Alright, we have dissected, diagnosed and disagreed for the past week on Paul Chryst’s tenure as the HC at PITT over the last three years. We’ll keep doing so I’m sure but the last thread was 400 comments and trying to keep a decent conversation we can all follow with that many is impossible.
So, here is a new thread and what I’d like to see is our opinions and hopes about what Pat Narduzzi will bring to the PITT table given what we know about him, his track record as the DC at MSU and what he is stepping into in a few day at PITT. What is he getting in terms of player’s talent, experience and potential, perhaps the most important of all considering he’ll almost surely be here at least three years, and what he can do on the recruiting trail from now until LOI Day?
Is the lack of a new AD for perhaps months, maybe even into the spring, going to impact his start here? Will we really put out the big money for staff?
What do you see our play like in 2015 given our returning starters, our opponents and the fact that we’ll have a new coaching staff (I still think Rudolph goes to Wisconsin after the bowl game).
This will be fun and remember that we save all these comments so when Narduzzi departs in three years to be the DC at YSU we’ll have our opinions to look back on.
But, not Penn State whacko “Franklin” passion or Todd Graham BS. We show our worth on the field.
H2P
I think Nard Dog will sure up our D and keep the O going in the same direction. I hope he’s much more of a risk taker than PC (for example, did you see Duke playing to win it’s bowl game?)I hope we see more of that rather than “boring ball”. I like his passion and energy and hope it turns into many W’s!!! Let’s Go Pitt!!!!
Coach. I mean he said he will let his coordinators do their jobs. If that’s the case we don’t even know what kind of offense Pitt will have? Both Tressel and Barnett got promotions so not even sure he will use the same exact defense.
I guess the thing I’m most excited about is his recruiting reputation. I felt like PC style would never land a lot of top recruits here. When you’re after a kid that’s looking at Pitt and OSU you have to sell that kid he belongs at Pitt.
As for success on the field I think Pitt will battle for their half of the conference next year unless Narduzzi goes to a spread pass first offense which I doubt happens. I just think the talent on offense and his impact on a young defense I expect 9-10 wins!!!
A. For 2015: No major churn should be expected or desired–it is too late in the game to blow up the class–nor should we want to-its not great but it is a decent class for a small one.
1. Keep the current 12 commits and maybe get a recommit from the one or both of the 2 post Chryst decommits.
2. Add a few new commits from the existing group of uncommitted kids who have Pitt on their short list.
3. Add a couple of recruits who follow a new assistant here.
Wind up with a solid smallish 2015 class of 19-20 max on LOI day (in early February) that averages about 3.00 stars/recruit.
B. For 2016 and forward: This is where things should change and improve.
1. Lock up most of the the best local (Western PA) kids (a few will always want to leave the area and not be close to family–it happens).
2. Fill in with quality recruits from a driving radius of about 8 hours (e.g., Ohio, New Jersey, New York, Delaware, Maryland, DC, Virginia).
3. Spot recruit nationally for a few quality players (emphasize Florida and ACC Southesst footprint).
Wind up with a top 15 classes averaging 3.25 to 3.50 stars/recruit.
2) An experienced coaching staff with lots of P5 experience and perhaps one former HC (has worked well for the Steelers).
3) A convincing inaugural win over YSU!
1)Offensive Coordinator-Both names being floated out there: Beck and Treadwell would make me really happy. HCPN mentioned how he wants to be the CEO of the football program, what better way to do it? Hire an experienced OC or former HC/OC.
2)Recruiting-Keep class together, potentially jettison a few recruts that don’t fit where HCPN wants to go and land a few big fish type defensive guys that are still available. Also, get the national recruiting coordinator, which Upitt keyed us in on, position finalized and going ASAP.
3)Strength and Conditioning Staff-I would attempt to retain Ross Kolodziej, I honestly thought the players looked more tone and were mentally/physically prepared to overwhelm opponents. If you can’t keep Ross, move on and find someone that can get those boys in the gym and motivated.
