University of Pittsburgh Athletics
Training Camp Takeaways: Day 2
7/31/2025 6:00:00 PM | Football
PITTSBURGH — As Pitt Football continues to build toward the season opener against Duquesne, Day 2 of training camp brought more insight from the team. Head Coach Pat Narduzzi, along with tight end Justin Holmes, defensive lineman Francis Brewu and offensive lineman Jeff Persi, all met with the media Thursday.
Here are five key takeaways from Day 2 of training camp:
1. The Trenches Are Embracing Competition
Competition continues to fuel progress on both sides of the ball. Persi and Brewu each noted how deep their respective position groups are and how those battles in practice are raising the standard.
"I think this is the right place for me," said Persi. "Competition makes you better. We play a competitive sport, and having talented people who push you every day to work harder is a good thing."
2. Offense Showing Tempo and Rhythm
The offense is running with improved speed and precision just two days into camp. Persi said there's been noticeable progress since the spring, while Holmes echoed the system's tempo and physicality.
"Even from spring to now, just the first two days, there's been a jump," said Persi. "With the tempo, it's getting us in shape. It's going to put us in a good spot to be explosive on offense."
"It seems like a physical, fast offense. Emphasis on fast," Holmes added.
3. Whatever It Takes
Holmes brings versatility and a team-first mindset to the Panthers. With experience as both a pass catcher and a blocker, he's embracing whatever role helps the team win.
"I was the receiver type, but I got to Marshall and wasn't really sure what my role would be," Holmes said. "I was the blocking type. I took the role. I loved it. It's great to be physical in the game."
4. More Than Muscle
Entering his sophomore season, Brewu is no longer just trying to look the part. With added confidence and technical growth, the Bruce Feldman "Freak" is turning heads.
"My first camp, I was just trying to do everything I could to look like a Division I football player. Now, I'm doing everything I can to look like a dominant defensive lineman at this level."
And yes, the squat bar may not be able to hold enough weight for him anymore, but Brewu is focused on sharpening his on-field skills just as much as his strength.
"I took the offseason to work on my pass rush and get specific improvements out of specific moves."
5. Goff Gets Better
Head Coach Pat Narduzzi praised running back Juelz Goff for his development and consistency through spring and into training camp. Goff looked good on Day 1, and Narduzzi believes his trajectory is upward.
"Juelz had a good day yesterday," Narduzzi said. "He got better every game last year, just with those reps, and he'll continue."
The shoulder pads come on tomorrow for Day 3 of camp, with more coach and player interviews to come.
