Newcomer Notebook: Quarterbacks and Running Backs

PITTSBURGH—Pitt's newest offensive arrivals are settling into the program as winter workouts roll on, bringing a blend of experience and youth to key positions.

Among the newcomers who addressed the media on Wednesday were running back La'Vell Wright and quarterbacks Corey Dailey, Angelo Renda and Holden Geriner. Each shared their different paths to Pittsburgh and discussed their focus on adapting to Pitt's offensive standards.

Wright Ready for Fresh Start

After beginning his career in the SEC and spending last season at Western Kentucky, running back La'Vell Wright said the move to Pittsburgh has brought immediate comfort.

"It definitely has," Wright said when asked if things feel easier now. "I'm just blessed to be here…everything's been easy and smooth."

Wright pointed to the environment inside the program, and the staff, as the biggest factors in his decision.

"The atmosphere just walking into the building…[and] Coach Lamar…what he does with his backs," Wright said. "It was a no-brainer for me."

On the field, Wright believes Pitt's scheme can expand his profile beyond what he's already put on film.

"I've shown a lot of my power," he said. "But I feel like coming here is going to open up my game…going into the route game as well."

Wright also noted the versatility of the room, highlighting how the backs can complement one another, especially alongside Ja'Kyrian Turner, who he called "explosive."

"With the backs in the room, we can all feed off each other."

Quarterback Class Embraces Early Start

Early enrolling has quickly proven valuable for Pitt's incoming quarterbacks, who emphasized the advantage of learning the system months ahead of summer arrivals.

Freshman Corey Dailey said he didn't realize how significant the early move would be until he experienced it.

"I'm really happy I came early," Dailey said. "There's no way I could have done this in a summer and then went out there and played."

Dailey, who described the adjustment as learning both the playbook and "the speed of the game," credited Mason Heintschel for helping the young quarterbacks bridge the gap.

"He helps us out a lot," Dailey said. "He explains it in a way we understand."

Fellow early enrollee Angelo Renda, a Southlake Carroll product and the school's all-time leading passer, echoed the value of being on campus early, particularly in an up-tempo offense.

"This is college-level playbook," Renda said. "The six months that we get above everybody else, it's huge."

Renda also said the transition from recruiting to coaching under Kade Bell has been seamless.

"He was very honest and open about everything," Renda said. "That's the big reason why I came here."

Geriner Brings Veteran Perspective

Pitt's quarterback room also added experience with Holden Geriner, who enters his final year of college football embracing a mentorship role.

"The message was come in and push [Mason] to be the best that he can be," Geriner said. "And mentor the younger guys, give them some wisdom."

Geriner noted how the energy of a younger team has been a jolt in a positive way.

"Having these guys…always wanting to be up here working and watching film…it's tremendous," he said. "I think that's really going to pay off come fall."

Geriner's advice to the early enrollees has been simple: maximize the moment.

"It flies by," he said. "Control what you can control…attack each and every day…[and] enjoy the moments with your brothers."