University of Pittsburgh Athletics
Talkin’ Pitt: More Speed, Same Standard
9/8/2026 3:23:00 PM | Football
Straight from the podium: What Pitt’s coaches and players are saying as the Panthers prepare for this week’s matchup with UCF.
PITTSBURGH— Following the season-opening win over Miami (Ohio), running backs coach Lindsey Lamar, defensive back Rashan Murray and tight end Carson Kent discussed Pitt's depth, continued growth and preparation for a faster UCF team.
Lamar: "He just stays who he is and works."
Lamar was pleased with Pitt's running back rotation in the opener but believes the group has more to show. He praised Ja'Kyrian Turner for becoming a more complete player through his consistency and experience.
"He knows the offense like the back of his hand," Lamar said. "He works his tail off. He's the first one in the building and the last one to leave."
That example has influenced the entire room, especially the younger backs. Lamar also emphasized versatility, noting that Pitt's backs must understand protections, coverages and route concepts in addition to carrying the ball.
"You don't want a guy who can just do one thing," he said. "You want him to be able to do multiple things."
Murray: "You can never learn too much."
Murray opened the season with Pitt's first takeaway, intercepting a pass and delivering the Panthers' first turnover dunk of the year.
"The ball was thrown, I heard everybody on the sideline screaming 'ball,'" Murray said. "I turned my head, the ball was there and I went up and got it."
Now playing faster and with more confidence, Murray said his growth has come from studying, working with his coaches and taking better care of his body.
"You can never learn too much," he said. "I'm just trying to keep learning every single day."
Kent: "Play our version of Pitt football."
Kent expects UCF's speed and pass rush to challenge Pitt's offense. For the tight ends, success will depend on communication, fundamentals and seeing the entire defensive picture.
"They have a lot of fast guys on the field," Kent said. "We just have to play our version of Pitt football."
He also praised quarterback Mason Heintschel after reviewing his performance in the opener.
"Mason's a baller," Kent said. "It was awesome to go back in the film room and see how he was able to make some plays work."
Kent believes Pitt's use of multiple-tight-end formations reflects the work his position group has put in beyond regular practice.
"Nothing is given to you. You have to earn everything," he said. "We love the game, and that shows up on the field."
