Gavin Bartholomew Due For Increased Role In Pitt's Offense

The Pitt Panthers will look to involve their promising tight end more in the passing game.

PITTSBURGH -- If the Pitt Panthers want to establish a consistent and effective passing attack, they know Gavin Bartholomew has to be at the forefront of the game plan.

Bartholomew's emergence was one of the lone bright spots in the Panthers' loss to Cincinnati. He led the team with 80 receiving yards, a majority of which came on Pitt's last scoring drive as he broke free for a 60-yard catch before finishing it off with a 19-yard touchdown. 

For as impressive as Bartholomew was, offensive coordinator Frank Cignetti believes there was a missed opportunity for additional production on a familiar play.

"It's actually the same play he caught the touchdown on," Cignetti said. "Maybe if the ball location is a little more on the back shoulder it's a touchdown."

Bartholomew possesses the traits and pedigree necessary to evolve into a reliable weapon in all levels of the passing game while acting as a safety blanket for Phil Jurkovec. He's performed throughout his career when targeted but he hasn't always been a focal point within the offense, and head coach Pat Narduzzi has a simple fix for that issue.

"Throw it to him," Narduzzi said. "Just got to target him more."

With the Backyard Brawl in front of them, the Panthers know involving Bartholomew at a heightened rate increases their chances of success and should help the offense perform up to its potential. There's no shortage of optimism from Pitt's coaches and players regarding their ability to get back on track, and Bartholomew himself believes they're close to breaking through. 

"We're a tremendous offense and a tremendous team," Bartholomew said. "Just got to start connecting and hitting on the big plays."

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