University of Pittsburgh Athletics
Newcomer Notebook: Linebackers
2/24/2026 1:42:00 PM | Football
PITTSBURGH—For Pitt's newest linebackers, the appeal was immediate and the defensive identity was clear.
That matted to transfers DeMarco Ward and Alex Sanford Jr., who both pointed to the same thing when asked what drew them to Pittsburgh: the freedom built into the defense.
"Most defenses nowadays are really DB-oriented," Ward said. "Having a defense like this where linebackers can play freely and make plays is what attracted me to Pitt."
Sanford saw it the same way on film.
"What really caught my attention was how aggressive this defense is," he said. "The guys play fast, play hard, run to the ball and play relentlessly."
The schematic fit mattered, too. Sanford said Pitt's 4-3 structure gives linebackers the chance to attack and play downhill.
"It allows me to play more freely and more aggressively," Sanford said. "And on top of that, this team is hungry. I'd rather be around a whole bunch of guys who are hungry."
Ward's path included time at safety, something he believes adds another layer as he settles in on the outside.
"I can see myself playing in coverage and making splash plays," Ward said.
That versatility shows up elsewhere in the room. Freshman Marcus Jennings, who also previously played defensive back, said he stayed firm in his commitment to Pitt despite late interest from other schools because of the relationships he built early.
"As a man, all you've got is your word," Jennings said. "I told Coach Narduzzi I was coming here, so I'm here."
Jennings believes his background in coverage pairs naturally with the physical demands of linebacker.
"I'm sideline to sideline. I've got a knack for the ball," he said. "I think I blitz well and I'm a good run stopper."
Another early enrollee, Desmond Johnson, is already working at the STAR position, the same role Kyle Louis thrived in at Pitt, and said the transition has felt natural.
"I just like this defense because it's aggressive," Johnson said. "Everything I did my senior year is translating over."
Johnson, a product of Miami Northwestern, added that watching former Panther Calijah Kancey rise from his same high school to the NFL helped reinforce his belief in Pitt's development.
"He's a big reason why I'm here," Johnson said.
While each newcomer brings a different background, they've leaned quickly on established leadership, especially multi-year starter Braylan Lovelace, who has set the tone on and off the field.
"He's relentless," Sanford said. "He's always going to run to the ball and play hard."
Spring practice begins next week, giving the new group of linebackers its first chance to translate film study into live repetitions and compete within one of the ACC's most aggressive defenses.
The Newcomer Notebook series continues later this week with Pitt's tight ends and offensive linemen.
Players Mentioned
