University of Pittsburgh Athletics
2020 Football Roster
Jersey Number 83
John Vardzel
- Position:
- WR
 
- Class:
- Redshirt Sophomore
 
- Height:
- 5-10
 
- Weight:
- 190
 
- Hometown:
- Charleston, SC
 
- High School:
- North Allegheny (PA)
 
2021: Played in all 14 games, appearing on special teams and as a reserve wide receiver…had one reception for six yards against New Hampshire…logged two tackles on the kickoff coverage unit at Duke.
2020: Played in all 11 games, serving on special teams and as a reserve receiver…had one reception for five yards at Clemson…a walk-on in 2018 and 2019, Vardzel was rewarded with a scholarship prior to the 2020 season.
2019: Played in 10 games, serving on special teams and as a reserve receiver…totaled three receptions for six yards and five punt returns for seven yards…had a season-high two catches against North Carolina…also had a personal-long seven-yard punt return against the Tar Heels.
2018: Joined team as a training camp walk-on and redshirted.
 
HIGH SCHOOL: Was a wide receiver, defensive back and return specialist as a senior under Coach Art Walker at North Allegheny…averaged 20.4 yards per reception, totaling 530 yards on 26 catches with seven touchdowns…also rushed 12 times for 56 yards (4.7 avg.) and a score…averaged 31.1 yards on nine kickoff returns (280 total yards) and had an 88-yard return for a touchdown…averaged 10.4 yards on seven punt returns (73 yards)…helped North Allegheny to an 8-4 record and the semifinals of the WPIAL Class 6A playoffs…transferred to North Allegheny from Wando (S.C.) High School, where he played his junior and sophomore seasons…selected to play in the Pennsylvania Scholastic Football Coaches Association (PSFCA) East-West All-Star Game and threw a touchdown pass in the contest.
 
PERSONAL: John Vardzel, born 7/15/00, is the son of Jerry and Suzie Vardzel…has two brothers and two sisters…older brother, Michael, played receiver at Pitt from 2016-19, while his younger brother, Peter, is currently a redshirt freshman receiver for the Panthers…finance major.
2020: Played in all 11 games, serving on special teams and as a reserve receiver…had one reception for five yards at Clemson…a walk-on in 2018 and 2019, Vardzel was rewarded with a scholarship prior to the 2020 season.
2019: Played in 10 games, serving on special teams and as a reserve receiver…totaled three receptions for six yards and five punt returns for seven yards…had a season-high two catches against North Carolina…also had a personal-long seven-yard punt return against the Tar Heels.
2018: Joined team as a training camp walk-on and redshirted.
HIGH SCHOOL: Was a wide receiver, defensive back and return specialist as a senior under Coach Art Walker at North Allegheny…averaged 20.4 yards per reception, totaling 530 yards on 26 catches with seven touchdowns…also rushed 12 times for 56 yards (4.7 avg.) and a score…averaged 31.1 yards on nine kickoff returns (280 total yards) and had an 88-yard return for a touchdown…averaged 10.4 yards on seven punt returns (73 yards)…helped North Allegheny to an 8-4 record and the semifinals of the WPIAL Class 6A playoffs…transferred to North Allegheny from Wando (S.C.) High School, where he played his junior and sophomore seasons…selected to play in the Pennsylvania Scholastic Football Coaches Association (PSFCA) East-West All-Star Game and threw a touchdown pass in the contest.
PERSONAL: John Vardzel, born 7/15/00, is the son of Jerry and Suzie Vardzel…has two brothers and two sisters…older brother, Michael, played receiver at Pitt from 2016-19, while his younger brother, Peter, is currently a redshirt freshman receiver for the Panthers…finance major.
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