Talkin’ Pitt: Poise and Preparation
10/8/2025 2:34:00 PM | Football
Straight from the podium: What Pitt’s coaches and players are saying ahead of this week’s matchup at Florida State.
PITTSBURGH— As Pitt prepares for a road test at Florida State, this week's media availability featured running backs coach Lindsey Lamar, defensive lineman Isaiah "Ghost" Neal, running back Ja'Kyrian "Boosie" Turner, tight end Justin Holmes, assistant head coach and safeties coach Cory Sanders, and defensive back Kavir Bains-Marquez. The Panthers discussed depth, growth, and the mindset needed heading into Tallahassee.
Lamar: "Be perfect—that's the standard."
Running backs coach Lindsey Lamar said his group's focus remains consistency and execution, no matter who's behind center.
"With a true-freshman quarterback, our room has to be perfect—that's the standard," Lamar said. "Make plays even when it's not clean."
Lamar praised the offensive line's physicality and balance in last week's win. "It starts up front," he said. "When we're balanced, we stay on the field and the run game opens up."
Neal: "Best vs. best."
Defensive lineman Isaiah "Ghost" Neal continues to embrace cross-training at both tackle and end.
"It's more mental at end—keys, eyes, alignment," Neal said. "I remind myself to breathe, reset, and trust I can do it."
Looking ahead to Florida State's offense, Neal said: "They've got a legendary OC with intricate window-dressing to distract the D-line. They're good—we are too. Best vs. best."
Turner: "Once I'm outside, I don't think anyone's catching me."
Freshman running back Ja'Kyrian "Boosie" Turner has made the most of his early opportunities.
"Play my role, help the team win, make every snap count," Turner said. "Once I'm outside, I don't think anyone's catching me."
Playing in his home state this weekend adds extra motivation. "It means a lot—my family's coming. Big stage, excited."
Holmes: "The other 10 must do our jobs."
Tight end Justin Holmes said the key to Pitt's offensive rhythm is everyone executing around the quarterback.
"With a freshman QB, the other 10 have to do our jobs at a high level," Holmes said. "Preparation and third-down execution made things flow last week."
Sanders: "He was organizing freshman walk-throughs day one."
Safeties coach Cory Sanders praised the leadership of quarterback Mason Heintschel and the adaptability of his defense.
"His natural leadership and energy stood out immediately," Sanders said. "He was organizing freshman walk-throughs day one, pulling guys to 6:30 a.m. film."
On his safeties, Sanders added: "They've prepared the right way—no sulking, next-man-up mentality."
Bain Marquez: "They're great—we're great."
Defensive back Kavir Bains-Marquez has quickly earned a bigger role in the secondary.
"Coming from FCS, I wanted to prove I could play at this level," he said. "Respectfully, it's another game. They're great—we're great. Prepare and play our scheme."
Pitt travels to Florida State this Saturday, Oct. 11, for its first ACC road test of the season. Kickoff is set for noon on ESPN.
