Transfer QB Derek Kyler Brings Competitiveness, Intelligence to Pitt

Dartmouth Defensive Coordinator Don Dobes talked about the player Derek Kyler is and why he wanted to transfer to Pitt.

PITTSBURGH -- The Pittsburgh Panthers picked up a transfer quarterback on Wednesday morning, adding depth to a room that already has two players primed to compete for the starting job. 

Derek Kyler, a graduate transfer from Dartmouth who won two Ivy League Championships over three seasons, is taking a big leap from the FCS to a Power Five league. But one of his now former coaches believes that he's well equipped to help the Panthers immediately. 

Big Green defensive coordinator Don Dobes has spent 43 years coaching college football, including 10 at his current school. He helped recruit Kyler and said that, over four seasons of working with and sometimes against him, Kyler would challenge his defenses primarily with his football IQ. Dobes called Kyler one of the smartest and most clutch signal-callers he's ever been around. 

"He is one of the sharper quarterbacks that I’ve been around in my 40 years of coaching," Dobes said. "He’s a guy that always comes up big when you have to come up big.”

Dobes said that Kyler will bring great vision and creativity to Pitt's quarterback's room. He cited Kyler's numbers from three years at Dartmouth -mainly the 69% completion percentage and 7-1 touchdown to interception ratio - in telling the story of a smart decision-maker and calm mind. 

“He’s got great vision on the defense," Dobes said. "He’s got great anticipation and if you look at his completion percentage, it gives you a little bit of an idea of what he’s able to do. ... He won’t wow you with the physical traits initially, but he will come across as an athletic kid that moves a lot better than people give him credit for and has the ability to anticipate.”

Kyler wasn't born with these traits but Dobes believe he arrived at Dartmouth with them already in his tool belt. Dobes credits his high school training and strong preparation habits as the catalyst for sharp play on the field. Those skills were only strengthened when he entered college and began working with Big Green head coach Buddy Teevens and offensive coordinator Dan Taft, both former quarterbacks themselves.

"He’s been extremely well-coached and trained," Dobes said. "And [Kyler] is a sponge in terms of listening, taking coaching and then watching tape. I always felt like he would never be out-prepared by the opponent and, of all his skills, that’s probably one of his greatest.”

There are a few reasons why Kyler decided to transfer and extend his football career. Dobes said he was primarily looking for somewhere to complete a master's degree, but that continuing a life in football was still a major factor in his decision.

“I think first of all, he’s an extremely competitive dude and always wanted to find out how well he could compete at that Power Five, Group of Five level," Dobes said. "And then I think at the same time, he’s got a little bit of an interest in coaching so he wants to see how that presents itself at that level around Coach Narduzzi.”

Kyler will join a position group that already has some established players within it. Kedon Slovis and Nick Patti appear to be the favorites to start under center during Pitt's season opener vs. West Virginia, meaning that finding the field during his lone remaining year in college will be an uphill battle. 

Dobes said Kyler understands how big the step up will be, but that he's ready to contribute however he can. He's a proven winner and experienced football player, and will use that wealth of knowledge in meetings, on the field and in the locker room, according to Dobes.

"I think he’s realistic from the standpoint that they have really good players there and the competition is great," Dobes said. "But I think he feels like he can come in and be another coach on the field or in the meeting room and see what happens. I think that’s part of what challenges him."

Make sure you bookmark Inside the Panthers for the latest news, exclusive interviews, recruiting coverage and so much more!

Pitt Freshman Bigs To Tryout For Spanish U20 National Team

Transfer QB Commits to Pitt Football

Pitt Signee Jordaan Bailey Will Not Enroll this Summer

Pitt Holds Third-Best National Title Odds Among ACC Teams

Aaron Donald Becomes Highest-Paid Non-QB in NFL History

Pitt Paces Power Five Schools in Commits From Official Visits

Pair of Pitt Greats Make 2023 College Football Hall of Fame Ballot

Pitt Adds JuCo G Cashius McNeilly

• Follow Inside the Panthers on Twitter: @InsidePitt