Nate Yarnell Facing Competition From Other Pitt QBs

Nate Yarnell will have to battle to keep his spot as the Pitt Panthers' QB1.

PITTSBURGH -- Nate Yarnell entered spring practices as the clear cut top quarterback on the depth chart - head coach Pat Narduzzi and offensive coordinator Kade Bell said as much in no uncertain terms. 

But as the Panthers progress through spring ball, the Pitt coaching staff has seen progressions from the other quarterbacks on the roster, who have challenged the Panthers' top signal caller. 

“Nate’s looked good overall. He’s leading, but the other guys are challenging him everyday," Narduzzi said. "You look at Christian [Veilleux], he’s challenging him. Eli Holstein - he’s done a nice job. He’s been a little dinged up from winter workouts and all that. He’s about 90% but he’s out there doing everything because he’s tough. But he’s out there pushing as well."

This is the first time Narduzzi has signaled that Yarnell's position as as QB1 is not completely safe. He'll have to earn the title of starting quarterback on opening day in spring and fall camps. 

But beyond that, Narduzzi seemed encouraged by the progress of his quarterback room. It's also notable that he mentioned redshirt freshman and Alabama quarterback Eli Holstein as one of the players challenging Yarnell. It appears he's lineup up to be Pitt's third-string quarterback behind Veilluex, who's older and has starting experience, while redshirt freshman Ty Dieffenbach and true freshman Julian Dugger get up to speed. 

"Ty is working hard at it," Narduzzi said. "Again, he’s just a baby and Dugger’s doing a nice job as well, just for a freshman.”

The shape of the quarterback room is coming into frame as the Panthers get into the thick of spring ball.  

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