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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3. Kedon Slovis: (transfer) quarterback

Transfer quarterback Kedon Slovis burst onto the scene in 2019 when he replaced JT Daniels with an All-Pac 12-level season as a freshman.

Slovis has since battled injuries that have kept him out of the lineup the last two seasons. Injuries in conjunction with a regime change, Slovis felt it was time to transfer.

Slovis chose Pittsburgh over Notre Dame, becoming the second USC quarterback to join Pitt. Max Browne transferred to Pitt when Sam Darnold became the starter for the Trojans. Slovis is a capable starting quarterback; the Panthers have to hope he stays healthy.

Offensive coordinator Frank Cignetti will want to run the football, which could be a saving grace for Slovis. Fewer dropbacks mean fewer hits, and fewer hits mean less chance for injury. Slovis commanding a more balanced offense also means taking advantage of his ability as a play-action passer.

Losing Pickett is enormous. He was a veteran who played a ton of snaps. Slovis’ path is simple, stay healthy for an entire season. There is no doubt that he has talent. Pitt has some good pieces at the skill positions around Slovis to succeed. Can he stay on the field?

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