PITTSBURGH (93.7 The Fan) – Back in the day, meaning five years ago, you could plan for the loss of a star player. You knew they were graduating or likely to leave early. Neither was the case for Pitt losing an all-timer.
Receiver Jordan Addison teamed with Kenny Pickett for 100 receptions, 1,593 yards and 17 touchdowns, adding a rushing TD. He won the Biletnikoff Award and was staying at Pitt. Addison started Spring drills talking of repeating as ACC Champions only to leave after reported multi-million dollar offers. Eventually taking the one from USC.
Where does Pitt make up for his production?
The new, unquestioned leader in the receivers' room is senior Jared Wayne. The 6'3" Canadian doesn't yet have the stats to prove it, but he talks a big game.
"We have a great offense this year, could be better than last year," Wayne said. "Bringing in new guys, a new offense, teams won't be able to key on what we are doing. We have the ability to move guys around so they can't key on one guy. You have to respect everyone in the room."
That's how Pitt will make up for the numbers, there isn't another Jordan Addison. Only a few of them every put on your uniform. They need to spread the ball around.
"As we all know, Jordan Addison is a tremendous person, tremendous talent," said first-year Pitt receivers coach Tiquan Underwood. "He's special. With him leaving to go to another school that has just opened up opportunity for our guys."
"We are happy. We are looking forward to the opportunity to prove ourselves."
Even before Addison left, the Panthers added a couple of transfers. At the time it was thought to help their depth, but now each are listed as starters in the season opener against West Virginia.
"It's a blessing in disguise," said Konata Mumpfield, a transfer after one season at Akron. "Pressure is a privilege. He's a great player. I watched his stuff, following that. The receiving corps have a big role, been doing a good job and we don't expect a drop-off."
The 6'1", 180-pound Mumpfield is stepping up in competition, but has made an immediate impact in practice. He's coming off an impressive first season in college. Second-team All Mid-American Conference starting 12 games with 63 receptions, 751 receiving yards and eight touchdowns. One of his better games was seven receptions for 67 yards and a touchdown at Ohio State.
The other is 6'2", 204-pound Bub Means who caught only 24 passes, but for an average of 19.6 per catch with a pair of touchdowns. The one touchdown came at Mississippi State and the other at NC State.
"With him we were going to be great, without him we are going to be great," Means said. "He's a great player I love, without him we still have to make plays."
A player who won't start, but could be Pitt's deep threat this year. Junior Jaylon Barden was the standout in Pitt's big second scrimmage of camp as head coach Pat Narduzzi said he made several splash plays. Barden said he's worked on his route running and feels like he's improved. He also believes the group pushes each other to be better. He credits the new receivers coach, but also the leadership from Wayne.
"Mentally he's taught me a whole lot," Barden said. "Taking care of your body, how you study film, just the way you carry yourself. He acts like a pro."
"Jared is real professional," Mumpfield said. "You can tell he has the older mentality and he's taken over that leadership role."
"We he comes to the office, he checks-in and he checks-out, very business-like, very professional," Underwood said noting Wayne not only looks thicker and stronger, but is faster. "He's done a phenomenal job taking that leadership role. The guys are really listening to him, following him. Anytime we do a drill, he's the first in line. He's giving the guys a real example."
"J-Wayne, Weezie, that's my dog," Means said. "He is a leader for sure. He keeps me right, makes sure I'm on time for meetings. He'll send out the install out. He's a true leader. He's the leader of our room for sure."
"It's an honor to be regarded as a leader in that room," Wayne said. "I'm very thankful for guys looking up to me and asking me for advice and trusting my opinion. It's a big responsibility that I've owned up to."
"There is room to improve from last year. We want to win every week, including the bowl game three losses. We want to win every game on our schedule."
"Jordan is an outstanding player, but this is a special group," Mumpfield said. "Keep working and stay the course and we can do it."
Can they make up for that special of a player? First test is the Backyard Brawl Thursday night at 7 on 93.7 The Fan.
