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August 21, 2013

Increased Potential in Passing

Filed under: Football,Players — Chas @ 8:44 am

Devin Street continues to do nothing to diminsh that expectation that the passing game will be a lot better:

“That’s their moneymaker,” he said. Street said he has been getting ample time to build an on-field relationship with Savage.

“If I have to (stop a route short), he knows I’m doing that. It’s about getting in sync with each other. Tommy’s doing a great job. It’s totally different from last year.”

Safe to say the only people more openly happier than Devin Street that Tom Savage is the QB this year is Tom Savage’s family.

Coming into camp, the question was who was the number two wide receiver. No one wanted to say right away that Tyler Boyd would be that guy as a freshman. Everyone wanted to make sure he earned it.

He has in all but official designation.

Savage is the only player Chryst has designated to start, but freshman wide receiver Tyler Boyd is getting close to winning a job. “Tyler brings great maturity to us, great work ethic,” Chryst said.

Street said he is amazed at Boyd’s progress. “He is just a smart kid and he’s hungry, too. He is definitely going to be an asset for our offense. You need the maturity level to be out there because you are going against grown men.”

Everyone who has watched a practice or scrimmage has raved about Boyd out there. A little more than a week into camp he was already a regular on the first team offense. The only thing that makes it surprising is the understanding that Boyd wasn’t really a wide receiver in high school. Yes, that is how everyone recruited him and the position he was going to play. But it wasn’t what he did in high school, per se.

Make no mistake about it: Boyd is still adjusting to the role of being full-time college receiver, and the intricacies and perfection demanded from the position are still challenging for him. Whereas Boyd had a single route to run in high school, he now has to know the entire route concept while making adjustments during the play based on coverages.

The freshman receiver has put in extra time on everything – film study, weight room, staying after practice, taking mental reps if he’s not on the field – to continue improving, and he has also been helped by the upper classmen with the offense’s nuances.

Still, he knows he has a long way to go.

“Even on my best routes, I’ve got things to fix on,” he said. “If I beat the defensive back and get a good catch, get up the field, there’s still something in there I’ve got to fix, so nothing I’m doing is really great play. I just have to keep working, so I’m not good, I’ve got to be great.”

The coaches recognize Boyd’s work ethic. They’re not surprised at how quickly he has acclimated to the college game, but they appreciate his effort throughout camp, getting up to speed. Offensive coordinator Joe Rudolph said Boyd continues to learn the offense and work toward a full understanding of everything, but he likes what he’s seen.

“I’ve been more than impressed with him, not only in his ability, but who he is as a person,” Rudolph said. “His approach, his demeanor when he does something well, his demeanor when he does something poorly, he just seems to be ‘next play.’ It’s great.

“He’s made the play when the play’s been there. He’s played fast. His understanding is what you always worry about, and it’s really coming along. He shows a great reception area to catch the ball. The speed he plays at, I mean he has a chance to do a really nice job for us this year.”

Boyd has not shown cockiness that tends to be associated with highly ranked receivers. Devin Street has been happy to help him and Boyd has been more than receptive to that assistance.

Boyd credited a good part of his acclimation to Street, who could end his career this year as Pitt’s all-time leading receiver. Even when the two are doing something like sharing a meal, Street schools Boyd on routes and coverages.

“If I didn’t have anybody shadowing me, I think I would’ve been way underconfident with myself and what I’m doing,” Boyd said. “I’ve got a great player and a great role model like him.”

Boyd already is looking forward to going against ACC defenses this season with Street.

“Me coming on the offense I think will open it up because [Street is] going to get more triple- and double-teams,” Boyd said. “People are going to think of me as just a freshman.

“That’s where I come in.”

Well, if not Street and Boyd there are the tight ends. Starting with J.P. Holtz and Manasseh Garner. While Holtz is the more traditional tight end — with very underrated receiving abilities –– Garner has more experience and the exotic flair of being more of a hybrid TE/H-back.

Garner plays a position that’s not quite a tight end but also not quite a wide receiver. At 230 pounds now, he’s big enough to stay in and block but also athletic enough to line up on the perimeter at receiver.

