University of Pittsburgh Athletics
Five Takeaways from Day 6 of Pitt Football Training Camp
8/11/2026 3:32:00 PM | Football
PITTSBURGH—Pitt Football put on full pads for the first time Tuesday as the Panthers completed their sixth practice of training camp at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex.
Head Coach Pat Narduzzi was joined by defensive back Raion Strader and quarterback Holden Geriner for media availability.
Here are five takeaways from Tuesday:
1. Pitt Embraces Live Competition
Tuesday's practice included several live periods featuring full tackling. Although teams receive limited opportunities to conduct live work during camp, Narduzzi believes it remains essential to preparing players for the season.
"I hear stories about head coaches and programs where they don't ever do any live tackling," Narduzzi said. "That has not changed here. We're still Pitt Tough."
Narduzzi said the Panthers must also learn how to move between live and "thud" periods while practicing physically and protecting their teammates.
2. Quarterbacks Improving Ball Security
Pitt's quarterbacks have made significant progress protecting the football through the opening five practices.
"We're much better than we were a year ago," Narduzzi said. "We've maybe cut the turnovers in half."
Narduzzi credited Geriner and Mason Heintschel for operating the offense in rhythm and delivering the ball on time.
"When you're late with the ball, you're going to get sacked," Narduzzi said. "The way Holden and Mason are throwing in rhythm is most of the key."
3. Strader Emerges at Cornerback
Strader has made an immediate impression after using spring practice to learn Pitt's defense and terminology.
"Raion has had a hell of a camp so far," Narduzzi said. "I see Raion as a starter at corner right now, and I'm excited about what he's doing."
Strader said his strong start comes from entering camp with the right mentality and embracing his role as one of the secondary's veteran players.
"I feel like I have to set the bar a little high and hold everybody to the expectation," Strader said.
4. A Physical Identity in the Secondary
Pitt's cornerbacks are building their identity around toughness, speed and physical play.
"It's going to be tough, physical and fast, and we're going to put our hands on people every play," Strader said. "They have to feel us."
Strader is also focused on converting more of his pass breakups into interceptions.
"I feel like I'm always in position to make a play on the ball, but now is the time to start turning those deflections into picks," he said.
5. Geriner Embraces His Veteran Role
After attending three schools and learning from numerous coaches, Geriner has become an experienced voice in Pitt's young quarterback room.
"Being able to pour into those guys is awesome," Geriner said. "They push me to be my best, and I want to do the same for them."
Geriner said his priority is helping the Panthers win, whether that means preparing himself or helping Heintschel and the other quarterbacks develop.
"That's the main goal: to help the team win in Week 1, Week 2 and from there," Geriner said. "We're focused on the team and getting better every day."
