University of Pittsburgh Athletics
Pitt Wraps Up Practice No. 13 With Consistency in Focus
4/7/2026 1:22:00 PM | Football
PITTSBURGH—With just one week of spring practice remaining, Pitt continued its build toward Saturday's final scrimmage with Practice No. 13 on Tuesday, as Head Coach Pat Narduzzi pointed to continued competition across the roster and a growing emphasis on consistency heading into the final stretch.
"Practice 13 is in the books," Narduzzi said. "Solid day out there today, I think. We'll go back and watch the tape, but overall, ups and downs on both sides of the ball. The kids are working their tails off and putting good work in."
The Panthers closed practice with a live four-minute period, one that produced one of the day's biggest moments when running back Ja'Kyrian Turner broke a long run. It was the kind of explosive play that stood out, but also the kind Narduzzi said still highlights the need for cleaner execution late in practice.
"There's nothing really lagging behind," Narduzzi said. "It's really the consistency. We've got guys in position, we've just got to finish plays."
That theme carried throughout Narduzzi's media session. As Pitt moves through the last full week of spring ball, the expectation is less about dramatic roster movement and more about daily improvement from a team that has begun to establish depth at multiple spots.
"I just expect guys to get better every day," Narduzzi said. "Everybody's at a different level, everybody's got different knowledge, different physical talents, but I just want to see guys keep stacking days and more consistency out of everybody."
One of the more notable developments this spring has come in the secondary, where Shawn Lee Jr. has expanded his versatility by taking reps at both cornerback and recently, safety. Narduzzi said the move is partly about evaluating emergency depth, but also about creating more competition within a group that has shown steady growth.
"Shawn Lee had an excellent spring," Narduzzi said. "He can play corner, he can play safety, he's very versatile, he's smart and he's a football player."
Lee said he has embraced the added responsibility.
"That was something new the coaches brought up to me," Lee said. "Last week I was able to get a few reps. I actually got an interception from a safety rep I got. Just wherever they need me at, being able to know the defense and know my role in the defense, I feel like that would be a good thing as well."
The secondary remains one of several areas where Pitt believes it has strengthened its depth. Narduzzi also pointed to linebacker as a position group that has taken a significant step forward this spring.
"I feel really deep," he said. "I feel like we've got six, seven guys that can play for us at that linebacker spot."
Among the players who have helped drive that progress is Davin Brewton, whom Narduzzi identified as one of the faster risers this spring because of his ability to contribute at multiple linebacker spots.
Offensively, quarterback Mason Heintschel continues to look increasingly comfortable in Year 2. Narduzzi praised Heintschel's command, decision-making and quick release, while Heintschel said the biggest difference from last spring is how much the game has slowed down.
"I think the game slowed down a little bit for me for sure," Heintschel said. "Especially compared to last spring, coming in, my head was kind of spinning. Now, really being able to dissect the defense and kind of know where to go with the football before we snap the ball, I think that's a big thing for me."
Heintschel also credited the overall growth of the offense, particularly up front.
"I think we've looked really good," he said. "There's always room to improve and there's always room to grow, but I think we've been playing at a high level. The offensive line has done a really great job this spring, too."
Narduzzi said the battles for playing time remain healthy across the roster, including at cornerback, guard, tight end and running back. At receiver, he noted Bryce Yates has handled increased work in the slot with Censere Lee sidelined, while Rodney Dunbar has shown flashes over the last several practices. At running back, Turner's continued growth has stood out not just because of his explosiveness, but because of his development physically and mentally.
"The biggest improvement is the weight he put on," Narduzzi said. "He's over 190 and he's a big back that can explode like he did today."
Even so, Narduzzi made clear that the emphasis remains on total offensive efficiency more than individual flashes. That is also where Heintschel said his focus will be heading into Saturday.
"Just be efficient," Heintschel said. "Make sure our guys are lining up in the right spots and we're being efficient as an offense, not getting behind the sticks. Then obviously just getting the ball to our playmakers and letting them go make plays."
With Thursday's workout set to be held in shells before Saturday's spring finale at Acrisure Stadium, Pitt's priorities are straightforward: stay healthy, keep competing and finish spring with momentum.
"We've got great depth," Narduzzi said. "I feel good with the depth we've got and guys competing to get playing time."
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