PITTSBURGH (93.7 The Fan) – Just returning from a week-long COVID-19 pause, Pitt football still plans on having fans for a Spring Game at Heinz Field on April 17.
"We do," said head coach Pat Narduzzi on Tuesday. "Let's make sure Pittsburgh is under control. Wear your mask, wash your hands, give yourself a little distance there. Don't all pile up on each other and we'll be good."
Pitt athletics has ramped up testing. Narduzzi says they do so nearly every day right now trying to stay on top of the recent surge, especially on the Pitt campus. The Panthers head coach said they will practice again on Thursday and then have the Easter weekend off. He hopes to get in those three missed practices from the pause, because they need it.
"You give young kids a week off and you feel like you start all over again," Narduzzi said.
Early impressions of early enrollees
"Gavin Bartholomew (TE, 6'4", 260 pounds) has really showed that he can help us this year," Narduzzi said. "After four practices, he's as strong a tight end as we've got. He's playing physical. He's a good football player. He can run."
"PJ O'Brien (DB/S, 6', 180 pounds) has been really good. Today I had to calm him down, we had some thud periods and he looks like it's live. He will whack you on the back end."
"Nahki (Johnson DL, 6'2", 240 pounds) has done a nice job so far. He is kind of where you hope he would be. He's got a chance. He's got a little different gear to him. He's still learning, so things are still spinning in his head, but you can see the athletic ability being there."
Aliquippa transfer
"We have him at both (safety and corner). MJ (Devenshire) has been good. He's been real good. We have him as a punt returner as well because he can take one to the house, I think. MJ has been real good for us. He just needs to progress. He will bite you. He's athletic and can run. We are happy with where he is."
