Nate Byham, the stud freshman TE for Pitt has already caught the coaches attention and is pushing for playing time.
Tight ends coach Brian Angelichio said, “Nate has certainly made a lot of strides and has had an impact even though we are only a short way into the preseason. His work ethic — he is relentless — and his willingness to learn are what sets him apart. It is still early, but he has had a great start.”
Byham still needs to get bigger — he has gained 15 pounds since he arrived at Pitt and would like to gain about 15 more — but his size doesn’t hinder his blocking. Angelichio said Byham’s quick first step is a big asset in his blocking.
His role, at least initially, will be mostly as a receiving tight end.
Byham said he feels good about his first week of camp, but he has so much more to learn that he isn’t worried about where he fits in on the depth chart. He said he is pleased with how the tight ends are used in the Panthers’ West Coast offense.
“Being here has really exceeded all of my even most optimistic expectations,” Byham said. “We have a great coaching staff and our offense is a pro-style offense, so hopefully, if I learn what I am supposed to learn, some day I hopefully can make it to the next level. That’s one reason I came here because I trust this coaching staff and I know they’ll help me achieve all of my goals.”
With all the questions and criticisms for OC Matt Cavanaugh, one that can’t be made is his utilization of talented Tight Ends. Buches is the oldest and the best blocking TE. Strong has such potential with his size and strength that you wonder about how he will be used. (Idle rumination alert!) I can’t help but think John Pelusi, who is still a month or two away from coming back from his knee injury, may end up being redshirted. I think it could be more likely with Pitt not able to land Devlin from Mt. Lebanon.
The way everyone raves about Byham, and if he develops the way he’s expected, he could go pro after his junior year. Redshirting Pelusi might be good insurance.
There’s also a brief chat with WR prospect Toney Clemons. He gives no real clues as to where he will be heading. He seems to enjoy the attention and won’t decide until after his visits and the football seasons (HS and college) end.
