Pitt’s quest to bring in a quarterback for their Class of 2024 hasn’t generated any momentum lately.
The good news is the top target on their recruiting board, f-star quarterback Trever Jackson, is still available. The bad news is that two of their other top targets appear to no longer be options. New Jersey three-star quarterback Miles O’Neill has committed to Texas A&M and Massachusetts three-star quarterback Henry Hasselbeck appears to be leaning heavily toward Michigan State.
The question now is if Pitt is unsuccessful in landing Jackson, where do they go, and could that option be right in their backyard?
Over the weekend, Pitt hosted a Passing Camp and one of the top performers and someone that raised some eyebrows was three-star quarterback Julian Dugger. The 6-foot-4 Penn Hills native holds an offer from Pitt, but it was offered some time ago and might not be currently committable.
However, Dugger put on a performance that appears to have caught the attention of the Panthers’ coaching staff.
“I think I impressed people with my footwork and the fact that we were winning and didn’t get stopped the entire camp,” said Dugger. “During the camp, I had a very high completion percentage. I was doing a good job of throwing the ball on time and throwing to where my receivers were supposed to be and not waiting for them to get to a spot. I was throwing with anticipation.
“I went to this camp with the goal of showcasing to all the coaches there my talent and showing everyone how I really can throw the ball. I also went there with the goal of winning, which I knew would bring me attention.”
Dugger believes he’s a better quarterback than he was at the end of last year and a big reason for that is the work he’s put in with his new personal quarterback’s coach. For the last few months, Dugger has been working with former North Allegheny High School, Rutgers and NFL quarterback Mike McMahon.
Back in 2001, McMahon was a fifth round pick of the Detroit Lions, where he played until 2004. McMahon also spent time with the Philadelphia Eagles, Minnesota Vikings and two seasons in the Canadian Football League.
McMahon is someone that has performed at the highest level of football and Dugger believes he’s the perfect person to help him achieve his goal of playing quarterback at the Power 5 level.
“I saw him on Twitter, and I reached out to him,” said Dugger. “From there, I started working out with him and he’s helped me out a lot, especially with my footwork. He’s also helped me out with the mental part of the game, which has helped me perform better. He’s just been a great quarterback coach that’s helped me with everything
“From the start, the thing that he’s stressed most to me is that I had to get my footwork better and right. He knows how quick I have to be to get the ball out. He does a really good job with me of explaining to me how and why it has to be a certain way, he doesn’t just tell me to do something.”
While Dugger didn’t receive any new scholarship offers following this camp, he did receive a text message that has him excited.
“Coach Narduzzi sent me a text and said that I did a great job and that he would stay in touch with me,” said Dugger. “I was excited that they got in contact with me. As far as Pitt goes, if they really want me, I’d be more than glad to play there. I’m excited to see where that goes, and I’ll definitely keep staying in touch with them and see how it goes.”
Pitt wasn’t the only camp that Dugger has attended this summer. He’s attempted to go out and display his arm talent at a number of camps including Michigan State, West Virginia, Toledo and Liberty.
Notre Dame recruited CJ Carr, the #6 rated QB in the class — right after they persuaded Minchey to decommit from Pitt. I don’t think Minchey had in mind riding the bench for 4-years until if, and when, Carr gets injured. Hence, I wouldn’t be surprised to see Minchey head back to Pitt, and stay there.
Lol you’re kidding right? They’re not even in the same class. Minchey isn’t stupid. He knows that schools take QBs every class. Plus, Minchey is no slouch himself at the #14 QB. I’m sure he’ll be ahead of Carr in the depth chart.