Pitt S P.J. O'Brien Reclaims Starting Job
PITTSBURGH -- The Pitt Panthers are still in the middle of a big transition in the back end of their defense, as a pair of multi-year starters exit for the NFL and three green defensive backs take their place.
For junior safety P.J. O'Brien, that has meant he's rotated in and out of Pitt's starting lineup, entering the year as a starter only to lose that spot after just two weeks. But a strong week of practice prior set O'Brien up to reclaim a starting job and he thrived as the Panthers knocked off No. 14 Louisville.
"P.J., after that Cincinnati game I think he was a little bit down, but P.J., you've got to love his attitude," head coach Pat Narduzzi said. "P.J. just had a good week of practice. PJ has been doing a good job."
O'Brien not only started but played one of the better games of his career. He accounted for seven tackles - good for second on the team - and a pair of passes deflected. He did commit a pass interference penalty but many in the stands at Acrisure Stadium and along the Pitt sideline, including head coach Pat Narduzzi, appeared to disagree with the call.
Penalties have plagued O'Brien in the past, like in the Cincinnati game Narduzzi referenced. He plays fast and with passion, but that has often come around to bite him. The Pitt coaching staff doesn't want to handicap those enviable attributes but they want them in control.
"He's loud. He's obnoxious, which is good sometimes," Narduzzi said. "He's a beauty."
And while O'Brien did reenter the starting lineup for a game, Narduzzi said he considers his top three safeties - Javon McIntyre, Donovan McMillon and O'Brien - as interchangeable starters. He'll continue to watch and see who fits best but overall, the staff is happy with what they've got, especially given O'Brien's progress.
"All three of those safeties in my opinion are starters," Narduzzi said. "We're evaluating our players every week. Doesn't matter what you do. What you did the last game, what you're doing in practice, what you're doing in school, what you're doing in study hall -- what are you doing in every respect."
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