PITTSBURGH (93.7 The Fan) – There are 26 players listed as a senior on the Pitt football roster. Most will play their final game at Heinz Field on Saturday at 3:30p against Virginia.
"This senior class has been special," said Pitt head coach Pat Narduzzi. "It gets more special each game. It can be historic. I think the biggest thing of this senior class is they are selfless, all of them. It's something we talk about a ton, we talk about the we not the me."
"I've thought about it a lot," said quarterback Kenny Pickett. "I've had a chance to talk to my family and my friends that are coming out. I'm excited. It's my last time to run out of the tunnel at Heinz Field as a Panther. It means the world to me. I hope I can wave and show the fans how appreciative I've been for the support over the years."
It will be Pickett's second time being honored as he decided to take advantage of the extra season the NCAA provided due to COVID-19. There may be a couple of others doing the same thing. Narduzzi said it's the player's decision, but he is advising them to go through the ceremony and then decide.
Several seniors are major contributors this year
· Obviously Pickett, the school's all-time leading passer among several other records and remaining on lists for several high-level awards.
· Tight end Lucas Krull-6 touchdown receptions
· Receiver Taysir Mack-3 TD and 3rd in receptions despite missing 2 games
· LB John Petrishen-leads team with 3 INT, 5th on team in tackles for loss
· LB Cam Bright-6th in tackles, 2nd in QB hurries, 5th in TFL, INT
· LB Phil Campbell-4th in tackles for loss, 5th in tackles, 4 sacks
· Starting offensive linemen Gabe Houy, Carter Warren, Marcus Minor, Owen Drexel
· P Kirk Christodoulou-a 4-year starter
"Been thinking about it a little bit," Adomitis said. "It's just cool. The overarching thing is how blessed I've been. The opportunity Saturday to be a really special day to really cap it off at Heinz. It's the culmination of a lot of hard work."
"The seniors are our leaders," said defensive end Habakkuk Baldonado. "They set the standard, uphold it. They are the people we look up to. It's an important night and sad to know they won't be with us for longer."
"It's bittersweet," said assistant head coach Charlie Partridge. "I tell my daughters, I'm not your friend. I'm your dad. I say the same thing as a coach. I'm not your friend, I'm your coach. We will be friends once you've ended your eligibility here and you move on into life. These guys it will be a life-long friendship once they finish their playing time here."
"I love these guys."
Not all players impacts are shown immediately in the stats. Potentially no player in decades made more of an impact with his teammates than Tre Tipton.
"His legacy branches a lot farther outside the football field," Pickett said of Tipton. "He's touched a lot of people in the city. I think that will continue after his playing days are done here."
"Something to be said for being a part of a team-the brotherhood the camaraderie," said Pitt assistant coach Andre Powell. "He's smart. He's been around. Some of those guys playing ahead of him and they come off the field. They can talk to Tre, he can tell them what he saw. He can help those guys. That says a lot about Tre."
"This group has been so mature," Narduzzi said. "It's been the best leadership group that I had because it's about football. These guys are all about football and winning football games and that's what I love about them."
"They are the rock to our group," said linebacker SirVocea Dennis. "They set the standard. They are leaders, very vocal and fun to be around. They are great guys on and off the field."
"It's the biggest game that any of us have played at Heinz Field in our career," Adomitis said. "We have a chance to clinch that Coastal at home in our city, our stadium. With that, the aspect of not letting the game or the energy get too big. Need to prep the same way, obviously will have a lot of energy on Saturday. As long as we stick to preparing to the way we've been preparing. We should be more than ok."
"That's a reason to play harder, more than what's at stake," Baldonado said. "Play for our seniors, our captains, our elders. To not let them down and make that game at Heinz Field, a game to remember."
"We want to leave with a championship," Pickett said. "That's something that hasn't been done here in the ACC. That's the legacy we want to leave."
"It's been a wild, wild ride. Starting it that way (1st start at home a win against 2nd ranked Miami) and I'm thankful for the opportunity to finish as Coastal Champions. We have to go out there and go take it and win."
