Since scoring a program-record 532 points in 2016, Pitt hardly has been an offensive juggernaut, even in the parody-ridden ACC Coastal Division.
Twice in the last three seasons, the Panthers scored fewer than 300 points. Things really bottomed out last season, when Pitt tallied just 275 points -- the second-lowest total in the Coastal and a program-low since joining the ACC in 2013.
As previously detailed, drops proved problematic. Penalties were too numerous. The run game lacked a big-play presence. Not much came in the way of production from the tight end position.
Yep, the list could go on ... and on.
But it all starts somewhere, and, on offense, everything starts along the offensive line.
Despite having a first-team all-conference center and a third-team left guard, Pitt performed poorly up front. There are plenty of things to like about this Pitt team, but without better play up front, it might not matter.
In 2018, behind an experienced line and dynamic runner in Qadree Ollison and Darrin Hall, Pitt averaged 5.6 yards per carry. The Panthers only finished 7-7, yet somehow won the Coastal Division for the right to be steamrolled by Clemson in the ACC championship game. Fast forward to last season and the yards per carry average dropped to 3.5. That a 37.5 percent decrease.
Things weren't much, if any, better when it came to pass blocking.
Kenny Pickett might have thrown for more than 3,000 yards last season, but he faced consistent pressure as the line allowed 29 sacks and were vastly responsible for opponents making 76 tackles for loss.
Oddly enough, there's hope.
Five players who started games, including three full-time starters, are back. So are a couple of key backups, a few promising and athletic redshirt freshmen and a pair of newcomers in Michael Statham and Branson Taylor, who eventually could be impact players. Typically at Pitt, offensive linemen redshirt as freshmen, so expect those two to be contributors in 2021.
Until then, let's look at the offensive linemen who could figure prominently into this season's plans.
LOCKED IN
• By any measurable, Jimmy Morrissey was Pitt's best lineman in 2019.
As a junior, the 6-3, 305-pound Morrissey did not allow a sack last season and earned first-team All-ACC honors, but he's equally effective as a run blocker despite the Panthers' struggles. Morrissey earns praise for his motor and bulldozing style of play.
He also is a candidate for every preseason award imaginable for an offensive lineman, and when his career at Pitt ends, it will be a significant loss.
• Bryce Hargrove, a fifth-year senior from Akron, Ohio, took over at left guard for the the final games of the 2018 season after an injury to Morrissey forced Connor Dintino to center, and Hargrove turned in a solid performance last season, earning third-team All-ACC honors.
Hargrove (6-4, 320) allowed one sack in 2019 and earned ACC Offensive Lineman of the Week honors for his performance against Central Florida. Heading into this season, Hargrove is drawing all-conference recognition and more.
He's an intriguing pro prospect with the ability to move defenders because of his lower body strength, and Hargrove shows strong awareness in space.
Paving the way.
Bryce Hargrove's efforts against UCF earned him ACC Offensive Lineman of the Week honors.
👏 @BryceDeenie
#H2P pic.twitter.com/XNjGzAz61b— Pitt Football (@Pitt_FB) September 25, 2019
• Carter Warren, a redshirt junior from Paterson, N.J., looks like the prototypical left tackle. Warren, one of New Jersey's more prized recruits from the Class of 2017, is 6-foot-5, 325 pounds and enters his second season as a starter.
It's also his second season of game action.
Warren was redshirted in 2017 and did not appear in a game the season after. Previous line coach John Peterson tried playing Warren at guard, but when Dave Borbely took over the group, he went back to tackle -- his natural position. Last season was trial by fire for Warren, and he struggled at times. He and Nolan Ulizio, who played last season at Pitt as a grad transfer from Michigan, were rated the 126th most effective tackle unit by Pro Football Focus.
IN LINE FOR TIME
• Jake Kradel moved into the starting lineup six games into his redshirt freshman season, and the Butler, Pa., native acclimated quickly at the right guard spot. Kradel actually assumed the role during a wild 33-30 win Oct. 5 at Duke, and he put together an outstanding performance, not allowing a pass pressure in that game.
The right guard spot definitely is Kradel's to lose, but the 6-3, 305-pounder will face competition during camp.
• Gabe Houy (6-6, 300) is an Upper St. Clair product who started the first six games at right guard before an injury sidelined him, and Kradel started the remainder of the season.
Pitt's depth chart often listed Kradel and Houy as co-starters when the latter returned to the lineup, and both saw time at the position. But Houy played tackle as a redshirt freshman, and he could be in line to start at the vacant right tackle position. His versatility could prove useful.
• Keldrick Wilson is a grad transfer from Hampton, a Football Championship Subdivision program, who will compete for the starting right tackle spot.
Wilson (6-5, 300) is the fourth grad transfer tackle Pitt added in as many years, joining Ulizio, Stefano Millin (Kent State) and Brandon Hodges (Texas). While he might be coming from a small school, Wilson had some big-time options during the offseason and chose Pitt over Southern California and West Virginia.
• Carson Van Lynn occasionally was listed as a co-starter on the depth chart last season at left tackle, though he never started one despite Warren's occasional struggles.
Van Lynn (6-5, 295), a redshirt junior, has juggled positions during his career but could be in line for playing time at either of the tackle spots in 2020. Two seasons ago,Van Lynn started the year at tackle but moved to tight end when injuries depleted the position and made five starts. He moved back to tackle last season and appeared in all 13 games.
THERE'S A CHANCE
• Matt Goncalves (6-6, 315) was the top-rated offensive line prospect in New York while in high school, and he redshirted last season. The three-star recruit has promise and could move into the tackle rotation if the upperclassmen struggle.
• Jason Collier (6-7, 315) was his New Jersey high school team's leading receiver as a junior and senior. Despite being listed as a tight end last season, Collier -- a redshirt freshman -- practiced with the offensive line at tackle, which is the position head coach Pat Narduzzi said he was recruited to play.
Collier's athleticism makes him stand out, and Pitt is known to throw in a couple of tricks plays for its linemen.
Holy cow, look at this touchdown
6-foot-8 Pitt commit Jason Collier grabs Austin Graeber's throw back and rumbles for 17-yard score.
West Deptford 13, St. Joe 0
5:49 left in 1Q @SJGridironGang @WDHSAthletics @WDHSFootball44 pic.twitter.com/SiQSh0QeUe
— Mark Trible (@Mtrible) October 13, 2018
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