One feature we can look forward to seeing in Pitt’s offense this year is use of just about every eligible skill player of offense to catch a pass.
Having three experienced, game-ready wide receivers is not enough for him. He wants six to eight capable catchers.
Fortunately, he has a healthy crop of young receivers that have shown promise in the first week of camp.
Juniors Mike Shanahan and Cameron Saddler and sophomore Devin Street are firmly entrenched starters at the three wide-receiver positions in the Panthers’ new offense, and rightfully so.
Shanahan was second on the team in catches behind the departed Jonathan Baldwin with Saddler, who missed much of last season because of injury, getting seven receptions and Street getting 25 in 2010.
But newcomers and younger players, highlighted by redshirt freshman Salath Williams and true freshman Ronald Jones, are part of the list of players that could see playing time this season.
And not just to give the starters a rest.
“If they can’t play a substantial amount, then they won’t,” Graham said. “But all of them are competing right now to play.”
In addition, Ed Tinker, Josh Brinson, K’Wuan Williams put the number up to 8 receivers who will get opportunities to contribute. Lots of possibilities, configurations and combinations.