“I think he relishes the ability to come in and block, and I think he likes being a playmaker on the perimeter,” Rudolph said. “I think those are two positives. Some guys don’t like to come inside when they can play outside, but he can do all of it for you.”

Garner had 10 catches for 100 yards in Pitt’s spring game and spent the summer further developing his rapport with Savage, a relationship that started last year with the two of them counting down the days until they could play.

“He’s just a great person,” Savage said. “He really understands the game. He’s on top of his game and he’s going to be fun to play with.”

And adding to the mix is freshman TE Scott Orndoff. He enrolled early to get a start on spring practices and will likely see a role in the offense like J.P. Holtz had last year.

More surprising than Orndoff and Boyd being locks to see the field this year to help the passing game is Freshman Fullback/H-back. In no small part because of the hits he places while as a blocking fullback.

Freshman fullback/H-back Jaymar Parrish continues to impress coaches with his physicality. The 6-foot-2, 230-pound Parrish put one of the most dominant hits of camp on cornerback Titus Howard, who is about 50 pounds lighter. “Me and Titus, we are boys,” Parrish said. “We were laughing at each other.” Parrish said he also has placed similar hits on linebackers that have caught the attention of coaches during video study. “They tell me, ‘Nice pop on the linebackers or great footwork.’ But there are always things they tell me I have to improve on.” Parrish has been getting plenty of opportunities in practice. “I didn’t think I was going to get this many,” he said.

But also his ability to catch the ball.

Pitt’s offense has evolved over the past year. Both the fullbacks and H-backs have the same responsibilities, but it hasn’t been daunting for Parrish. He said he’s asked many things now that he did at Gateway.

“The coaches try to keep it simple for us,” he said, “not dumb it down, but they keep it in a context where we can understand the plays and get the feel of everything.”

Parrish, 6’2″ 230, has shown flashes of his ability to contribute throughout camp. On Monday, he caught a pass in the flat and ran in the open field, gaining over 10 yards and moving the chains.

As much as Coach Paul Chryst and the coaching staff have preached their great desire to redshirt players as much as possible, they are pragmatic. If the player is good enough, puts in the work then at the very least they will end up on the 2-deep.





I commented in December that I thought that Boyd was the best local player in terms of offense. It would have been nice to get Foster and the competition between the two would have been fierce but it is what it is.

Comment by Frank MD 08.21.13 @ 8:53 am

Frank MD, it reminds me of 02, when there was a chance of Pitt having Larry Fitz and Steve Breaston coming in as WRs … although don’t know if Breaston really seriously considered Pitt.

Nonetheless, from what I’m reading, this Garner really looks like a good player and I look for him to be a good contributor.

Comment by wbb 08.21.13 @ 9:37 am

Chryst is actually singing the praises of Boyd as a quick learner and a dedicated player that has his head screwed on correctly regarding his work ethic.

Considering how Chryst plays down almost everything about this team’s progression and the lack of information and complements that he hands out to his players publicly, Boyd must be off the charts in Chryst’s mind to pay him that kind of positive feedback to the press.

Of course, if that is the case, then that is a very, very good thing for the Panthers because that issue of who was going to step up to accept responsibility for filling that 2nd WR spot was a huge unknown coming into camp.

Comment by Dr. Tom 08.21.13 @ 9:52 am

As I mentioned in my practice notes, Boyd makes “wow” plays at a higher frequency than everyone else. He has all the talent and all reports have shown that he’s working his tail off. He seems to have that greatness mentality that nothing short of it is acceptable. With his athleticism, that’s a scary thing.

Comment by Justin 08.21.13 @ 10:20 am

I see that Larry Fitzgerald’s number is being formally retired at the FSU vs. Pitt halftime ceremony. I sure hope that “Fitz” is asked to give the team a pregame speech, because that would have to leave a big impression on this young team, getting a pep talk from a former Pitt Panther Biletnikoff Award winner. A nod towards Street and Boyd, to encourage them to continue forward in carrying that Biletnikoff banner could be just the motivation needed to insprie them to have an “out of body experience” type game.

