When Pitt training camp opened three weeks ago, Pat Narduzzi made it clear the Panthers' run game had to make serious improvements from last year. A huge part of that comes from a more in-sync offensive line being a complete unit.
Last year, Pitt's offensive line was led by Jimmy Morrissey as the undisputed captain of the group and its best player. He went on to be a sixth round draft pick by the Raiders in April. But his departure didn't leave the Panthers inexperienced on the offensive line, as Carter Warren, Gabe Houy and Jake Kradel are returning starters who played alongside Morrisey, with Owen Drexel replacing Morrisey at center, and Maryland transfer guard Marcus Minor filling in next to Warren.
Last year, the group had to figure out its chemistry as a unit without a full offseason and team meetings held over Zoom where concepts and lessons had to be learned by coach Dave Borbely quizzing everyone on a blackboard and having them write their responses on whiteboards to show they were paying attention.
In 2021, Pitt has been able to practice in full, and it's been a relief to the group in figuring it out. But having to go through those challenges has helped build Pitt's veteran offensive linemen to overcome other challenges and embrace practices and team meetings being much closer to normal this year.
"We're a pretty veteran group," Drexel said of the offensive line. "That helps us be together a lot more and being on the field to see things physically is a lot better than working and learning off a chalkboard while watching on Zoom."
Drexel not only replaces Morrissey, but has earned the nickname "Jimmy junior" from Narduzzi as a joke for how much he's taken after Morrissey's intense level of preparation and leadership skills. Drexel says he still talks to Morrissey even as he battles for a roster spot with the Raiders.
"Having that guy in your contacts is always great," Drexel said of Morrissey. "I call him for technique stuff and to catch up. Learning from Jimmy the past couple years and what it takes to be the guy with the ball and to be a leader. I pride myself in being that guy."
If you ask Drexel about progress, he expresses confidence about where the offensive line is at the end of training camp. The opportunities afforded to Pitt now that restrictions are loosened compared to how ACC protocols were this time last year during the pandemic have them excited to show their improvement, starting with their Sept. 4 opener against Massachusetts.
"Come out and watch us on the fourth," Drexel said. "We're a physical, smart group, don't get a lot of penalties, play together and hard all the time, and we're excited to show it off. We're a physical bunch that likes moving people."
Narduzzi has also seen the group make solid strides during camp.
"I think the O-line and the run game has gotten better every day," Narduzzi said. "I see better combinations up front and how they team up against defensive tackles up front. That's something we hadn't seen a lot from our offensive lines in past training camps. I think our offense is more capable of running the ball better than last year. We'll find out on game day."
Those combinations blocks Narduzzi mentioned are key in offensive line building chemistry to be an effective unit. Players can win one-on-one matchups all they want, but if they're not coordinated enough to work together on double-teams, chip blocks and timing, they won't get far as an offensive line. It's something Warren says they've emphasized.
"This whole summer we've been working on those down blocks," Warren said. "Me and Marcus Minor and Blake Zubovic have been coming out early to work on those blocks before practice even if it's just for 15-20 minutes we go hard to work on those double-team blocks so we can get to the next level."
Warren, the team's most experienced offensive lineman and the only member of the unit who's featured in Reese's Senior Bowl Watch List, also emphasizes the benefit of having so many experienced linemen, not just for on-field production, but for helping young offensive linemen grow as well.
"Having a lot of seniors gives us a lot of perspective," Drexel said. "Especially helps us bring the younger guys along. Terrence Moore has really come along and is getting a lot of reps."
Moore is a freshman who caught Drexel's eye, but there are several other players who've impressed veteran offensive linemen in the program.
"Branson Taylor," Warren named when asked which young linemen were stepping up. "We're talking about him all the time because he's behind me, shadowing me and always pushing me so he can learn what I know, and in turn, I've learned from him."
Even outside the offensive linemen, this group with five experienced starters is also looking at the development of other rising Pitt players during camp. Drexel pays attention to which defensive linemen give the group the most fits, and notes their improvements too.
"One of the younger guys who's improved a lot is DeAndre Jules," Drexel said. "That kid comes to work every day. He's such a hard worker, great with his hands and I'm excited for him this year."
Those sentiments were shared by Narduzzi.
"If I had to pick a most improved position," Narduzzi said. "And we're deep at defensive tackle, but DeAndre Jules has been impressive. He's big, athletic and now the light's turned on this fall camp. I didn't see it in the spring but he's been impressive in camp and I'm excited to see what he'll do on gameday."
Pitt's offensive line boasts several experienced players, but whether they come together can only be determined from in-game performances. In the meantime, the offensive line tries to grow together one big dinner with Kenny Pickett at a time.
"I would say, Marcus Minor," Warren said when asked who eats the most at dinners. "That dude can eat! One day he ordered two big burgers and dessert, he's crazy."
Warren stands at 6-foot-5, 315 lbs., while Minor is 6-foot-4, 325 lbs. Both are large players at left tackle and left guard, and look like major contributors to Narduzzi's goal of being a more physical football team in the run game.
The first step will require the team to dominate their early opponents up front and open holes for Israel Abanikanda as the team's new projected top running back.