Just my thoughts!
In any event, average stars per recruit is a better indicator of class quality than the overall rating which is heavily influenced by class size. Class size is a poor determinant of the quality of a class since some years you cannot get a full class of 25 without going over the 85 limit on your overall roster. In theory, if you had no roster churn you could wind up with space for only 10 recruits in every fourth class. Of course, this rarely happens due to players leaving school for various reasons. But, it is not uncommon to have an occasional recruiting class with only space for say 14-18 recruits. In that kind of year you need to have virtually all of them be 4 and 5 star recruits to have the class be highly ranked as the system penalizes pretty heavily for having significantly fewer than 25 in the class.
Ted ends up doing a lot because EJ Borghetti is the #2 guy in the whole Athletic Dept under the AD – who is now Dr. Randy Juhl. They have been doing some news releases – but the last one was on 20 Dec (link to pittsburghpanthers.com) and the Trib had something the next day in DiPioala’s blog ( link to blog.triblive.com ), but the P-G hasn’t had an article on the game since the 14th.
We know that Narduzzi is bigger news then the bowl game and even at The Blather we’ve ignored it but then again we don’t get paid to keep people informed. You are correct – PITT & the local media need to pump this game up to keep the locals interested and because the announcers will be talking about Narduzzi all game.
Offering a blue chip 2016 D-End tells me Narduzzi is thinking long term and can multi-task.
The biggest unknown about Narduzzi is; does he have executive skills? Meaning will he recruit and sign the highest quality assistant coaches as possible? We will see if he passes that first test soon.
Interesting that Dantonio signed the two guys most talked about. Makes Narduzzi’s job a little tougher, and maybe a little uncomfortable in Texas.
It sounds so far like the current recruits are still coming. Narduzzi’s next test is to add some needed front seven studs to the fold. Guys that we will need in a year or two and maybe a couple that make the two deep next year, although not likely unless they are JUCO.
Still not worried about Narduzzi at the Cotton Bowl. Think Dr. Tom is pining over his unrequited bromance with the guy from Georgia Southern. By the way, when I was a lad, Georgia Southern was known as a school that took great athletes with little or no scholastic aptitude. Not sure if that is still the case.
Dr. Tom, come back from the dark side.
Thank you for the recruiting ranking info!
I don’t think jettisoning any recruits this year will occur due to the current low numbers, for one thing. Also, presumably the current offensive system will be essentially retained and I don’t believe Narduzzi favors anything different on defense structurally. He simply will want to take a far more aggressive attacking approach out of the same or similar defensive sets. So, I don’t believe we have any commits that wouldn’t fit Narduzzi’s plans or style.
Hopefully, however, a few good defensive recruit additions can be added to the class. But, remember it is late and most of the really “big fish” are either already committed elsewhere or have a final list we are not on–so landing one or two quality upside kids who are not yet “big fish” is more probbale for this class.
As far as the National recruiting coordinator goes, I don’t see getting one on board in the next week or two is critical as this person would not have any real effect on the 2015 class. He just needs to be on board in enough time to help efforts towards recruiting the 2016 class.
On a scale of 1 to 5, with 5 being the best, here is how I rate our player talent:
Offense: 4, Defense: 3, Special Teams: 4 (includes kickers and returners)
I expect HCPN will secure the current recruiting base, add a quality D-lineman, LB and surprise us with a 4* gem we aren’t considering right now.
I like the interim AD Juhl right now, so I’m not at all concerned about the timing of the hire.
I believe the money has been allotted for a quality staff – let’s see how well HCPN spends it.
Projection for 2015: 10 – 2 if two or three coaches are retained from the current Pitt offensive staff. 7 – 5 if the OC is other than Lane Kiffin or Joe Rudolph.
