Pittsburgh Football: Breaking down the Panthers’ 2017 QB battle
By Jacob Wilson
Option 2: Ben DiNucci
Competing against Browne for the starting job will be redshirt sophomore Ben DiNucci. DiNucci, more of a homegrown talent than Browne, likely had a head-start on the latter due to his knowledge of Pittsburgh’s system, but much of that went out the window with the departure of offensive coordinator Matt Canada.
With both players on similar footing, DiNucci suffers the disadvantages of both age and potential. Despite attempting only 112 passes in three years, Browne still maintains the small aura of excitement that never quite leaves a 5-star quarterback. DiNucci is also two years down on Browne in terms of experience.
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DiNucci and Browne have very similar playing styles, but the scale tips towards Browne in most categories, including size. DiNucci currently sits at 6-foot-2, 220 pounds, a weight that by no means dooms him when it comes to seizing the starting job.
Coming out of Pine-Richland High School, DiNucci was rated as a fairly average quarterback and wasn’t able to disprove those ratings in his first season with the Panthers. While playing behind a future NFL quarterback didn’t allow DiNucci much playing time, he didn’t do much with what he was given.
In one of only two games he played all season, DiNucci came in for an injured Peterman during the Pinstripe Bowl against Northwestern. The freshman was less than impressive in relief, completing three of nine passes while adding a touchdown and two interceptions to his line.
With his first meaningful playing time coming in a highly competitive bowl game, it could be argued that he was ‘fed to the wolves’ too quickly. With a year under his belt and plenty of time to compete with Browne, it will be interesting to see if he has taken any steps forward come the 2017 season.