PEIE THE OFFENSE WIDE RECEIVERS QUARTERBACKS · 14 15PITT FOOTBALL MEDIA GUIDE PEIE THE OFFENSE ... second only to the legendary Tony Dorsett in ... Junior Oluwaseun Idowu returns

14 PITT FOOTBALL MEDIA GUIDE 15

PREVIEWTHE OFFENSEQUARTERBACKSPitt will need to replace the graduated Nathan Peterman, the ACC’s most efficient passer in 2016. The Panthers had five players taking snaps in the spring: USC graduate transfer Max Browne, sophomore Ben DiNucci, redshirt freshman Thomas MacVittie, freshman Kenny Pickett and sophomore Jake Zilinskas.

DiNucci is the only candidate owning Pitt game experience. His most significant action came in last season’s Pinstripe Bowl against Northwestern when he relieved an injured Peterman in the second half. DiNucci was 3-of-9 passing for 16 yards with a touchdown and two interceptions in his relief appearance. He also rushed twice for 18 yards.

Although a newcomer to Pitt, Browne is the most seasoned candidate vying for the starting job. In three active seasons at USC (2014-16), he played in 18 games and completed 69-of-112 passes (62%) for 650 yards with two touchdowns and two interceptions.

A former five-star recruit, Browne opened the 2016 season as the Trojans’ primary signal caller. He appeared in nine total games, starting the initial three contests, and completed 58-of-93 passes (62%) for 507 yards with two TDs and two INTs.

MacVittie spent his initial collegiate season as a redshirt. He earned acclaim as one of the country’s top pro-style quarterback prospects as a senior at famed Cincinnati Moeller.

Pickett, a January enrollee, threw for 4,670 yards and 43 touchdowns, while rushing for 873 yards and 17 TDs during his prep career at Ocean Township (N.J.) High. Zilinskas, a Western Pennsylvania native (Indiana) joined the Panthers this spring as a walk-on transfer from NCAA Division III program John Carroll.

RUNNING BACKSGone is one of the most prolific backs in school history, James Conner, whose 3,733 rushing yards and 56 total touchdowns are second only to the legendary Tony Dorsett in Pitt annals.

While Conner’s departure leaves a considerable void, the Panthers do welcome back significant experience and production.

When Conner missed virtually the entire 2015 season due to injury, Qadree Ollison responded by rushing for 1,121 yards and was named the ACC’s Offensive Rookie of the Year. A backup last season, Ollison enters his junior campaign looking to reclaim the starting role.

He will face experienced competition in sophomore Chawntez Moss and junior Darrin Hall. Moss impressed in his debut season, averaging 5.4 yards a carry. Hall lettered as a top reserve each of the past two seasons. Additionally, Kyle Vreen and Shawn Wood enter active duty after redshirting as freshmen.

Two highly regarded newcomers, Under Armour All-Americans A.J. Davis and Todd Sibley Jr., will join Pitt’s stable of tailbacks. Davis rushed for 5,398 yards during his prep career at Lakeland (Fla.) High School. Sibley compiled 7,433 yards at Archbishop Hoban, making him one of the top 10 rushers in Ohio high school history.

A fullback by trade, junior George Aston is one of Pitt’s most effective and versatile players with the ball in his hands. Aston totaled 10 touchdowns last season (five rushing and five receiving), tied for the second highest total on the team. Aston will be backed up by senior Colton Lively and sophomore Erik Sellers.

WIDE RECEIVERSPitt could boast a national-caliber receiver tandem in junior Quadree Henderson and senior Jester Weah. Both players are coming off exceptional 2016 campaigns.

The versatile Henderson was one of the nation’s most exciting players last year, joining Tony Dorsett as the only Panthers to eclipse 2,000 all-purpose yards in a season. A true triple threat, he impacted the game as a receiver, runner and returner, earning consensus All-America status in the latter capacity.

A 6-foot-3 speed merchant, Weah last season averaged an incredible 24.2 yards per catch, which led the ACC and ranked second nationally. Entering the year with zero career receptions, he went on to lead the Panthers in every receiving category, compiling 36 catches for 870 yards and 10 touchdowns.

Henderson and Weah are complemented by four returning lettermen who saw significant time in the receiver rotation last year: junior Rafael Araujo-Lopes and sophomores Maurice Ffrench, Aaron Mathews and Tre Tipton.

