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 /

4 of 4

Jim Dedmon-USA TODAY Sports /

1. Vincent Davis: Running Back

There was a common misconception about Pitt’s running game last season because the Panthers did not have their traditional bell-cow running back. From Tony Dorsett to Curtis Martin and James Connor, Pitt fans are used to having a big-time NFL-caliber running back next to their quarterback.

Last season, the running game used a by-committee approach that complimented an efficient passing game. Vincent Davis led a rushing attack that gained 1,749 yards and 16 touchdowns. Davis, Rodney Hammond, Jr., and Israel Abanikadna all had over 100 carries last season. They also contributed to the passing game with a combined 65 receptions.

Fortunately for coach Cignetti, all three running backs return. Pittsburgh football’s offense will need them without veterans Kenny Pickett and Jordan Addison. Cignetti will add more pro concepts than former coordinator Mark Whipple did and wants to run the football more.

Next. Ranking College Football's top 25 fanbases. dark

During Cignetti’s first run at Pitt, Dion Lews ran for over 1,000 yards twice. Fresno State had a 1,000-yard rusher four consecutive seasons when Cignetti was offensive coordinator. Whether Slovis or Patty start at quarterback, their transition to Cignetti’s offense will be significantly more manageable with the production from the running game.

Home/ACC