University of Pittsburgh Athletics
Panthers Continue Progress During Spring Practice No. 12
4/2/2026 2:18:00 PM | Football
PITTSBURGH—Pitt Football continued its spring development Thursday with Practice No. 12, a physical and productive workout that saw the Panthers log more than 100 plays while continuing to build toward the final stretch of camp.
With just three practices remaining, Head Coach Pat Narduzzi said the team delivered a strong overall effort, particularly in live periods late in the session.
"Really good day today," Narduzzi said. "I think we got some good work in all the way up until the last period. We got a lot of great work done. Probably about 107 total plays."
While encouraged by the progress, Narduzzi pointed to late-game execution as an area needing improvement.
"I wasn't happy at the end in a four-minute situation with the operation," he said. "But we'll get that fixed. It's nice to have those issues in April, and we've got time to clean it up."
One new wrinkle this spring has come from the wide receiver room, where "Blurrr" stickers are being awarded for explosive plays, similar to the defense's "Takeaway" markers. The addition, installed by offensive coordinator Kade Bell, has helped highlight production.
"They're trying to match the defense," Narduzzi said. "Blurrr means they made big plays, and I love it. It tells you who's making plays."
Among those standing out is Cataurus Hicks, who has consistently produced downfield.
"He's made a lot of plays down the field, fades, posts," Narduzzi said.
Sophomore Tony Kinsler is also showing growth after an inconsistent start to spring.
"Tony does a nice job," Narduzzi said. "He's made some big-time catches and his route running is getting better."
Kinsler said the receiver room, though young, is continuing to develop chemistry.
"We're getting closer," he said. "A lot of young guys, but we're learning from CJ (Censere Lee) and Blue (Hicks) and getting better together."
On special teams, Pitt continues to see strong competition at both kicker and punter. Narduzzi said the kickers were perfect in recent work, while the punters have improved their timing and consistency.
"Both our kickers have been outstanding," Narduzzi said. "The kickers were 100 percent. They didn't miss one."
Along the defensive front, Pitt's top group at defensive end has begun to separate itself, led by Jaeden Moore, Jimmy Scott and Isaiah Neal, while younger players continue to develop behind them.
"You see spurts from the young guys," Narduzzi said. "It's just about consistency."
At linebacker, transfers Alex Sanford Jr. and DeMarco Ward have made an early impact, combining physicality with a strong grasp of the scheme.
"They've picked up the playbook and they're physical," Narduzzi said. "I'm happy with where those guys are."
Sanford said the competition within the unit has elevated the entire group.
"It forces everybody to work harder," he said. "When you see other guys going hard, it makes you want to go harder too."
At quarterback, Mason Heintschel continues to take command of the offense entering his second season.
"He's getting the ball out on time," Narduzzi said. "He was a young guy last year. He'll learn from those mistakes."
Pitt will break for Easter weekend before returning next week for its final practices leading into the Blue-Gold Spring Game.