Redshirt freshman Ruben Flowers III enters his first active season and should vie for time. Also in the receiver mix will be junior special teams letterman Kellen McAlone, senior Mark Bernsdorff and redshirt freshman Michael Vardzel.

The Panthers’ 2017 recruiting class included a trio of wide receivers: Florida imports Dontavius Butler-Jenkins (American Heritage) and Michael Smith (Vero Beach) as well as Pennsylvania product Darian Street (Liberty).

Quadree Henderson


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TIGHT ENDSThe Panthers will be retooling at tight end with the loss of two prominent seniors from last year’s team: Scott Orndoff, who was Pitt’s second leading receiver (35 receptions for 579 yards and five TDs), and Jaymar Parrish.

A leading candidate to fill the void will be sophomore Chris Clark, who enters his first active season at Pitt following a 2016 transfer from UCLA. Clark was considered the nation’s No. 1 tight end prospect as a high school senior. Providing veteran competition will be senior Devon Edwards, a two-year letterman. Additional returnees at tight end include senior Nathan Bossory and sophomore DeAndre Schifino.

The position will get a significant influx of depth with the arrival of freshmen Grant Carrigan, Charles Reeves Jr. and Tyler Sear. Reeves was a two-time All-Ohio performer at traditional power Steubenville, while Western Pennsylvania products Carrigan (Pine-Richland) and Sear (Neshannock) ranked among the Keystone State’s top overall prospects. Additionally, Pitt gained the services of Rutgers graduate transfer Matt Flanagan, a three-year letterman for the Scarlet Knights.

OFFENSIVE LINEPitt’s offensive front has ranked among the nation’s best the past two years. Although a pair of decorated starters were lost to graduation—All-America guard Dorian Johnson and All-ACC tackle Adam Bisnowaty—the Panthers welcome back a strong nucleus.

Three starters return for 2017: senior Alex Officer, junior Alex Bookser and junior Brian O’Neill. The trio boasts a combined 76 career starts on Pitt’s offensive line.

Officer is the Panthers’ most experienced and versatile performer up front. Entering his final season with an active streak of 34 consecutive starts, he manned the center position last year after starting at guard in 2015.

A tight end upon arriving at Pitt, O’Neill has blossomed into a potential All-America candidate at tackle. He was an All-ACC honoree last year and even captured national attention with the ball in his hands, scoring two touchdowns on designed run plays.

Bookser was an Honorable Mention All-ACC guard in 2016 and could be ready for greater accolades this season.

In filling the vacant tackle position, the Panthers have a highly viable option in senior Jaryd Jones-Smith. A projected starter in 2015, Jones-Smith missed that entire season due to a knee injury. He returned to active duty as a top reserve last year and appears primed for a starting role in 2017. Additional candidates at tackle are sophomore Tony Pilato and mid-year freshman enrollee Jerry Drake Jr.

The competition at guard will include redshirt freshmen Brandon Ford, Bryce Hargrove and Justin Morgan.

At center, junior Connor Dintino will be a factor after lettering the past two seasons. (At the conclusion of spring drills, Dintino was listed as the starting center with the move of Officer back to guard.) Redshirt freshman Jimmy Morrissey will also contend for time at center.

Four freshmen—each all-state performers in high school—will fortify the offensive line’s depth: Western Pennsylvania product Gabe Houy (Upper St. Clair), Ohio native Carson Van Lynn (Worthington Kilbourne) and New Jersey imports Owen Drexel (Montclair) and Carter Warren (Passaic Tech).

Avonte Maddox

THE DEFENSEDEFENSIVE LINEThree starters need to be replaced from last year’s defensive front, most notably All-ACC defensive end Ejuan Price, one of the top sack artists in Pitt history.

The unit is not without returning experience and production. Seven lettermen and four players with starting experience are back.

At the “rush” end position, senior Allen Edwards earned a starting role in the final month of the 2016 season and will look to keep a grip on the position this fall. Edwards will be pushed by senior Rori Blair, who has 20 career starting assignments to his credit. Additional competition will come from redshirt freshmen Patrick Jones II and Kaezon Pugh.

At “flash” end, junior Dewayne Hendrix is the favorite to earn the starting nod. Hendrix’s highly anticipated 2016 debut was derailed by a season-ending injury in the opening game. Junior James Folston Jr., who lettered each of the past two years, will provide competitive depth. Rashad Weaver enters his first active campaign following a freshman redshirt.

