Panthers observations: Pat Narduzzi gives reporters up-close look at passing drill during 5th day of Pitt practice

When the coach summons you to midfield, you don’t ask questions. You go.

That’s what happened Monday morning to reporters at Pitt practice near the end of the media’s viewing window. Coach Pat Narduzzi allowed reporters, who typically stand on the sideline or in the end zone, to stand five yards directly behind the quarterback during a skeleton passing drill. In the line of fire, if it was an active drill.

Players weren’t fully padded. The first day for that will be Tuesday. But it was a rare up-close look (and a welcome one) into the faces of guys sweating through the fifth day of drill.

Pat Narduzzi allows reporters a rare ON-THE-FIELD look at a passing drill, five yards behind the quarterback . pic.twitter.com/XxNrCCiTCZ

— Jerry DiPaola (@JDiPaola_Trib) August 5, 2024

The only concern was the possibility of an interception. The pass thief would have returned the errant pass into the teeth of the media throng. That wouldn’t have been pretty. Thankfully, all passes were on target.

Before practice, Narduzzi said he feels “pretty good about where the team is right now.”

Pat Narduzzi’s morning briefing … pic.twitter.com/qiyiYpk6h0

— Jerry DiPaola (@JDiPaola_Trib) August 5, 2024

“I see good progress.”

Narduzzi said there is competition at quarterback where Nate Yarnell and Eli Holstein are 1-2 in that order. Meanwhile, the third-string guy is yet to be decided among David Lynch, Ty Dieffenbach and freshman Julian Dugger of Penn Hills.

“We have to develop that third-team guy,” the coach said. “You never know when that third-team guy is going to be your starter.”

It goes without saying that Yarnell was third team at this point last year.

Narduzzi said Nebraska transfer Tamon Lynum is showing plenty of physicality at cornerback.

“I’ve really been impressed with Tamon right now,” he said. “He’s big. He’s physical. He’s what we call a thumper. He’s going to hit you.”

Ryland Gandy is probably near the top of the cornerback depth chart that hasn’t been released yet. “He’s detailed. He knows what to do,” Narduzzi said. “He’s the same guy every day. You can count on him. It’s that trust factor.”

Narduzzi pointed out that freshman linebacker Cameron Lindsey of Aliquippa is showing off his athleticism, and only needs experience and schooling from position coach Ryan Manalac to continue to progress.

Also, offensive lineman Mason Lindsay, who came to Pitt from Dematha Catholic in Hyattsville, Md., with an injury, will miss the entire season, the coach said.