Inside The Panthers

Pat Narduzzi Defers to Frank Cignetti on QB Reps

Pitt Panthers head coach Pat Narduzzi said it's up to Frank Cignetti if he wants to give Nate Yarnell some snaps.

Stephen Thompson

Pat Narduzzi Defers to Frank Cignetti on QB Reps
Pat Narduzzi Defers to Frank Cignetti on QB Reps /
In this story:

PITTSBURGH -- Christian Veilleux started strong in his first two games as the Pitt Panthers' starting quarterback but has struggled over his last two appearances, turning in a completion rate of 45% while throwing for 371 yards, one touchdown and five interceptions. 

With Veilleux's production having taken a dive, albeit in games against teams currently ranked No. 12 and No. 5 in the latest AP Poll, Pitt head coach Pat Narduzzi was asked if he will consider giving backup quarterback Nate Yarnell a chance to play, especially as the Panthers sit at 2-7 entering the final quarter of the regular season. 

"I don't know," Narduzzi responded. "I haven't thought about it. Good question for Coach [Frank] Cignetti."

Narduzzi repeated a line this week that he had used previously this season, when asked about a potential change at quarterback from Phil Jurkovec to Veilleux, saying he leaves personnel decisions up to offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach, Frank Cignetti. Narduzzi has also said repeatedly this season that he is "not a quarterback guru" and spends the vast majority of his time working with the defense. 

Narduzzi said after the loss to Florida State that he had no intention of switching quarterbacks during that game, but he was critical of Veilleux's play.

"Right now he is," Narduzzi said when asked if Veilleux is the starter moving forward. "Again, Christian made some plays. He got pressure. He got sacked three times. All those things. We can continue to talk, but Christian, he threw one pick today, and it was not a good one." 

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

Pitt Alters OL Depth Chart For Syracuse Game

Pitt Opens As Narrow Favorite Over Syracuse

Damar Hamlin Has Special Moment in Cincinnati

Damar Hamlin Honors First Responders With Scholarship Fund

Pitt Sounds Off On Officiating Following Loss

Third Down Woes Come Back to Bite Pitt

Published
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:

Home/Football