On the interior front, sophomore Amir Watts and redshirt freshman Keyshon Camp are poised to seize the starting roles at tackle. Watts saw prominent time as a true frosh, even earning a start in the Panthers’ upset at Clemson. Junior lettermen Mike Herndon and Shane Roy will provide experienced competition. Also contending for time will be redshirt freshmen Rashad Wheeler and Julian Desire’, as well as mid-year freshman enrollee Deslin Alexandre.

Pitt signed two additional defensive linemen for 2017: junior-college transfer Kam Carter (East Mississippi C.C.) and heavily recruited Washington D.C. product Jaylen Twyman (H.D. Woodson).


PREVIEWLINEBACKERSThe Panthers are retooling their linebacker corps after losing a pair of graduated starters, Matt Galambos in the middle and Mike Caprara on the outside.

Sophomore letterman Saleem Brightwell owns the versatility to play all three linebacker positions. Entering fall camp, he will focus on the vacant “Mike” spot. His chief competition will be senior letterman Quintin Wirginis and redshirt freshman Chase Pine. Providing depth will be junior Brian Popp and sophomore Jim Medure.

Junior Elijah Zeise was an opening day starter in 2016 before an injury forced him to miss the balance of the regular season. On the strength of an excellent spring, Zeise established himself as a top contender at Money linebacker. Pushing for time will be junior Jalen Williams and redshirt freshman Elias Reynolds. Redshirt frosh Peyton Deri provides depth.

Junior Oluwaseun Idowu returns as the starter at the Star position after finishing third on the team with 74 tackles last year. Sophomore Anthony McKee Jr. will contend for time. The aforementioned Jalen Williams could also get a look at the Star position.

Pitt signed three promising freshmen linebacker prospects. Cam Bright led the state of Alabama in sacks (16.5) his senior year at Park Crossing. Kyle Nunn was a two-time all-state performer playing in Ohio’s largest classification at Findlay. Albert Tucker was a multiple-year starter at Florida powerhouse St. Thomas Aquinas.

SECONDARYThe Panthers return a solid foundation in the secondary, which was rife with injuries in 2016. With a number of underclassmen forced into prominent roles last season, the unit will feature improved levels of depth and experience.

The headliner is two-time All-ACC safety Jordan Whitehead, an equally effective defender against the run and pass. Whitehead has displayed a knack for big plays, scoring defensive touchdowns each of the past two seasons. His nose for the end zone has also been showcased on offense.

Junior Dennis Briggs has lettered as a backup the past two years and appears ready to compete for a starting role. Other leading candidates at safety include sophomore letterman Jazzee Stocker and a trio of redshirt freshmen: Phil Campbell, Bricen Garner and Henry Miller.

Another potential impact player at safety is sophomore Damar Hamlin, who seeks a healthy return after being limited to three games as a cornerback last year due to injury. (Hamlin also figures to be in the mix at corner in 2017.) Sophomore Rimoni Dorsey will provide depth.

At boundary cornerback, senior Avonte Maddox led Pitt in interceptions and pass breakups the past two years. Maddox’s six career interceptions are tied for the second most among active ACC players. Redshirt freshman Therran Coleman and senior Rob Boatright will also vie for time at boundary corner.

At field cornerback, junior Phillipie Motley and sophomore Dane Jackson will be leading candidates after both gained starting experience in 2016. Sophomore Malik Henderson will also work for time at corner.

Versatile sophomore Maurice Ffrench, who played on both sides of the ball as a freshman, could also contend for playing time at corner.

The secondary will welcome three incoming freshmen: safety prospect Paris Ford, an Under Armour All-American out of nearby Steel Valley High School, Florida cornerback Damarri Mathis (Lakeland) and Connecticut all-state corner Jason Pinnock (Windsor).

SPECIAL TEAMSPitt will be auditioning new placekickers for the first time in four years following the graduation of all-time kick scoring leader Chris Blewitt. Leading the competition entering training camp is redshirt freshman Alex Kessman, a former Michigan prep standout. Kessman will be pushed by junior Ian Troost.

Senior Ryan Winslow enters his fourth season as the Panthers’ starting punter. Winslow averaged a career-best 42.6 yards per punt in 2016. Pitt added specialist depth with the mid-year signing of freshman Kirk Christodoulou, an Australian import who will work at punter.

