Report: Pitt Loses Backup TE Karter Johnson

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PITTSBURGH -- The Pitt Panthers will enter spring practices with a slightly thinner tight end group after losing a backup player this offseason.
According to a report from Karl Ludwig of Pittsburgh Sports Now, Pitt and tight end Karter Johnson have parted ways and he will look to continue his college career elsewhere.
TE Karter Johnson Not Returning to Pitt for the 2024 Season https://t.co/q74kt0fXSm via @pghsportsnow pic.twitter.com/eJVGqb95ba
— Pittsburgh Sports Now (@PghSportsNow) February 12, 2024
"A source told Pittsburgh Sports Now that there was a disconnect between the Pitt coaching staff and Johnson on him returning and the staff decided to move forward with a new vision in mind," Ludwig wrote. "So, Johnson will not be returning for the 2024 season and will likely look to use his eligibility elsewhere."
Johnson began his college career as a highly recruited four-star defensive lineman. After one quiet freshman season at TCU, Johnson transferred to a junior college, dropped weight and converted to tight end. He transferred again to Pitt and has caught 18 passes for 264 yards and two touchdowns over two seasons.
The Panthers retained star tight end Gavin Bartholomew this offseason despite pushes from other blue-blood programs. They will bring back reserve Jake Renda and added Oregon State transfer Jake Overman as well to keep the position room stocked.
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Stephen Thompson graduated with a bachelor's degree in communications and political science from Pitt in April 2022 after spending four years as a sports writer and editor at The Pitt News, the University of Pittsburgh's independent, student-run newspaper. He primarily worked the Pitt men's basketball beat, and filled in on coverage of football, volleyball, softball, gymnastics and lacrosse, in addition to other sports as needed. His work at The Pitt News has won awards from the Pennsylvania News Media Association and Associated College Press. During the spring and summer of 2021, Stephen interned for Pittsburgh Sports Now, covering baseball in western Pennsylvania. Hailing from Washington D.C., family ties have cultivated a love of Boston's professional teams and Pitt athletics, and a fascination with sports in general. You can reach Stephen by email at stephenethompson00@gmail.com and follow him on Twitter. Read his latest work:
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