University of Pittsburgh Athletics
Newcomer Notebook: Wide Receivers and Special Teams
2/20/2026 3:00:00 PM | Football
PITTSBURGH—For Pitt's newest Panthers, the first few weeks inside the program have centered on earning trust, mastering details and embracing competition, whether arriving from Florida, Arizona or just down the road.
For freshman receiver Demetrice McCray, the jump from high school to college has required adjustment.
"It's been really challenging," McCray said. "In high school, I thought it would be the same, but it's not."
The speed of the game and the daily structure demanded a quick reset. His focus now is straightforward.
"I've got to be trustworthy," he said. "My coach has to trust me. I've got to do my job."
Across the receiver room, fellow newcomer Rodney Dunbar found early validation in his decision to come to Pittsburgh. The connection with the coaching staff and the offensive system stood out during recruiting, and he believes his skill set translates naturally.
"I feel like I'm pretty fast for my size," Dunbar said. "I've got excellent ball skills. I can go up and get it."
While the wideouts adjust to the tempo of college football, Pitt's specialists are building chemistry of their own.
Kicker Sam Hunsaker took one of the more unconventional paths to the program. A former soccer player who lived and trained in Costa Rica and Germany, he once envisioned a professional career overseas before shifting his focus to football.
"I went out one day, never looked back, and started kicking," Hunsaker said.
Now, he embraces the pressure that defines the position.
"You've got your one moment where it's make-or-break," he said. "I've grown to love that."
Hunsaker has quickly bonded with the rest of the specialists, including Justin Schmidt, a Western Pennsylvania native who transferred home after beginning his career elsewhere.
"I'm about 20 minutes away," Schmidt said. "Every Sunday I go home for family dinner."
For Schmidt, the opportunity to compete at Acrisure Stadium carries personal meaning. After time away helped him mature, the return home feels like the right fit.
"I feel like I'm a better player and a better person now," he said.
Back on offense, receiver Dylan Wester has embraced the versatility required in Pitt's system. Working primarily from the slot, he understands that mastering the full playbook is essential.
"You've got to know every position," Wester said.
He committed early, drawn to the staff's direct approach and the culture inside the building. And while competition in a crowded receiver room is expected, it's welcomed.
"With anything, competition is going to be there," Wester said. "We all help each other."
Pitt's newcomer press conferences conclude next Wednesday as the tight ends and offensive linemen take the podium ahead of the start of spring ball in March.
Players Mentioned