I’m looking forward to this week of bowl discussions (not Cotton Bowl). Winning is THE only option. Concerned that DC House will be leading the Pitt D for this bowl game. You know House has ZERO recruits committed again this year – unbelievable…
As far as getting rid of a few recruits potentially I think that this class is limited in size because of the number of available scholarships for next season (15 or 16 I think I have read?). So when looking at current commits, is there a need for another RB or other skill positions at this time? I don’t know maybe it is best to tell them to move on if we reach the maximum amount of scholarships available and start getting a few new commits on the D side, even if HCPN is not attempting to steal MSU commits if he has a relationship with some and they want to jump ship to Pitt I would tell them welcome aboard.
Thanks for the feedback!
Go Jacket’s and Hail To Pitt!
Did anyone else notice Narduzzi’s response when asked about the AD? “Maybe I know something you don’t”
I wonder what that’s about?
Regarding staff. I think we’re all reading the same stuff, but I personally expect Tim Beck from Nebraska to be OC, and Don Treadwell to be an assistant coach for RBs, with possibly some additional responsibilities, potentially WR. The DL coach at Syracuse is apparently an Ace recruiter who Narduzzi likes. He’ll likely be coming over maybe as DC.
I expect Narduzzi to add 4 guys, all on defense. I don’t think the names will surprise us. LBs Saleem Brightwell, Anthony McKee, S jay stocker, and DR Shareef Miller. Realistically,if we close on 3 of those 4 it’ll be a very successful class.
One last thing on recruiting. Some time ago, I looked at what positions PA and specifically WPA produce in terms of recruiting. It wouldn’t surprise any one I’m sure that PA and WPA produce more offensive recruits. But the margin might. Consistently only about 6/7 of the top 20 PA recruits played defense. This means that when you miss on a local defensive kid, it’s a lot harder to make up for it. That’s one of the reasons i’m excited about Narduzzi being a defensive guy and a good recruiter.
The impression I got from Coach Duzzi’s speech is that he will be at Pitt until an NFL team near Rhode Island comes calling.
gc, I’m over Willie Fritz, I’ve made my long term commitment to Narduzzi because with Gallagher’s decision to make him HC, Nard Dog is now, figuritively speaking, “the one that I’m going to be taking home tonight”. But during our first date so far, I’m not getting any body language that I’m in for more than a hearthy handshake at the front door, at the end of that 1st date. I’ll be patient, since this is a longterm commitment, but unless he decides to hike up his skirt, just a little bit and at least give me some anticipation of the great things to come, how am I supposed to feel, especially since he has already told me of his desire to go on back to MSU for one last roll in the hay with his old longterm squeese?
Come on Nardy, show me some of that sweet stuff, like a couple asst. coaches with some solid power 5 OC and DC coaching experience or let be anticipate exploring the intimate details of the HUDI highlight videos of at least two of these recruits listed below once youwiphered in my ear that they are signing LOIs on Feb. 4th for Pitt and I’ll be more than satisfied for now. But you gotta give me some hope here sweetie.
Marcus Lewis, S, Wash DC
Neville Gallimore, DT, Canada
Tim Irvin, ATH, Florida
Jay Stocker, S, Coatsville, PA
Sharief Miller, DE, Philly
Chris Hart, LB, Florida
Anthony McKee, LB, Columbus, OH
You are a sicko. A funny sicko.
New girls were way fun and anticipation was so much of the reason why.
H2P
Wonder if we can snag any ex-49er coaches on Monday. Doesn’t X HCPC need a OC in Wisconsin? Can you say Geep?
I hope Narduzzi can live up to the high expectations. I am hoping we at least get to third base soon.
I always thought college football was a ME sport. Sort of, all for one, one for all. Let’s hope Pat made the right decision FOR PITT!
The college basketball season is even more marginalized now that there is a playoff. That just shows how foolish SP was /to attempt to make Pitt a hoops school. Duke, Kentucky, UCLA, even Kansas want their football programs to win.
66Goat states that it might be that the AD AND the HC will report directly to the Chancellor. Am I the only one who sees a huge problem with this?
