Pitt DE Sam Okunlola Breaking Out in Second Season
PITTSBURGH -- As has been the case ever since Pat Narduzzi took over as head coach in 2015, bringing defensive line coach Charlie Partridge along with him in 2016, the Pitt Panthers' defensive line rotation has been deep and tough to crack for young players.
But redshirt freshman Samuel Okunlola is becoming a rare exception, making so many impact plays that the Pitt staff can't afford to keep him off the field. He made a game-changing play in the Panthers' upset of No. 14 Louisville and has put himself in line for more playing time down the road.
"He keeps getting better," head coach Pat Narduzzi said. "Coach Partridge has been impressed with him in practice the last few weeks. He just keeps getting better. He's just got to keep getting more reps."
Partridge said earlier this season that he had been looking for another young defensive end to complement his top line of veterans in Dayon Hayes, Bam Brima and Nate Temple. "Sammy O" as he's known around the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex, was one of the candidates to fill that role and has capitalized on his opportunity to prove as much.
Okunlola made four tackles against the Cardinals, none bigger than his sack of Jack Plummer in the first half. He halted a Louisville drive that had penetrated Pitt territory, threatening to put his team in a two-score hole, by stripping the ball from Plummer and recovering the loose ball himself.
"You look at that play and go, that was a strip sack on a screen," Narduzzi said. "How many people get sacks on screens?"
Okunlola, who is tied for the team lead in sacks with three this season, has done more than just make splash plays on the passer. He's an improved player against the run and that has helped him see more time on the field this fall. As he progresses, the Panthers are eager to see what new levels he has yet to unlock.
Yeah, he's been getting better every day in practice," Narduzzi said. "And not just strip sacks and all that. It's more. ... Sammy keeps getting better every day, and yeah, we expect his role to continue to increase."
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