Training Camp Takeaways: Day 22
8/20/2025 4:27:00 PM | Football
PITTSBURGH — As training camp begins to wind down, the Panthers held their 17th practice of the preseason on Wednesday. Joining Head Coach Pat Narduzzi for media availability were tight end Max Hunt, offensive lineman Kendall Stanley, defensive lineman Joey Zelinsky, and defensive back Shawn Lee Jr.—each offering their perspective on the team and the push toward the Aug. 30 season opener against Duquesne.
Here are five key takeaways from Day 22:
1. Fresh Start
A freshman tight end Max Hunt admitted there was an early adjustment period as he transitioned from high school to the speed and physicality of Division I football. He said learning to play as a complete tight end has been the biggest difference from his prep days.
"Definitely in the beginning, I had my learning curves—just the speed of the game. Players are a lot bigger in college than they are in high school."
He later added, "I think the biggest difference for me was in high school, I pretty much just played receiver and never really played in the box before. So just getting here in the spring, being able to learn all that, learn my footwork, get my pad level better, and then all the older guys in the room just really teaching me how to be a complete tight end… That's the biggest change from high school to college, just being able to do every job, not just one."
2. Zelinsky Embracing the System
Defensive lineman Joey Zelinsky said Pitt's defensive scheme is a perfect fit for his game because it allows him to play aggressively without overthinking.
"Yeah, I mean, the system just lets you go play football," Zelinsky said. "It's one of the best defenses in the nation for a reason. They just let you go tee off out there, have fun. Not a lot of reading… Reading's no fun. So you get to go out there and just fly around with the guys. It's a good time."
3. Lee Standing Out With Hustle
True freshman Shawn Lee Jr. said he hasn't tried to do anything flashy to grab attention, just working hard and following the coaches' instructions.
"Really, nothing spectacular," Lee said. "Just hustling and doing what [Coach Narduzzi] asks of me. I feel like if you can do that, you stand out."
Lee, who played quarterback in high school, added that experience gives him an edge in the secondary.
"I think it helps—just knowing what that quarterback might be looking for or reading. Just knowing what the offensive coordinator might want or expect."
4. Stanley Competing in the Trenches
Offensive lineman Kendall Stanley is battling for a starting job but says the competition has been both fierce and supportive.
"I would say we're both competing, but we also… like, if I have a question for Jeff (Persi), he's gonna answer it, and that goes both ways," Stanley said.
5. Kicking Decision Looming
Coach Narduzzi said he feels confident about Pitt's specialists but hinted that clarity is coming soon in the kicking competition.
"I feel really good. I'll probably announce something tomorrow is my thought," Narduzzi said. "James London's been really good. Trey Butkowski has done a really nice job, so he's competing. Sam (Carpenter) had a good camp—not as good as he was in the spring, but sometimes that happens with kickers. We'll see what happens today and hopefully I'll get a little more information tomorrow."
With less than 10 days until the season opener, Pitt is narrowing depth chart battles, finalizing special teams roles, and continuing to build momentum.
The Panthers return to the practice field Thursday.
