PITTSBURGH (93.7 The Fan) – Head coach Pat Narduzzi has praised receiver Taysir Mack as much as anyone during Pitt camp. Noting he hasn't missed a practice and is a standout during Spring drills with the Blue-Gold Game at Heinz Field on Saturday. The sixth year senior has a few motivations including the recent loss of a family member.
Mack said he is inspired by the memory of his recently departed grandfather, Derick Mack. The Brooklyn native says he cherishes a video of his grandfather from the hospital asking how he's doing in college and with football. Taysir shares a middle name with his grandpa and says he will play this season for him.
"I'm playing for the team and also playing for something that's bigger than myself," Mack said. "Whatever I'm able to do is not really for me at this point. It's for everyone that invested so much into me."
One of those people who mean a lot to him is quarterback Kenny Pickett. He would drive from his native New York to work out with Pickett in New Jersey during quarantine.
Mack said after Pickett decided to return to school this year, the quarterback-receiver combo talked about it. "Pickett said 'alright, let's go and finish this story'," Mack said. "There is one more chapter. Just got to finish it, the right way."
It's the first season in a while where Mack is healthy, coming off hernia and ankle surgeries. He said he's been eating better and 'working on his body, mind and soul'. Knowing a football truth if he doesn't stay healthy.
"Can't make plays if I'm not on the field," Mack said.
He said he's really improved his blocking and will block a thousand times in a row if that's what it takes to win. On a third position coach, Mack likes what he hears so far from first year Panthers assistant Brennan Marion.
"He's a real understanding type of person," Mack said. "He helps you build off of your strengths and certain things that you like to do. He's not close-minded to anything. He will let you try new things as long as it works for the scheme. He brings a lot of different drills. He bring a lot of energy. He comes in and plays music. He's a real loving guy, real good guy to be around."
Marion has been around some explosive offenses, so has Pitt offensive coordinator Mark Whipple. It just hasn't all come together yet.
"Hopefully we can get an offense like LSU had when they had a lot of receivers coming in and rotating and keeping going and scoring," Mack said. "We set high goals for ourselves. I feel like we have the guys to do it. It's not just going to be one or two guys, I feel like we are all going to come in and make an impact."
Mack says they can bring out their 6th or 7th receiver on the depth chart and not miss a beat. Now it's time 'to make y'all up there (press box and stands) believers. I can't wait to be able to do so'.
But it's not just what he can do on the field that drives Mack, he aspires to honor his grandfather by deeds in the community.
"Recently, I was able to do some community service and read to some kids," Mack said. "That really something I aspire to do. Growing up in New York I have a lot of cousins. I have 32 cousins. I try to be there for all of the ones younger than me."
"I'm trying to lead them in a positive way. I like the community opportunities, just to speak to the kids. We have camps for kids. We have a blood drive. Being able to leave an impact while I'm there whether it's on the field or off the field. Being able to grab one person, that feels good to me. It's good to be there for people."
He wants to give one other thing to the people, specifically Pitt fans.
"I am here to win a championship."
Join former Panthers Pat Bostick and Dorin Dickerson for all things Pitt during the Spring Game on Newsradio KDKA 100.1 FM & AM 1020 starting at 1p on Saturday
