PITTSBURGH (93.7 The Fan) – "It was absolutely a concern."
Pitt quarterback Kenny Pickett after the first day of Fall camp on the South Side when asked about not having All-ACC starting center Jimmy Morrissey on the team for the first time in his career.
Morrissey, a two-time captain who started 47 games, is with the Las Vegas Raiders and leaves the opportunity to Owen Drexel. A 6'3", 310-pound redshirt senior.
"I think once I sat down and realized I've also had a lot of reps with Owen," Pickett said. "I know he's been here a long time playing in this offense. He has a really good understanding of it."
Drexel started a game against Boston College last year due to injury and Pickett said he played great. Pitt Offensive Line Coach Dave Borbely said he played his 'butt' off.
Borbely said even though it's a new guy in the middle, he feels like he has an experienced player there. Someone who knows as much as Morrissey knew.
"I think it has a great deal to do with how Owen is," Borbely said. "He hasn't complained. He hasn't hung his head. He's the same guy every day. That part is a little unique, it's easy to get down when you are behind a guy that you know this guy will be the starter, unless he gets hurt."
The --- year veteran coach, Borbely said Drexel does everything the right way. Even with little in-game experience, he's become a leader.
"He's taken over for Jim," Borbely said. "Jim was the guy everybody followed. Owen's taken over that role. I love the kid. I'm hoping he has a great year. You don't get what you deserve, you get what you earn. But he deserves anything good that comes to him because he's working really hard."
"He was behind Jimmy who was an unbelievable center and leader," Pickett said. "Jimmy left a great standard in that room and everyone follows suit. Owen was the first in line to take his spot. I think it's been pretty smooth having Owen fill in there. I'm excited to have our relationship grow to what I had with Jimmy. It's been good so far."
"Owen Drexel is a tremendous teammate," Borbely said. "For the last 3 years, he's on the sideline and so engaged in the game. 'Good block, Jim. Way to go, Jim!' That's just who he is and our players love him."
It's part of the legacy all conference players leave on programs. Borbely said Morrissey has rubbed off on a number of players, most notably Drexel.
"That's what great leaders do," Borbely said. "They influence other people to fill their shoes when they leave. Jimmy certainly did that, probably didn't even know he did that."
