PITTSBURGH (93.7 The Fan) – Pat Narduzzi made the unofficial announcement that Phil Jurkovec would be the starting quarterback a couple of weeks before the Spring Game. The Pine-Richland HS grad only kept improving his stock.
Transferring from Boston College after starting his career at Notre Dame, Jurkovec would only throw seven passes in the Blue Gold Game, completing five and led a scoring drive. He didn't get a lot of opportunities in Saturday's scrimmage, but it's what Jurkovec has done in all of the practices leading up.
"He had 15 consistent days out there," said Pitt offensive coordinator Frank Cignetti. "I thought he had a great Spring. I saw him grow as a person. I saw him get better as a player. I saw 15 days of making good, decisive decisions-not only in the passing game, but he made good run checks, good protection adjustments. The other two seasons that I worked with Phil, he probably threw the ball better than I've been around him. I can't wait to see where he takes it."
Cignetti was Jurkovec's offensive coordinator for two seasons at Boston College. As much as coming home, Cignetti was a big reason he came to Pitt. It's taken him some time to get back into the system, but says he feels he's in a good place.
"We took it day-by-day and there were 15 practices where we came off the field and felt like we did a lot of good things," Jurkovec said. "It's more practicing which is going to help. Physically getting better, being able to study this Spring film and then get into the season. It's fun getting the reps in but you are going up against your same defense, your own team. The most fun is game-planning in Fall camp."
Unless you are a BC fan or remember the Panthers game against Jurkovec a few years ago when he led the Eagles to a 31-30 win over Kenny Pickett. You probably haven't seen him in a game environment. The 6'5", 235-pounder threw for 358 yards and three touchdowns against the Panthers that October in 2020. Cignetti said Pitt fans will be impressed on September 2.
"The first time I saw him on game day, he was a different dude," Cignetti said. "He turns it up. He's a competitor, a winner, a leader. I don't think our guys have seen the game day Phil, when the lights come on. He feels good about himself."
Jurkovec said he will spend much of the next few months hanging out with his Panthers teammates. They will workout, but also continue to get to know each other as they prepare for the opening game. There is one thing he's already learned about this team.
"I know we are going to play hard," Jurkovec said. "There were some fights in practice, people are getting chippy because they care. I know they are going to bring an edge and this team is going to play hard. As long as we play hard, I know we got a shot at winning every game."
Bub Means Business
If there is a receiver that stood out this Spring, it's 6'2" senior Bub Means.
The Georgia native started his career at Tennessee, transferred to Louisiana Tech and then to Pitt in 2022. He caught 27 passes for 401 yards and two touchdowns last season, but has taken a step in the last few months.
"Bub is just so aggressive with the ball," Jurkovec said. "Anytime the ball is in the air, you trust that he is going to go and attack it. That's what you love to see as a quarterback. You are able to give him those 50-50 balls and there's a good chance he comes down with it."
"I'm really impressed, he's a great person and hard worker," Cignetti said of Means. "I think we saw his leadership come out this Winter, even before Spring ball. You could see him coaching and developing other players. He's a big, strong, fast player that makes competitive catches. Really happy for Bub because he had such a great off season."
