Pitt HC Pat Narduzzi Says Sophomore DB is Standing Out in Spring Ball

The Pitt sophomore was named the Panthers' biggest "thud" player.

PITTSBURGH -- Sophomore defensive back P.J. O'Brien is making early noise at spring practice for the Pitt Panthers. Head coach Pat Narduzzi made it a point to name the second-year DB the worst "thud" player on the roster.

Narduzzi joked saying O'Brien is on the ground every two plays. But sometimes, that's a good thing.

"I would rather have to turn him down than turn him up," Narduzzi said. "It is a better thing. My dad would always say, 'when they say go half speed, go full speed.' Coach would always rather have to turn you down than turn you up."

O'Brien played in seven games for the Panthers during his freshman season, recording just 15 tackles in 2021. This season, Narduzzi already sees the growth and expects the sophomore to have a much bigger role for the Panthers' defense.

"I anticipate him playing a lot of football," Narduzzi said. "He's a lot better right now than he was last year at this time. He's really got a whole year to process. ... This is his second spring already for a guy who played a lot of ball for us last year. We expect him to continue to develop. He's so much more knowledgeable now than he was." 

Pitt is halfway through their spring practices, with O'Brien being an early riser on the roster. Expect more recognition as the Panthers continue to work towards their Blue and Gold Game.

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