University of Pittsburgh Athletics
Five Takeaways from Pitt Football Training Camp Practice No. 12
8/19/2026 2:22:00 PM | Football, General
Pitt hit Day 12 of fall camp with stickers stacking up, depth taking shape and a clear pecking order behind center.
1. Lee's sticker count keeps climbing
Censere Lee had three BLURRR stickers by the second day of camp. By Day 12, that number is up to 13 and he's quick to credit one specific group.
"It starts with the O-line," Lee said. "They're giving us a lot of time, and then Mason's putting the ball in the right spot."
When asked which of his explosive plays has been his favorite so far, his answer was simple.
"My first one was my favorite because it gave me the hunger to go get more," Lee said. "My goal is to fill my helmet."
2. Linebacker room goes deeper
In past years, three linebackers have handled the bulk of the reps at Pitt. This year, Narduzzi thinks they'll go deeper into the room.
"We'll get 4, 5, 6 guys — whoever's earning those reps," Narduzzi said. "We certainly have a lot more depth at linebacker than we had a year ago. We got to keep that going."
Braylan Lovelace and Jeremiah Marcelin are likely starters, but Alex Sanford Jr., DeMarco Ward and Cameron Lindsey are all in the mix for time on the field.
3. Woodson stacking days
Cole Woodson has been part of a defense that's made a habit of creating takeaways in camp. The redshirt freshman was one of the first defenders to earn a sticker and continues to look for ways to improve.
"Every day I'm just trying to stack days, get more takeaways," Woodson said. "Everyone on the defensive side of the ball wants to get takeaways, so whenever we do, we celebrate with each other."
Now in his second training camp, Woodson said the game has slowed down for him.
"I've been able to play faster," Woodson said. "Last year I came in the summer, so just knowing the plays more, the playbook, the film room — I've been able to operate faster. The team's having a great camp, competing every day."
He pointed to recognition as the biggest area of growth.
"Effort is never a question with me," Woodson said. "Really it's being able to burst to the ball, and then making calls, checks, off motions — recognizing what I see in a new formation."
4. Geriner locks down QB2
Behind starter Mason Heintschel, Holden Geriner has taken hold of the No. 2 quarterback job ahead of the program's younger options.
"He's the same guy every day," Narduzzi said. "He just keeps getting better. You saw what we saw in the spring game — his footwork is so much better, and his understanding of the offense is what's put him in that spot."
Narduzzi was quick to note the competition isn't over.
"Corey [Dailey's] still kind of creeping, and Beau [Jackson] is still creeping," Narduzzi said. "You're never out of the woods. No one cares what you did yesterday."
Geriner, a redshirt senior, transferred to Pitt this offseason after stops at Texas State and Auburn.
5. Lee and Heintschel's early chemistry
Lee missed most of last season due to injury, which in theory gave Pitt's other receivers a head start building rapport with Heintschel. But Lee said his connection with the starting quarterback goes back further than people might think.
Before Heintschel was the starter and Lee was cleared for full reps, they'd hit the field together for some easy throwing reps.
"It's been that way since last summer," Lee said. "We've been doing the same thing after practice every day — throwing, practicing tough catches for me, uncomfortable throws for him. Then we go out there and it looks like a routine, like it's almost easy."
