Rhode Island Game Offers In-Season Tryout for Young Pitt Players
PITTSBURGH -- The Pitt Panthers don't want to overlook anyone - last year's loss to Western Michigan taught them that lesson the hard way. But with an FCS opponent coming to town this weekend and a relatively easy win expected, the Panthers are looking forward to perhaps the most significant benefit of a blowout - rest for the starters and snaps for young, unproven players.
Pitt defensive backs coach Archie Collins said he's not approaching this game any differently, but he has taken some more time to think about his freshmen and sophomores - guys who haven't gotten many chances to prove themselves during live action that could see an opportunity materialize in front of them if the Panthers can race past the Rhode Island Rams early.
"Those guys are going to get their chance," Collins said. "So that’s what those guys are working on right now - practicing the right way, finishing the right way, things of that nature but we’re going to try and get the best guys on the field, somehow, someway."
To find those who will fill in, should the game go how most FCS vs. Power 5 matchups go, Collins is putting an extra emphasis on their weekday practices. Effort and performance during the week will be rewarded with snaps on gameday.
"They have to have good reps in practice," Collins said. "They have to be able to show that they belong on the field. As soon as they can show that, put it all together on the field, I have no problem - I don't care what game it is - it’s based on how they practice and how they prepare for the game. It starts with meetings, preparation and if they can show that on the field then they can get in any day.”
Collins has already identified a few of his underclassmen that are in prime position to step onto the Acrisure Stadium turf this weekend.
“You got Khalil Anderson, you got Stephon Hall, you got Javon McIntyre - who’s been doing really well - P.J. O’Brien who’s had some great practices as well," Collins said. "[Ryland] Gandy, Gandy’s been doing some unbelievable things as far as his smarts and what he brings to the table as a freshman. So I’m excited to hopefully get him on that field and see some things that he can do."
For some, like O'Brien and McIntyre, this won't be the first time they get live snaps on gameday. O'Brien has been a weapon on special teams for two years now - he even came up with a blocked punt in the Tennessee game. McIntyre has also seen the field some this year and made an appearance as an emergency safety during the very last possession against West Virginia.
But for Anderson, Hall and Gandy, whatever playing time they see against Rhode Island will be some of their first. And given that three of Pitt's starting defensive backs are seniors, the second half of the Rhode Island game could turn into an early audition for 2023 and beyond.
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