Projecting the two-deep: What will Pitt's first depth chart look like?
- Mason Heintschel projects as Pitt's starting quarterback with Holden Geriner retaining the backup job after quickly grasping the offense and helping the second unit contribute to a strong camp.
- Ja'Kyrian Turner is expected to lead Pitt's backfield, while Damon Ferguson's multiple long scrimmage touchdowns pushed him toward the No. 2 role and La'Vell Wright offers a larger short-yardage option.
- Censere Lee and Blue Hicks project as Pitt's primary receivers, with Lee building a strong connection with Heintschel and Tony Kinsler and transfer Malik Knight giving the offense four credible top options.
- Pitt's defensive front enters the opener healthy and deep, with Isaiah Neal, Jimmy Scott, Zach Crothers and Jaeden Moore forming the main edge rotation and transfer Eliyt Nairne emerging as the No. 3 defensive tackle.
- Pitt's kicker and punter competitions remained unsettled through the end of camp, making special teams a significant early-season concern despite Sam Hunsaker and Gabe Russo entering as the projected winners.
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Kade Bell on Pitt's offense, Mason Heintschel, the WRs, OL more
- Mason Heintschel now identifies coverages and fronts before the snap, checks runs and protections himself, and retained every play on Pitt's opening-week call sheet after needing the offense reduced as a freshman.
- Malik has added 15 pounds and supplies true third-level speed, while extensive summer work on over-the-shoulder tracking translated into an explosive touchdown catch during a major scrimmage.
- C.J.'s four years in Kade Bell's system make him the preferred slot option for coverage reads and option routes, with enough vertical speed to make that traditionally high-volume role more explosive.
- Freshman running back Damon has already shown 200-pound contact strength and home-run speed in live periods despite arriving in June, putting him on a path to an early offensive role.
- Pitt's veteran offensive line was built for athletic wide-zone blocking and pass protection, but Bell identified health and continuity as critical because the developmental reserves remain young.
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