Pittsburgh Football: 3 Upperclassmen who need to step up in 2022

By Dante Pryor | Jun 10, 2022

Sep 25, 2021; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Panthers defensive lineman Deslin Alexandre (5) and running back Todd Sibley Jr. (23) and head coach Pat Narduzzi (middle) and defensive lineman Keyshon Camp (10) and wide receiver Tre Tipton (6) lead the Panthers onto the field to play the New Hampshire Wildcats at Heinz Field. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports /

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Pittsburgh football needs these three upperclassmen to step up in 2022.

The Pittsburgh Panthers arguably had their best season in 2021 since 1976 when Tony Dorsett ran to the Heisman Trophy, and the Panthers rode him to a National Championship. Last season Pitt finished inside the top 15 for the first time since 1980 and won 10 games for the first time since 2009 on its way to the ACC Conference title.

Success often breeds change, so it was with the Panthers this offseason. Veteran quarterback Kenny Pickett was the only quarterback drafted in the first round of the NFL Draft. Offensive coordinator Mark Whipple and receivers coach Brennan Marion got pay raises at other schools. Biletnikoff Award winner Jordan Addison transferred to USC.

Head coach Pat Narduzzi replaced Whipple with long-time offensive coordinator Frank Cignetti, Jr. and replaced Marion with Tiquan Underwood, a young up-and-comer in college football coaching. Kedon Slovis transfers from USC to compete with Nick Patty to replace Kenny Pickett.

That is not to say that Pittsburgh football does not have a load of good, solid returning talent this fall. As with most developmental programs, Coach Narduzzi has a load of juniors and seniors. The offense is likely to feature most, if not all, juniors and seniors.

Who steps up for the Panthers? These are three upperclassmen Pitt needs to step up this fall.

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