PITTSBURGH (93.7 The Fan) – For a second time in as many weeks a veteran Pitt football player entered the transfer portal. Last week it was running back AJ Davis, Wednesday it’s linebacker Wendell Davis.
“Love Wendell Davis,” said Pitt linebacker coach Ryan Manalac. “Wish him the best. He’s an awesome young man. I’m sure he’ll have success wherever he ends up.”
The redshirt junior played in eight games this year with 22 tackles, 3.5 tackles for loss and a sack. The 6’2” Virginia native had 15 career tackles coming into this season.
“It gives younger guys, some different guys some opportunity,” Manalac said. “We have some guys to step up. Some guys who will step up, who are eager to fill that void, that space. Those guys are preparing and they’ve been preparing all year. Some guys may shift around, but we will be ready.”
Davis was splitting time with SirVocea Dennis at the Mike Linebacker position, immediately that should give playing time to third-string linebacker Brandon George.
“Brandon (George) has done a great job on special teams all year,” Manalac said. “He’s plugged into the rotation sometimes, New Hampshire had some great time. He has prepared himself professionally all year. He is one of those guys.”
The junior has 17 tackles this year including a pair for loss. The Berks Catholic standout played both sides of the ball, was state runner-up in discus and a starter for the basketball team.
“I think we have a very athletic group, they are capable of playing multiple positions,” Manalac said. “The mental side, we have guys eager to prepare at multiple spots. That’s what it takes.”
Senior Chase Pine likely gets some more reps as will Central Catholic’s John Petrishen, who started his college career in 2015. Petrishen is fourth on the team in tackles, tackles for loss and sacks and tied for the team lead with two interceptions.
“His mature,” Manalac said. “He’s talked about chopping wood and carrying water. He comes to work every day. He’s in there watching film, getting extra film study. Guys see that, it’s contagious.”
“His constant approach good, bad or indifferent. He stays the course. He’s on a mission mentality.”
Now more opportunities for these players as the Panthers look for a bounce back Saturday at noon at Duke.