QB Outlook: Pitt's Favorable Competition in 2022
For the Pitt Panthers, the team will look very different without Kenny Pickett at the helm. While Pickett led the team to its first ACC Championship last season, he is NFL bound and is projected to be a first-round selection.
The quarterback to replace him remains undecided. However, as spring practices are underway, it is evident that competition will take place for the starting role.
In addition, the outlook of the Panthers' situation under center is ideal when looked upon via a player-by-player analysis.
Kedon Slovis - Senior
This upcoming season, a new face to head coach Pat Narduzzi's roster is former USC Trojans starter Kedon Slovis. He entered the NCAA's transfer portal this past December and called the transfer to Pitt a 'no-brainer.'
At one point, the Scottsdale, Arizona native was the face of the Trojan program. He threw for 30 touchdowns and 3,502 yards in his freshman at USC. So safe to say, there is no lack of talent in his throwing abilities.
Expect him to make a strong push for the starting job, if not be the starter when the season begins.
Nick Patti - Redshirt Senior
The man who was in line to take over the helm after Kenny Pickett before Slovis' transfer was Nick Patti. Patti flashed potential in 2019 against the University of Delaware. He threw for 271 yards and 2 touchdowns and led the Panthers to victory.
However, with Kenny Pickett in town - Nick served in the backup role. Last season, he earned another opportunity to start in the Peach Bowl. Unfortunately, the opportunity was cut short with a gruesome collarbone injury.
On the mend, the Hillsdale, New Jersey native is more than ready to compete in spring practices after a full recovery. Expect him and Kedon to battle it out for the starting job and give Narduzzi difficulty deciding a starter.
After Slovis and Patti are three redshirt juniors:
Eli Kosanovich - Aliquippa, PA
Joey Yellen - Mission Viejo, CA
Davis Bevelle - Greenville, SC
Followed by two redshirt freshmen:
Nate Yarnell - Austin, TX
Jake Frantl - Erin, WI
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