Coach Pat Narduzzi Announces Pitt Football Roster Updates
9/1/2020 3:00:00 PM | Football
PITTSBURGH—Pitt head football coach Pat Narduzzi announced some roster updates today as the Panthers close in on the Sept. 12 season opener against Austin Peay at Heinz Field.
Two senior players—tight end Jake Zilinskas and linebacker John Petrishen—have been placed on scholarship for the 2020 campaign after previously being walk-on roster members.
Zilinskas has served as a reserve quarterback and linebacker since joining the Pitt football program in 2017. This season, the Indiana, Pa., native switched to tight end and has performed impressively in training camp to earn a scholarship for his final collegiate season.
Petrishen is in his second season with the Panthers after transferring from Penn State last August. The Pittsburgh Central Catholic product was a reserve safety and special teams performer in 2019. This year he moved to linebacker and is competing for time at the Star position.
"Jake has had a great fall camp," Narduzzi said of Ziliskas. "We didn't give it to him; he earn every penny of it. He's been outstanding on scout team for us for years. He did everything that we needed from him on scout team. He's just a football player. We really like where he is at this year."
"John came to us as a walk-on last year and never complained," Narduzzi added of Petrishen. "He's earned a scholarship as well. Right now, he is the No. 2 linebacker at Star behind Cam Bright. He really helps us at linebacker with his athleticism."
Coach Narduzzi also announced the addition of graduate transfer wide receiver DJ Turner, who joined the Panthers from Maryland and will be eligible immediately.
With Big Ten member Maryland not playing this fall, Turner comes to Pittsburgh for his final collegiate season after contributing for the Terrapins in each of the last four campaigns.
Turner played in 30 career games at Maryland from 2016-19. Last season, as a true senior, he started the first three contests for the Terrapins before sitting out the remainder of the season and utilizing a redshirt year.
During his time at Maryland, Turner accumulated 446 all-purpose yards, including a 54-yard touchdown catch against Minnesota in 2018 and a 40-yard punt return for a score versus Howard in 2019.
"DJ had a prior relationship with Coach Chris Beatty from Maryland, so it's an easier transition for him individually," Narduzzi said. "From what I saw today, he can help us right away. He's really smart."
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Two senior players—tight end Jake Zilinskas and linebacker John Petrishen—have been placed on scholarship for the 2020 campaign after previously being walk-on roster members.
Zilinskas has served as a reserve quarterback and linebacker since joining the Pitt football program in 2017. This season, the Indiana, Pa., native switched to tight end and has performed impressively in training camp to earn a scholarship for his final collegiate season.
Petrishen is in his second season with the Panthers after transferring from Penn State last August. The Pittsburgh Central Catholic product was a reserve safety and special teams performer in 2019. This year he moved to linebacker and is competing for time at the Star position.
"Jake has had a great fall camp," Narduzzi said of Ziliskas. "We didn't give it to him; he earn every penny of it. He's been outstanding on scout team for us for years. He did everything that we needed from him on scout team. He's just a football player. We really like where he is at this year."
"John came to us as a walk-on last year and never complained," Narduzzi added of Petrishen. "He's earned a scholarship as well. Right now, he is the No. 2 linebacker at Star behind Cam Bright. He really helps us at linebacker with his athleticism."
Coach Narduzzi also announced the addition of graduate transfer wide receiver DJ Turner, who joined the Panthers from Maryland and will be eligible immediately.
With Big Ten member Maryland not playing this fall, Turner comes to Pittsburgh for his final collegiate season after contributing for the Terrapins in each of the last four campaigns.
Turner played in 30 career games at Maryland from 2016-19. Last season, as a true senior, he started the first three contests for the Terrapins before sitting out the remainder of the season and utilizing a redshirt year.
During his time at Maryland, Turner accumulated 446 all-purpose yards, including a 54-yard touchdown catch against Minnesota in 2018 and a 40-yard punt return for a score versus Howard in 2019.
"DJ had a prior relationship with Coach Chris Beatty from Maryland, so it's an easier transition for him individually," Narduzzi said. "From what I saw today, he can help us right away. He's really smart."
#H2P | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram
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