Predicting Pitt's First Two-Deep After Training Camp

A few new faces emerged as contenders for starting jobs in Pitt Panthers training camp.

PITTSBURGH -- Prior to the start of Pitt Panthers training camp, I took a stab at predicting what the first depth chart would look like, with a promise to revisit my picks at the end of August. 

Well, that time has come, so I am taking another crack at predicting the first two lines of Pitt's first depth chart coming season, with the added context of some conversations with players and coaches and a look at parts of practice.  

Let's see what I got right, and, even more exciting, what I got wrong. 

Quarterback

1	2
Jurkovec	Veilluex

Nothing moved with the quarterbacks. Phil Jurkovec was named the starter during spring ball and has yet to let go of that spot. And I think Christian Veilleux has some upside that trumps Nate Yarnell's experience in the system.

Running Back

1	2
Hammond	Flemmister

Again, there's no movement here. I will add, however, that I expect there to be a relatively thin line between starter, back-up, third-string and so on with this group. They'll rotate heavily, with Derrick Davis, Daniel Carter and Montravius Lloyd fighting for carries. 

Wide Reciever

1	2
Means	McConnachie
Mumpfield	Fowler
Reynolds	Ke. Johnson

Perhaps the most interesting position battles of the summer came at this position, with roughly eight players battling for what's really just one spot. Means and Mumpfield are locked in as starters and I think the Panthers will defer to Reynolds' limited experience and physical prowess as a blocker and jump-ball catcher over the impressive freshman Kenny Johnson. 

I had Lamar Seymore penciled in as a starter prior to camp, but Reynolds, Johnson and Zion Folwer came on strong to leapfrog him and fellow mid-year enrollee, Izzy Polk. This position is volatile, however. No one can afford to waste a rep with so much competition behind them. 

Tight End

1	2
Bartholomew	Ka. Johnson

If USC transfer Malcolm Epps had arrived earlier, he might have had a shot at that second-string spot. But he didn't and instead, Karter Johnson and Gavin Bartholomew hang on to their spots atop the depth chart. 

Offensive Line

Position	1	2
RT	Goncalves	Collier Jr.
RG	Zubovic	Ford
C	Kradel	Moore
LG	Baer	Williams
LT	Taylor	Jacoby

This was another compelling camp battle that forced me to really rethink what I had in mind prior to August. Ryan Jacoby disappeared from talk of the starting job last week, while Jason Collier Jr. and B.J. Williams rose. 

Branson Taylor wasn't the dominant force I expected but should still shake out as a starting tackle. Ryan Bear has been one of the brightest stars of the summer and is almost guaranteed to earn one of those open spots.  

Defensive Line

Position	1	2
DE	Hayes	Johnson
DT	Green	FitzSimmons
DT	Danielson	Jules
DE	Temple	Okunlola

There was little movement with this group too. David Green and Devin Danielson will start, with heavy rotations from Sean FitzSimmons and surprise camp star Deandre Jules. The only change is flipping Nakhi Johnson for Nate Temple at the starting defensive end. 

Linebacker 

Position
STAR	Kamara	Lovelace
MIKE	Simon	George
MONEY	DeShields	Louis

Shayne Simon and Bangally Kamara retain their starting spots from a year ago, albeit with Simon bumping inside. Freshmen Kyle Louis and Braylan Lovelace built off good springs to steal backup jobs from upperclassmen. 

Cornerback

1	2
Devonshire	Woods
M. Williams	Gandy

This one is almost too easy. AJ Woods, Marquis Williams and M.J. Devonshire will split roughly 90% of the snaps, with Ryland Gandy making some headway as a fourth option. 

Safety

1	2
McIntyre	McMillon
O'Brien	Hall

I banked on experience paying off for Javon McIntyre and P.J. O'Brien and it appears like I was right to do so. O'Brien said McIntyre has been his main running mate in practices and scrimmages. Some simple math gets you to where you need to go. 

But I still do expect some more rotating with Donovan McMillon and Stephon Hall - whose helmet is plastered with TAKEAWAY stickers, especially. Brandon Hill and Erick Hallett deserved to be on the field all game last year, but Pitt doesn't quite have safeties like them yet

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