed to Chappel.
For the second consecutive day, redshirt freshman wideout Cedric McGee and freshman cornerback Jovanni Chappel exchanged barbs — and a few shoves — on the practice field.
They traded head slaps Friday night after Chappel broke up a pass. Yesterday, Chappel tossed McGee out of bounds with extra ferocity after McGee made a catch.
“Me and Cedric go at it all the time,” Chappel said, laughing. “We’re in the same predicament. We’re both trying to move up on the depth chart. And we’re both physical guys. So, I make him better, and he makes me better every day.”
Chappel seems to really enjoy getting into it with the WRs. Yesterday I noted the story on his roommate, Redshirt Freshman WR Oderick Turner. They also apparently like to go at each other.
The article noting Chappel and McGee going at it really focused on Darrelle Revis and thoughts of going pro. Especially after he attended Pitt’s pro day.
Revis, who will be a junior this fall, is aware he could be auditioning for the scouts this time next year.
“My thoughts always drift toward that,” he said. “But right now, coach (Dave) Wannstedt talked to me about being focused on this year. I’m not going to put myself ahead of the team.
“I don’t know if I’m going to leave next year. If the opportunity presents itself, then I’ll go. If not, I can stay for my senior year and help the team even more.”
At the Pro Day, Revis kept a close eye on corner Josh Lay, his cousin and former Pitt teammate. Lay had a great workout, and, with the NFL Draft taking place in less than five weeks, his stock reportedly is rising.
“Josh is excited,” Revis said. “He’s always talking about how it’s a dream come true.”
I suppose there is some concern that Revis might start putting his own pro aspirations ahead of the team. I’m not overly concerned because he’s shown no sign of it to this point, and the nature of his position puts him on more of an island on the field. He has to be responsible for himself.
Really, he simply answered the question honestly. Maybe it would have been easier to go with some simple cliche and deflect away from the issue with an, “I’m not thinking about that at all. I just want to help the team…”
He had just been in attendance of an event where Pitt Seniors were performing for NFL scouts. Of course it’s on his mind.
Additionally, it’s always been there for Revis. He’s always had the talent and everyone knew from day one he has the potential. Add in the fact that his uncle is Sean Gilbert a past NFL All-pro and even another relative, Aliquippa HS Junior Herb Pope, will one day head to the NBA. He comes from an athletically gifted family with skills to play at the pro level.
