University of Pittsburgh Athletics
Training Camp Transcript: Scrimmage 1
8/14/2010 12:00:00 AM | Football
Aug. 14, 2010
PITTSBURGH -
Opening Statement:
"Well, we went a few more plays than we originally had anticipated; we ended up running 88 plays. I thought that we were fairly plain, very vanilla. Andrew Taglianetti was not in there today (due to injury), then there was Dom DeCicco -- his hamstring tightened this morning, so we held him. It's no big deal. We held Myles Caragein, his ankle was sore. Greg Romeus was out today. Tristan Roberts had a little collision this morning, so we held four starters on defense. It really limited us toward what we can do from a nickel package and dime package. So we played a little bit more base than what we had anticipated, but I thought overall we were pretty solid on defense. There weren't as many big plays as we would have liked -- interceptions, fumbles, that type of thing with the first group, but we were solid. We didn't give up a touchdown.
"Offensively, Dion Lewis played 10 plays along with Jon Baldwin, so it was very difficult to really get those guys on track. Ray Graham got banged up a little bit so he wasn't in there, so the offense was limited from a little bit of fire power. I thought with the second group, Pat Bostick had a good day. He moved around in the pocket, made some good decisions and made some nice throws. That was good to see.
"I thought from a numbers standpoint some of those young receivers at the end there -- Devin Street, Salath Williams and Drew Carswell. They all had an opportunity. Ed Tinker made a play, Todd Thomas made a play, so it was encouraging to see those young receivers when they had the opportunity to make plays. Overall, I thought the kickers kicked well. Kevin Harper didn't miss a field goal. I think that was a confidence builder for him. I think that Dan Hutchins had a good day. Overall, it was a good first scrimmage for basically 90 plays. We will regroup tomorrow, and make adjustments from there."
On Ray Graham:
"His knee is what he injured, but hopefully it's nothing serious."
On gaining defensive depth:
"We are gaining some depth. We really have to weed through those linebackers. We have about five linebackers who are all so close, and who all bring something a little different in a good way and they all have a little bit of catch up work to do in their own right. It's going to help us on special teams."
On Tyler Tkach and the defensive line:
"Ty Tkach, don't underestimate him. There are always a couple of fifth-year seniors that have hung with us, worked hard, and when their opportunity has come, they have seized the moment. Ty (Tkach) might be that guy this year."
On young defensive players separating themselves:
"There are some freshmen that I would mention. One, Bryan Murphy, we have to take a look and see if he can help us. Then there's K'Waun Williams, a cornerback, he's made plays every day he's been out here. I like what those two guys are doing. Those two guys on defense have a chance. Aaron Donald possibly too, we just have more depth at the defensive end position. With both (Greg) Romeus and Shayne Hale out, it has created more of an opportunity."
On whether or not the injured starters would line up against Utah if the game was today:
"Greg (Romeus) would play, Dom (DeCicco) would play. They'd all play."
