University of Pittsburgh Athletics
Defense Leads the Way as Pitt Hits Spring Practice No. 11
3/31/2026 3:08:00 PM | Football
PITTSBURGH—Pitt returned to the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex on Tuesday for Spring Practice No. 11, continuing its push toward the Blue-Gold Spring Game while building off a competitive scrimmage from last weekend.
Following practice, Head Coach Pat Narduzzi recapped Saturday's second jersey scrimmage, where the defense posted a 27-19 win in a controlled, low-scoring contest.
"Had a good practice today," Narduzzi said. "I thought we got some good situational work done, or at least learned from some of the situational work."
The scrimmage reflected a clear adjustment from the Panthers' first outing, with the defense tightening its execution and limiting big plays. The offense recorded five explosive gains, but none stretched beyond 15 yards.
"I thought the defense did a heck of a job eliminating the real big explosives," Narduzzi said.
The game remained close throughout, aided by clean play on both sides. The offense did not commit a turnover until the final play, when it was forced into a fourth-down throw in a two-minute situation.
"It was fourth down, so they had to throw it up and try to make a play," Narduzzi said. "That was the only turnover of the game."
Linebacker play stood out as a key strength. DeMarco Ward, Braylan Lovelace, Alex Sanford Jr. and Jeremiah Marcelin each earned "winning grades," highlighting a group that has quickly come together this spring.
"The linebackers looked really good," Narduzzi said.
Ward and Sanford, both transfers, have made an immediate impact, while Marcelin continues to round into form following last year's injury.
In the secondary, Shawn Lee Jr., Zion Ferguson and Shadarian Harrison were among those to earn winning grades as the unit showed improved positioning and technique.
"It comes down to fundamentals," Narduzzi said. "Better eye control and making a play on the ball."
Offensively, quarterback Mason Heintschel led a unit that moved the ball effectively despite being slowed by penalties. Ryan Baer was recognized along the offensive line, while Ja'Kyrian Turner and La'Vell Wright contributed in the run game.
Wright, now fully healthy, has begun to emerge as a physical option in the backfield.
"He gives us a different back," Narduzzi said. "He's starting to run like a big old horse."
Despite the lower scoring output, Narduzzi expressed confidence in the offense's performance, pointing to self-inflicted mistakes as the primary issue.
"I wasn't concerned at all about the offense," he said. "They moved the ball well."
Competition continues across the roster as spring progresses, including at quarterback, where the battle for the backup role remains unsettled.
"It's a four-way battle right now," Narduzzi said.
With four practices remaining, Pitt will continue to focus on situational execution and consistency before closing spring camp with the Blue-Gold Spring Game.
"I'm really optimistic," Narduzzi said. "We're learning and getting better."
