University of Pittsburgh Athletics
Newcomer Notebook: Special Teams and Offensive Additions
2/19/2026 9:49:00 AM | Football
PITTSBURGH—Some of Pitt's newest special teams pieces and offensive additions have arrived with a shared focus of competition. From an NFL veteran coordinator setting the tone to transfers adjusting to tempo and expectations, the early message this spring has been clear: details matter.
Priefer Establishes the Standard
New special teams coordinator Mike Priefer wasted little time defining his philosophy.
"Toughness, effort, discipline and enthusiasm," Priefer said. "I've been talking about those four words for 25 years."
A Naval Academy graduate with extensive NFL experience, Priefer emphasized that fundamentals will define Pitt's spring.
"You can't just draw up a scheme and hope you're good at it," he said. "You've got to put them in position to be successful."
Ball security is non-negotiable, particularly in the return game.
"The number one goal is to give the offense the ball great field position," Priefer said. "If we score, that's a bonus, but it starts with taking care of the football."
With competition across the board, Priefer said the emphasis will be consistency and accountability across all six phases.
Knight Brings Downfield Presence
Wide receiver Malik Knight said relationships and familiarity with the offense made Pitt feel like home.
"Pitt felt like family," Knight said. "I'm used to the offense. I know the offense."
Knight, who averaged 17 yards per catch last season, views himself as a vertical threat.
"I consider myself a deep threat, that's the strongest part of my game," he said.
Adjusting to the Power Four level, he said, comes down to tempo and physicality.
"It's the speed and physicality," Knight said. "Football is football, just play fast and play free."
Knight has already begun building chemistry with quarterback Mason Heintschel, calling the early throwing sessions "really clicking."
Russo Embraces Competition
Punter Gabe Russo arrives after a productive stint at Idaho State and welcomes the opportunity to compete.
"In my opinion, net punt is the biggest stat," Russo said. "You can hit it 55 yards, but if there's a 20-yard return, you're not helping your team."
Russo said hang time and ball placement are just as important as distance, particularly in a stadium known for challenging wind patterns.
"I grew up a Steelers fan, so I'm familiar with it," he said. "The wind is part of it. Every punter goes through that."
He's quickly developed rapport with freshman long snapper Justin Schmidt, praising his maturity and work ethic.
"He's far beyond what most freshman long snappers are like," Russo said. "We probably get about 50 snaps a day."
More introductions are on the way. Pitt will spotlight new linebackers coach Joe Bowen, along with the Panthers' incoming linebackers and the remainder of the newest specialists and wide receivers, on Friday as spring coverage continues.