What AD in his right mind is going to want to work where he is already a diminished presence in the leadership flow chart with that arrangement? Honest to God – I’ve been listening to PITT fans for 5+ years bitching about how DW wasn’t given full autonomy to run his team the way he wanted to and now we all of a sudden want to introduce the policy that the HC has not one but two people outside the actual football program to have decision making input into his work.
Why would HC Narduzzi want that to be the case and why would the AD want that to be the case?
I truly think we are all looking at this chain of events with really solid rose colored glasses on and with unbridled optimism that all will be peachy keen just because we have a new Chancellor… even if it is one who apparently wants to not just support the program but wants to be in the administration of it. The Chancellor should have the final oversight of the athletic department just as he has with the other schools and entities in the university. Whatever happened to hiring the best people possible and then letting them do their jobs?
I get the hire and like it and the supposed opening of the checkbook but I’ll wait and see how all this turns out before I praise a plan that seems headed for disaster to me. It’s one case to let the HC know that he’ll have your full support in your decision making but a whole other thing to state that you yourself will be involved in the program at a department level basis.
Case Closed.
I can’t wait!!
In fact I find it hard to believe ALL Pitt alum and present day students aren’t ALL behind having a campus stadium again.
Every OTHER University in America and their alum want one.
If people mean a literal on-campus stadium instead of a stadium Pitt owns by itself that is off-campus, then count me out. It’s pure idiocy to think you could create a good environment in Oakland without paying so much that it would never approach feasibility or financial responsibility. It’s financially foolish to even encourage Pitt to be build a football stadium in Oakland.
The DBs are going to be a strong unit with Pitts, Maddox, Howard and Whitehead at corner and Webb, Mitchell and Amara at safety. Plus young guys like Motley and Williams may come on.
THe DTs will also be a strength of the team with Render, Mosley-Smith, Jarrett, Taleni, Moody, and Dintino. I think the guys who played will improve and Dintino is going to be a big-time addition.
At DE, Blair should be better, then we need to get a playmaker from Soto, Maclean, Roy, Trahan, and Price. At least we’ll have numbers so somebody could make a splash.
Good potential at LB with Bam and Freeze and Galambos. Wirginis is intriguing as are Davis, Folston and Green.
IMHO, the D talent is not as bleak as some make it out to be – there are some excellent athletes there just waiting to be coached up and turned loose.
Go Pitt.
You listed an entire defensive roster of “coach them up” players for Pitt, that with time and effort are, or will be, will be serviceable players. Problem is that the truly competitive teams need a sprinkling of premier athletes to serve as the catalyst for superior results of their unit. That’s because they produce those exceptional game changing plays for their team. An example in the NFL would be the difference noticed in the Steelers defense when Polamalu is out, like he was last night.
It’s even more essential to have an entire stable of such high level athletes like him if you want to be considered in the same breath with the elite of the FBS. That is why Jodan Whitehead’s verbal commitment blew up Pitt’s boards and social media, because HE is one of those players, as proven in his dominance at the HS level.
It has been way too long since Pitt brought in any defensive game changers like a Hugh Green or Ricky Jackson, Revis is probably the last one we got. My guess is Whitehead will be the next.
No doubt about it however, unless Narduzzi steps up the “quality” of recruits coming in, this means HS stars that are considered blue chippers due to their success in HS, Pitt’s defense will continue to be more of a disappointment than it will be a success on the field of play.
You can try to coach them up to hell freezes over, the Pitt defense is marginal at best, the defense needs an influx of talent on the defensive line and line backers, the defensive backs with Whitehead have potential.
The Dline was blown off the ball with regularity the entire season and the mlb was extremely slow to make plays (tfl’s), the defense needs a lot of attention, Chryst and company really dropped the ball on the defensive side regarding recruiting talent.
Hopefully the new staff makes a difference but you can’t coach up marginal players who do not have what it takes to compete.