Game time is appraoching fast, Hail to Pitt!

Comment by Dr. Tom 08.21.13 @ 10:50 am

a player with similar size and skills to Garner is Conner

Conner similar to Parrish in some ways also

Conner has good hands ; runs and plays much like a FB or TE – but a tad undersized for TE

Comment by anony 08.21.13 @ 10:52 am

If Fitz can’t make it, our other Biletnikoff winner can give the motivational speech

Comment by wbb 08.21.13 @ 10:52 am

I know we are well off the topic of a new Pitt Stadium and I am fully prepared to have my wrist slapped for bringing it up but I’m willing to take that risk.

Let me start by saying, as an out of towner, that I don’t mind going to games at Heinz Field. There were several times when I went straight from the airport to the stadium. That being said, I support the idea of a campus stadium. However, short of bulldozing parts of South Oakland, I don’t think it is feasible. Certainly moving historic buildings will never happen.

Moving Magee Women’s Hospital might. Perhaps getting rid of the Schenley Park Golf Course. (I’m not sure how much use it gets but the area has a surfeit of courses – I think.)

A perhaps more logical location close to campus is Southside. Better vehicle access can be arranged. A pedestrian bridge could (might) be built.

I think it’s great to get the discussion started. But, without stifling anyone’s creative enthusiasm, it has to be tempered with realism.

[Holds both wrists out preparing to be slapped.]

Comment by Pitt Dad 08.21.13 @ 11:20 am

I believe the only feasible location near Oakland would be at or near the golf course.

Comment by wbb 08.21.13 @ 11:28 am

Larry Fitzgerald Freshman Stats: 69 1005 14.6 12

Antonio Bryant Freshman Stats: 51 844 16.5 6

I don’t think there’s a person on that board who wouldn’t take either of those – or anything in between – from Boyd this year.

Comment by Atlanta Panther 08.21.13 @ 11:33 am

Tyler Boyd… Talent + Maturity = Impact

Comment by PittofDreams 08.21.13 @ 12:07 pm

By the way…

Interesting to learn that Jameis Winston, likely Florida State starting quarterback… is also an outfielder and pitcher for the Florida State Baseball team.

Throws a 90+ mph fastball.

Hope Jason Hendricks has his mitts ready.

Comment by PittofDreams 08.21.13 @ 12:11 pm

I loved the comment Street made about Tyler’s maturity level considering that he is going up against “grown men”. Who knows, maybe Tyler can sneak up on the FSU defensive backs with a stellar performance while he is still under the radar. Little will they realize that “men” playing against “Boyd” might not be the mismatch that they anticipate! LOL!

Comment by Dr. Tom 08.21.13 @ 12:13 pm

No Pitt Dad, NOOOOO, not more on campus stadium chatter. Wrist slaps are totally out of the question, where’s my old fraternity paddle? Assume the position! LOLx2

Comment by Dr. Tom 08.21.13 @ 12:18 pm

Sound like Pitt might be alright on offense. A little nervous about the running back situation with the freshman. Wish we had a pre-season/tuneup game, but FSU will have some young guys starting as well. Question: Can Winston scramble or is he a straight drop back passer?

Comment by Rockymtnhigh 08.21.13 @ 12:40 pm

Careful Pitt Dad. saying you don’t mind going to Heinz field will have those PantherHollow website guys jump all over you.

On another note..Full Pitt Basketball Schedule to be released tomorrow.

Comment by milobloom 08.21.13 @ 12:48 pm

@ Rockymthigh, if you believe everything that is being written up on Jameis Winston, not only can he scramble but he can leap tall buildings and is faster than a speeding bullet. Oh yeah, and he can walk on water.

Doesn’t matter that he has never started game game at QB for FSU. I hope that he gets a big surprise from Pitt in his first start.

Comment by Dr. Tom 08.21.13 @ 1:10 pm

Ok Dr. Tom. I can take it. Give me your best shot.

Comment by Pitt Dad 08.21.13 @ 1:51 pm

Dr. Tom, I just spent a few minutes reading about Winston and whoa! You are correct. They are really hyping him.

