PITTSBURGH (93.7 The Fan) – For the first time since Tyler Palko in 2004, Pitt has a sophomore captain. Quarterback Mason Heintschel selected by his teammates as one of four captains for this year’s Pitt football team.
As a true freshman last year, Heintschel threw for 2,354 yards and 16 touchdowns and rushed for two more. The Ohio native has also been led off season practices and was talked by his teammates as a captain even before they voted on it.
Of the other three captains, two played in the WPIAL.
LB-Braylan Lovelace (Leechburg)-with the loss of linebackers Rasheem Biles and Kyle Louis, Lovelace has picked up his game as a defensive leader. He led Pitt in tackles last year with 80, including 5.5 tackles for loss, two interceptions (one Pick 6) and four passes defensed as an Honorable Mention All-ACC player.
DB-Cruce Brookins (Steel Valley)-new assistant head coach Harlon Barnett said he might be the best player he’s ever coached and he hasn’t even seen him in a game yet. The safety started eight games last year and named Honorable Mention All-ACC after 53 tackles, two interceptions and two passes defensed.
OT-Ryan Baer-one of the top recruits of the Pat Narduzzi era, Baer has started 35 career games at both right and left tackle. At 6’7”, 325 pounds, Baer is known for telling it how he sees it. He was also Honorable Mention All-ACC.
Panthers open the season September 5 hosting Miami (Ohio) with pregame at 9:30a and kickoff at 12:30p on 93.7 The Fan.
