Pitt Considers Moving LB SirVocea Dennis Outside

Randy Bates and Pat Narduzzi think the Pitt Panthers are versatile enough at linebacker to move SirVocea Dennis outside.

PITTSBURGH -- A mid-game injury that left the Pitt Panthers without starting middle linebacker SirVocea Dennis proved to be a blessing in disguise. One of the thinnest positions on the team was made much thinner by the loss of Dennis, who ranks No. 12 in the ACC in tackles per game.

With Dennis out, transfer backer Shayne Simon was thrust into that spot in the middle. Pitt head coach Pat Narduzzi said he was nervous when he learned that Dennis would miss the second half against Virginia Tech, but was pleasantly surprised with how Simon played.  

"At halftime, when we heard No. 7 is out, ‘Oh, boy, this is going to be interesting.’," Narduzzi said. "Because Shayne has not had a ton of snaps at Mike. He did an outstanding job of coming in and filling that role. Because I didn't know what it could have been. It could have been a bad second half. But Shayne Simon did a heck of a job in there, mentally more than just the physical part."

Simon's day ended with him as the game's leading tackler with nine. He added a key fumble recovery in the second half and quarterback hit for good measure. 

Beyond the immediate impact his solid play in the middle had on the win over Virginia Tech, Simon gave the Panthers confidence that they can move their starters to different positions without issue. This isn't a new concept for Pitt. Linebackers coach Ryan Manalac makes sure to "cross train" his players at different positions during training camp for this very reason. 

Playing more on the outside is also something Dennis had said he enjoys because the opportunity to make splash plays is greater. The Panthers like Dennis' athleticism and smarts on the outside, where he will have to cover more than play against the run like he does in the middle. 

While his status for this week's road trip to Louisville is up in the air, both Narduzzi and defensive coordinator Randy Bates said there could be chances for Simon and Dennis to swap places. 

"You may see him on the outside," Narduzzi said. "You never know. Yeah, he likes it out there, too. If you ask him, he's like 'That guy gets to make a lot of plays out there.' So it might be something you see."

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