Panthers Put Development on Display at 2026 Pro Day

PITTSBURGH—Pitt Football welcomed NFL scouts and personnel to the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex on Thursday for its annual Pro Day, as a veteran group of Panthers took the next step in their professional journeys.

The day began with official measurements and bench press testing before shifting to the indoor facility for on-field workouts, where prospects were evaluated in the 40-yard dash, vertical jump, broad jump, shuttle drills and position-specific work.

Head coach Pat Narduzzi saw a group that delivered on months of preparation.

"Thought there were some really good showings out there today," Narduzzi said. "Nothing really surprised me. Those guys can run, and they showed it. You could see the work they've put in."

Among the top performers, wide receiver Deuce Spann showcased his explosiveness, posting a 4.40-second 40-yard dash along with a 38-inch vertical and a 10-foot, 4-inch broad jump. In the secondary, defensive backs Javon McIntyre(4.50) and Tamon Lynum (4.53) turned in strong 40-yard dash times while displaying fluid movement during position drills.

Running back Desmond Reid delivered a well-rounded workout, clocking a 4.58-second 40-yard dash and a 35-inch vertical jump while reinforcing his versatility throughout the day.

"Tough the past few months, but I'm thankful to be in this position," Reid said. "I wasn't happy with my 40 time today. I've run faster, but I was able to showcase other parts of my game. At the end of the day, it wasn't a bad day."

Reid's ability as a receiver and return specialist remained a focal point for evaluators.

"A lot of teams have been showing me love," he said. "I make sure to emphasize special teams. That's a big way I can help a team early on."

At tight end, Justin Holmes (4.76 40, 33-inch vertical) and Jake Overman (25 bench reps) highlighted a strong positional group, with Narduzzi noting their involvement in a productive throwing session.

"Holden (Geriner) did a great job throwing to the tight ends, Jake and Justin, and Dez had a strong day as well," Narduzzi said. "It was a good day throwing the ball, good numbers and some good times."

Along the defensive front, Joey Zelinsky (4.77 40, 34.5-inch vertical) and Blaine Spires (20 bench reps, 4.81 40) demonstrated a combination of power and movement, while offensive lineman Jeff Persi anchored the group with 16 reps on the bench press.

Linebacker Kyle Louis, coming off a strong pre-draft process, participated in positional work and measurements, continuing to reinforce his versatility for NFL scouts.

"With Kyle, nothing surprises me," Narduzzi said. "He can do everything, play nickel, play in the middle of the field, he's done it all. He's one of the hardest workers I've ever been around."

Louis echoed that mindset, emphasizing his ability to fill multiple roles at the next level.

"Some people see me as a linebacker, some as a safety, some as a nickel. I can do all of it," Louis said. "At the end of the day, I'm just a football player. I'll fit in wherever I'm needed."

For many of Pitt's veterans, Pro Day marked the culmination of years of development within the program.

"For guys who have been here four years, this is what they've worked for," Narduzzi said. "The opportunity to go show what they've done. Today is about confirming it."

That development has become a defining trait of the program. Over the past five years, Pitt has produced 20 NFL Draft picks, including multiple first-round selections, underscoring its reputation as one of college football's premier talent-developing programs.

"I also think it says a lot about our culture that guys, whether they've been here four years or just one, buy in and become our guys," Narduzzi said. "That's what we've always been about."

With the NFL Draft set to take place in Pittsburgh this spring, Thursday's workout carried added significance.

"And for the draft to be here in Pittsburgh, that's going to be really special for those guys," Narduzzi added. "I'm excited for them."

With Pro Day complete, the Panthers now return their focus to spring practice. Friday's session will serve as the final preparation ahead of Saturday's second scrimmage at Acrisure Stadium.