Pitt to Test New OLB Rotations vs. Tennessee

The Pitt Panthers will rework their outside linebacker core against Tennessee.

PITTSBURGH -- The Pitt Panthers weren't overly pleased with the first starts for outside linebackers Bangally Kamara and Shayne Simon. The two upperclassmen combined for 12 tackles but were noticeable contributors in giving up 190 rushing yards against West Virginia. 

Now, head coach Pat Narduzzi also said Kamara and Simon have responded well during practice. It's safe to assume both will remain the starters, but changes are coming to the linebacker position. 

"I think they responded this week for sure," Narduzzi said. "Locked in. Bangally, I talked to him on Saturday, he was like 'Coach, I got to be better.' I said 'practice is different than the games.' That's why when we go scrimmage we say it's game-like. But again, different formation, different offense. We'll see how they respond this week."

Heading into Week 2 against the Tennessee Vols, the Panthers are going to test something new. Narduzzi said Solomon DeShields and Tylar Wiltz will get more reps this week to "find out what they have" to offer to the room.

Neither recorded a tackle against West Virginia.

Pitt won't do anything drastic after one poor rush defense performance, but there's going to be plenty of mix-and-match linebacker rotations against Tennessee. 

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