University of Pittsburgh Athletics
Training Camp Takeaways: Day 9
8/7/2025 3:38:00 PM | Football
PITTSBURGH — As training camp continues to ramp up, the team held its seventh practice of the preseason on Thursday. Joining Head Coach Pat Narduzzi for media availability were running back Desmond Reid, wide receiver Kenny Johnson, and defensive backs Rashad Battle and Cruce Brookins, each shedding light on the team's focus heading into the final stretch before the opener.
Here are five key takeaways from Day 9:
1. Fast-Acting QBs
The ball is coming out of the quarterbacks' hands quickly, and Narduzzi likes what he's seeing from the entire group. The improved tempo and decisiveness are giving the offense a noticeable rhythm.
"The quarterbacks are fast getting the ball out," Narduzzi said. "It seems like they're a lot smoother with their reads, where the ball is supposed to go and what they are looking at."
"I just think he [Eli Holstein] knows where to go with the ball—they know where to go with the ball. Cole (Cole Gonzales) has been excellent as well. Mason (Mason Heintschel) keeps struttin' around. Beau (Beau Jackson) is doing a great job as well. David Lynch—they're all doing a great job."
2. Johnson Leading the Way
Johnson, a veteran presence among Pitt's receivers, reiterated his commitment to leading by example and helping younger players adjust to the offense. With more experience in the system, he's confident in his ability to guide them.
"Now the older guys are a lot more informed on what to do, and we can pass it down," he said. "We're able to give the younger guys that knowledge and what they need to be successful."
3. Battle Focused on Finishing
For Battle, the emphasis this camp is all about closing the deal. After falling short late in the 2024 season, he says finishing strong is at the forefront of everything the team does.
"The emphasis this year is finishing," Battle shared. "Last year, we didn't finish the season. Everything we do—a play, a rep, a drill—we make sure we finish, so it translates to the season."
4. Brookins Celebrates Secondary Aggression
With the first full week of padded practices underway, Brookins says the secondary's physicality and attacking mindset are beginning to show up in a big way.
"Just knowing we're aggressive," Brookins noted. "Just knowing I have guys who will attack the ball with me on the field has been important."
5. Reid Says He Still Reigns Supreme
When it comes to team speed, Reid isn't ready to give up his crown. The All-ACC running back joked that he's still the fastest Panther on the roster, even if fellow back Ja'Kyrian Turner is making it close.
"I'm faster, I'm faster," he laughed. "He's close, though. The whole running back room, we're fast, but it's close."
The Panthers will return to the practice field Friday for Day 10, continuing to fine-tune their identity and execution ahead of the Aug. 30 opener against Duquesne.
