Sleeper TE Impressing Pitt's New Coach

An under-the-radar name is impressing the Pitt Panthers' new tight ends coach.

PITTSBURGH -- The Pitt Panthers have brought in a new tight ends coach as they work through some turnover in their offensive coaching staff. Jacob Bronowski, also hired as the special teams coordinator, is off the road recruiting and starting to get to know his new team. 

Bronowski is still learning all he needs to know about his Pitt team but he's been struck by one player in particular from the tight ends room, who's flashed impressive athleticism and work ethic during his time with the new coaching staff. 

“Jake Renda - unbelievable athlete. Unbelievably athletic," Bronowski said. "His intent to get better is unlike anybody I’ve been around. I mean, he’s up here — I kid you not — at 9:30 p.m. at night, watching more film. … He comes in here, he’s got a thing of note cards that he’s writing down concepts on the back and going through it. He is unbelievably ahead of the curve, in my opinion.”

Renda has spent three seasons at Pitt, but played in just 12 games total and caught two passes for 14 yards. This year, though, he will have a chance to make an impact for the Panthers in his junior season. Two reserve spots are opened after Karter Johnson transferred and Malcolm Epps opted to declare for the NFL Draft.

It will be a difficult room for Renda to break through in with star senior Gavin Bartholomew at the top of the depth chart, but he has gotten off on the right foot with his new position coach. 

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