University of Pittsburgh Athletics
Panthers Suit Up in Pads as Spring Practice Continues
3/6/2026 1:47:00 PM | Football
PITTSBURGH—Pitt Football reached another milestone in spring practice as the Panthers suited up in full pads for the first time, a step that Head Coach Pat Narduzzi said his team handled with maturity and discipline.
Rather than an overly physical or chaotic session, Narduzzi said the group struck the right balance between competitiveness and control.
"First day in pads, pretty impressive," Narduzzi said. "The main thing is that we take care of each other and make sure guys aren't getting hurt. We've got to be tough, but being tough doesn't mean throwing guys to the ground. It's about being smart and disciplined."
Narduzzi added that the practice stood out compared to many first padded sessions he has seen during his tenure.
"Usually that first day guys are anxious and out of control," he said. "But I didn't see that. That tells me they care about each other and they're bonding."
Running back Ja'Kyrian Turner provided one of the highlights of the day with a long touchdown run, continuing to show explosiveness early in camp. Turner credited the offensive line for helping create opportunities in the running game.
"It's been great," Turner said. "They're working every day and doing whatever it takes to win. They're coming in early and just trying to be the best offensive line in the country."
Turner said the touchdown run developed quickly once he saw the defensive alignment.
"I saw the defense was in an over front and the B-gap to my side was open," he said. "I just pressed the line of scrimmage, hit the B-gap and then it was God-given talent after that."
Defensively, veteran safety Cruce Brookins continues to emerge as a leader for a secondary that features several younger players. Narduzzi said the expectations for Brookins are high this fall.
"Expectations are for him to be an All-American and an all-conference safety," Narduzzi said. "He's so smart and he's intense. He's a leader out there vocally."
Brookins said he has embraced a larger leadership role this spring.
"I just have to talk more because I have the most experience," he said. "Just giving advice to the young guys and helping them learn."
Narduzzi also pointed to linebacker Jeremiah Marcelin's leadership in the middle of the defense and praised the Panthers' kicking game after a strong session in live work.
With the physical portion of spring practice now underway, Narduzzi said the Panthers are continuing to build both toughness and discipline as they move through camp.
"We've got to be tough and disciplined at the same time," he said. "I thought they handled it the right way."
With the first week of spring practice complete, the Panthers now head into spring break before returning to the practice field the week after next.
