Report: Pitt Exploring New Option for 2024 QB

The Pitt Panthers are starting to look for a new player to fill an open quarterback spot in their latest recruiting class.

PITTSBURGH -- The Pitt Panthers' crop of 2024 quarterback targets has been whittled down to just a couple of players and it's not looking particularly positive for them on either the Trever Jackson or Henry Hasselbeck front.

Jackson, a four-star prospect from Florida, has taken an official visit to Texas A&M, who already has two quarterbacks committed to their class of 2024, and Hasselbeck looks like a Michigan State lean at the moment. So the Panthers have gone back to the board to look for a new signal caller in this class and could add one from closer to home. 

Julian Dugger, a 6'2 and 195-pound lefty from Penn Hills High School, received an offer from Pitt as an athlete in May of last year but after he impressed the coaching staff at a 7-on-7 competition on the South Side, is being considered more seriously as a quarterback prospect. 

According to multiple reports from Chris Peak of Panther Lair and Mike Vukovcan of Pittsburgh Sports Now, offensive coordinator Frank Cignetti brought Dugger into his office at the end of the camp to talk ball and go over some film. Later, Pat Narduzzi followed up with a text and some other members of the staff reached out as well. 

Dugger is considered a three-star prospect by On3 and Rivals. He's ranked as high as the No. 40 player in Pennsylvania (Rivals) and the No. 93 quarterback in the class of 2024 (On3). Dugger holds offers from Fordham, Stony Brook, UMass and Toledo. 

He threw for 1,341 yards and 11 touchdowns as a junior last season. 

With Christian Veilleux, Ty Dieffenbach and Nate Yarnell loaded up behind presumed 2023 starter Phil Jurkovec, there is not a particularly pressing need for the Panthers to sign a quarterback in this class. They could stand to pass on signal-callers altogether in the class of 2024 if they are not in love with any of the remaining prospects and wait until next year to find their quarterback of the future. 

But if Pitt does want to keep the line of succession stocked with bodies, Dugger will be a player to watch. I'm sure a four-star prospect and Elite 11 finalist like Jackson is the more appealing option but the Panthers are keeping their options open for the time being. 

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