University of Pittsburgh Athletics
Talkin’ Pitt: Every Play, Every Detail
9/22/2026 1:58:00 PM | Football
Straight from the podium: What Pitt’s coaches and players are saying as the Panthers look to build on their 3-0 start
PITTSBURGH—Following the win over Syracuse, wide receivers coach JJ Laster, linebacker DeMarco Ward and wide receiver Bryce Yates discussed Pitt's commitment to continued improvement.
Laster: "The biggest word is consistency."
Pitt's receivers contributed to more than the passing game against Syracuse, helping the Panthers rush for 245 yards with their work on the perimeter.
"I tell my guys all the time, you know, O-line, they block for first downs, wide receivers, they block for touchdowns," Laster said.
For Laster, that responsibility starts with toughness, proper hand placement and finishing blocks. The same standard applies to running routes and earning quarterback Mason Heintschel's trust.
"The biggest word is consistency," he said.
Laster also emphasized staying involved when Heintschel extends plays. With a quarterback capable of escaping pressure and creating opportunities, receivers must keep working to get open.
"We're trying to be game changers going out there and change the game," he said.
Ward: "Everybody in the locker room knows that we can be better."
Ward has been encouraged by Pitt's aggressive defense, particularly the linebackers' ability to get off blocks and contribute in coverage. The next step is sustaining that success against the run through all four quarters.
"I think everybody in the locker room knows that we can be better," Ward said.
He pointed to Pitt's third-down package as a source of confidence. By disguising pressure and varying which defenders rush or drop into coverage, the Panthers aim to force offenses to adjust.
"It's organized chaos," he said.
Regardless of the opponent, Ward said the focus remains on Pitt's improvement and the goals shared throughout the locker room.
"We just we know we got to be focused because we have a goal that we want to reach and I think everybody's together on that goal," he said.
Yates: "Doing whatever it takes to win."
Yates credits his development to offseason work on his releases, route speed and understanding of coverages. Through three games, he is tied for the team lead in receptions, with eight of his nine catches producing a first down or touchdown.
"I'm not too worried about stats or anything," Yates said. "I'm just going out there playing for my teammates and doing whatever it takes to win."
That includes continuing to work when Heintschel escapes the pocket. Yates said Pitt practices those situations, giving receivers a plan for finding space when a play breaks down.
"No matter what the play is, you just never give up," he said.
Yates also echoed Laster's emphasis on blocking, recognizing the receivers' role in turning successful runs into bigger gains.
"You want the ball, you have to block," he said. "That's how we do it."
