Inside The Panthers

Pitt's Nahki Johnson Adds Weight For Position Change

A former blue-chip recruit for the Pitt Panthers added weight in anticipation of a position change.

Stephen Thompson

Pitt's Nahki Johnson Adds Weight For Position Change
Pitt's Nahki Johnson Adds Weight For Position Change /
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PITTSBURGH -- Pitt Panthers defensive lineman Nahki Johnson looked different on the first day of 2024 spring practices, almost like a completely new player. But 

Johnson added 20 pounds to his listed weight from last season and now stands at 6'2 and 275 pounds. He did that because he plans to make a position switch, bumping inside from defensive end to tackle as he looks to break through a crowded unit in 2024. 

“He’s going to play a lot of defensive tackle," new defensive line coach Tim Daoust said. "A big kid, athletic, really like his frame. He’s got to get used to carrying that weight he’s put on.”

Johnson looked well on his way to earning a significant portion of playing time at defensive end around this time last season. He was named one of the Panthers' Ed Conway Award winners for the most improved player on the defensive side of the ball and with most of the 2022 defensive end rotation graduating or taking their shot at the NFL, there would be an opportunity for the redshirt sophomore to step up. 

Instead, he was buried on the depth chart once more. Johnson played in 10 games but made just three total tackles. In three years at Pitt, Johnson has nine total tackles, 1.5 for a loss, and one sack to his name. 

Pitt graduated three sixth-year senior defensive tackles from the 2023 roster and lost another - surprise standout Deandre Jules - to the transfer portal. The Panthers added some depth of their own through the portal but there are plenty of snaps up for grabs as it stands right now.  

It hasn't been quite the start to his career that the former four-star defensive tackle might have imagined but he's making the most of it and looking for his quickest path towards getting on the field and contributing for the Panthers this season. 

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Stephen Thompson
STEPHEN THOMPSON

Stephen Thompson graduated with a bachelor's degree in communications and political science from Pitt in April 2022 after spending four years as a sports writer and editor at The Pitt News, the University of Pittsburgh's independent, student-run newspaper.  He primarily worked the Pitt men's basketball beat, and filled in on coverage of football, volleyball, softball, gymnastics and lacrosse, in addition to other sports as needed. His work at The Pitt News has won awards from the Pennsylvania News Media Association and Associated College Press.  During the spring and summer of 2021, Stephen interned for Pittsburgh Sports Now, covering baseball in western Pennsylvania. Hailing from Washington D.C., family ties have cultivated a love of Boston's professional teams and Pitt athletics, and a fascination with sports in general.  You can reach Stephen by email at stephenethompson00@gmail.com and follow him on Twitter. Read his latest work:

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