A hallmark of a Pat Narduzzi defense is being disruptive upfront. Not simply being able to stop the run, but penetrating in the backfield to keep pressure on the quarterback whether simply dropping back or those running the option or spread. The linebackers are going to play closer to the line, and look for chances to make plays up-front rather then contain.

The risk to his defense is that it also leaves the corners on an island with little help. It’s one of the reasons Pitt was so bad against the pass and led the conference in surrendering passing plays of 20 yards or more. (The other reasons included injuries and issues around talent in the secondary.)

It was a source of frustration for myself and many others that Narduzzi and Defensive Coordinator Josh Conklin refused to change — or even tweak — the system to account for the fact that the D-line simply couldn’t generate the pressure up-front that was needed.

Since the system isn’t going to change, the D-line needs to be better this year for the secondary to have less chance to be exploited.  And, oh god, is that going to be true early with Whitehead serving a suspension. D-line Coach Charlie Partridge is publicly, very positive about the direction.

Partridge allowed that he might have forgotten someone, but he ticked off a grocery list of names who have impressed him at various points. Redshirt freshman Keyshon Camp, junior-college transfer Kam Carter, sophomore Amir Watts and even 6-2, 315-pound true freshman ball of fury Jaylen Twyman have stood out at tackle along with Roy. At end, Partridge name-dropped redshirt junior Dewayne Hendrix, redshirt senior Allen Edwards, redshirt freshmen Patrick Jones and Rashad Weaver, redshirt junior James Folston, all the way down to redshirt sophomore walk-on Jim Medure, a Neshannock High School graduate.

That indication of a surplus of game-ready linemen lines up with what the players themselves have mentioned throughout camp, many of them itching to get a chance even if it’s just as part of an inclusive rotation to keep each other fresh.

“The fun thing is, we’re building depth,” Partridge said.

The depth matters  nearly as much as the talent. Part of the problem last year was a lack of depth meant the d-line did not rotate players out nearly as often as coaches would like. The drop-off was too great. Fatigue was yet another factor in the struggles of the defense to hold on late in games.

I’d feel even better about the depth if Taleni and Blair hadn’t gotten themselves dismissed from the team, but that is on them for blowing the opportunity.

As for the future, Pitt got a commit yesterday from a defensive end.

It is considered a good year for linemen in WPIAL football, and another one of the best has decided he will play for Pitt.

David Green, a standout defensive lineman at Central Catholic, announced on Twitter that he has made a verbal commitment to Pitt. He is the fifth senior lineman in the WPIAL to commit to Pitt.

Green, a 6-foot-2, 260-pound defensive end, is in his third year as a starter. He also plays fullback for Central Catholic.

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When discussing Green’s attributes on the field, Central Catholic coach Terry Totten said, “I think he actually uses his lack of height to his advantage. He stays low, stays under the pads [of offensive linemen]. But it’s his motor that sets him apart. That and his work ethic. I don’t think I’ve had a better leader.”

The other four WPIAL linemen who have chosen Pitt are Thomas Jefferson defensive tackle Devin Danielson, Butler offensive lineman Jake Kradel, Belle Vernon offensive lineman Blake Zubovic and Thomas Jefferson defensive end Noah Palmer.

Virginia Tech, Rutgers and Temple were among the final choices for Green.