I also watched highlights of that Wilder RB. Fast, shifty and keeps his feet churning. I expect that we’ll see him a bunch.

FSU has a new coordinator on defense, and like us, he hasn’t been a d-coordinator before. Should be an interesting game.

Comment by Rockymtnhigh 08.21.13 @ 3:05 pm

And after my best shot, Pitt Dad, I seem to remember the appropriate response is, “thank you Sir, may I have another”.

Yeah Rockymthigh, that Wilder kid will be problems for us if we are trying to run him down with linebackers. The key to this game for Pitt’s defense will be the backers having the right assignments and getting to their gaps with quik lateral movement before Wilder (or any of their other quick RBs) have the opportunity to break it up field after breaking through the line. If we can’t accomplish that then we’ll have to load up the box, that will expose the safeties to being back there on their own islands. Although Winston’s passing skills remain to be seen, I would feel much more comfortable having the corners play off to support the safeties, if possible.

Comment by Dr. Tom 08.21.13 @ 3:33 pm

thank you sir, may I have another?

Comment by Pitt Dad 08.21.13 @ 3:36 pm

lol Pitt Dad

You’re pretty easy.

Comment by EMel 08.21.13 @ 5:33 pm

Looking forward to seeing Garner abd Boyd out there. Big additions to an offense that had big question marks. We will find out how good they are immediately as FSU will have every bit the athlete on the field.

Comment by Pitt Fan In Atlanta 08.21.13 @ 6:22 pm

who will be the new pitt chancellor and will he name a new pitt AD or is peterson here for ever.

Comment by FRANKCAN 08.21.13 @ 6:27 pm

Rather than easy, sounds more like a fraternity brother to me.

Takes a lickin and keeps on ticking.

Comment by Dr. Tom 08.21.13 @ 7:44 pm

Let us not forget about another Pitt TE, although it seems as though Garner is grabbing all the TE limelight as of fall camp. I’ll take J.P. Holtz on my team every day of the week.

Comment by Dr. Tom 08.21.13 @ 7:47 pm

Rocky Mountain – The difference between him and House is he was coaching at Alabama. Great video that gives us some info.

link to seminoles.com

Comment by Upittbaseball 08.21.13 @ 7:59 pm

Thanks for that link Upitt. Ya, coming from Alabama would be a big plus. I read that he might switch things up a little and go to a 3-4 (from a 4-3, I believe). I’m guessing he’d be doing that to take advantage of certain personnel? Wishful thinking on my part, but maybe this change will have the FSU D thinking instead of playing fast…

Comment by Rockymtnhigh 08.21.13 @ 9:44 pm

Hey Frankie,

You’ve been MIA.

Didn’t Cornhole Stevie just get a 5 yr extension for his grand work over the last 3 years of making PITT football a national joke ?

Director’s Cup…don’t ask. lol

Comment by EMel 08.22.13 @ 1:12 am

In the interest of…ahem…stablity, I don’t think the new chancellor is going to replace Stevie P unless there is a major f*uckp. Call it a hunch, but going 6-6 for a couple of years while running a clean program and continuing to play at Heinz field doesn’t qualify, IMHO.

Comment by Atlanta Panther 08.22.13 @ 6:24 am

Rocky – There was chatter of the switch but not gonna happen. They will run some schemes but not switching the Defense per Jimbo.

Comment by Upittbaseball 08.22.13 @ 10:13 am

@ EMel, I missed the memo, when did Pitt’s football program turn into this “national joke” you speake of? Are we talking Haywood’s issues and then Fraud Graham’s midnight express out to Arizona?

A little dramatic aren’t you? Speak with anyone outside of western Pa or not in the ACC footprint and Pitt’s football program is not even a point of discussion when discussing college football. So I’m pretty sure that Pitt is a “National” nothing. Currently pretty invisible. Could change that in 10 days if we decide to play some solid football and sneak up on FSU though.

Otherwise I think the “joke’s” on you.

Comment by Dr. Tom 08.22.13 @ 10:26 am

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