The competition at long snapper will revolve around senior Nathan Bossory, redshirt freshman Conrad Brake, sophomore Robert Hill (a transfer from Tulsa) and incoming frosh Cal Adomitis.

Pitt could boast the top return game in the nation in 2017. Consensus All-American Quadree Henderson is back after leading the country in kickoff return touchdowns (three) and combined kick return yards (1,166). Henderson ranked third nationally in punt returns (15.8 avg.) and fifth in kickoff returns (30.5 avg.).

Henderson will be complemented by Avonte Maddox, who is also explosive with the ball in his hands and owns three career return touchdowns (two on interceptions and one kickoff).

Brian O’Neill


PRESEASON DEPTH CHART

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OFFENSE WR 85 JESTER WEAH (SR*, 6-3, 210) 6 Aaron Mathews (SO, 6-4, 205)

WR 5 Tre Tipton (SO*, 6-0, 190) 82 Rafael Araujo-Lopes (JR*, 5-9, 190)

WR 10 QUADREE HENDERSON (JR, 5-8, 190) 2 Maurice Ffrench (SO, 5-11, 190)

TE 87 Chris Clark (SO*, 6-6, 260) 45 Devon Edwards (SR*, 6-4, 275)

LT 70 BRIAN O’NEILL (JR*, 6-6, 305) 59 Tony Pilato (SO*, 6-5, 320)

LG 63 ALEX OFFICER (SR*, 6-4, 340) 56 Brandon Ford (FR*, 6-5, 310)

C 76 Connor Dintino (JR*, 6-3, 315) 67 Jimmy Morrissey (FR*, 6-3, 295)

RG 78 ALEX BOOKSER (JR*, 6-6, 315) 54 Justin Morgan (FR*, 6-6, 350)

RT 55 Jaryd Jones-Smith (SR*, 6-7, 320) 74 Jerry Drake Jr. (FR, 6-5, 315)

QB 4 Max Browne (SR*, 6-5, 230) 3 Ben DiNucci (SO*, 6-2, 220)

TB 37 Qadree Ollison (JR*, 6-2, 230) 22 Darrin Hall (JR, 5-11, 220) 26 Chawntez Moss (SO, 5-11, 210)

FB 35 GEORGE ASTON (JR*, 6-0, 245) 40 Colton Lively (SR*, 6-0, 235)

DEFENSEDE 8 Dewayne Hendrix (JR*, 6-4, 260) 40 James Folston Jr. (JR*, 6-4, 250) 17 Rashad Weaver (FR*, 6-5, 265)

DT 10 Keyshon Camp (FR*, 6-4, 290) 93 Shane Roy (JR*, 6-4, 280)

DT 34 Amir Watts (SO, 6-3, 285) 66 Mike Herndon (JR*, 6-4, 310) 90 Rashad Wheeler (FR*, 6-3, 290)

DE 96 Allen Edwards (SR*, 6-4, 255) 92 RORI BLAIR (SR, 6-4, 240) 91 Patrick Jones II (FR*, 6-5, 245)

MONEY 25 Elijah Zeise (JR*, 6-2, 230) 41 Jalen Williams (JR*, 6-2, 215) 44 Elias Reynolds (FR*, 6-2, 235)

MIKE 39 Saleem Brightwell (SO*, 6-0, 220) 58 Quintin Wirginis (SR, 6-2, 245) 36 Chase Pine (FR*, 6-2, 240)

STAR 23 OLUWASEUN IDOWU (JR*, 6-0, 225) 28 Anthony McKee Jr. (SO*, 6-2, 215) 41 Jalen Williams (JR*, 6-2, 215)

S 20 Dennis Briggs (JR*, 5-10, 195) 24 Phil Campbell (FR*, 6-1, 195) 7 Henry Miller (FR*, 6-3, 205)

S 9 JORDAN WHITEHEAD (JR, 5-11, 195) 43 Jazzee Stocker (SO*, 6-2, 190) OR 27 Bricen Garner (FR*, 6-1, 180)

CB 14 AVONTE MADDOX (SR, 5-9, 180) 16 Therran Coleman (FR*, 6-0, 195) 21 Malik Henderson (SO*, 6-0, 190)

CB 32 Phillipie Motley (JR*, 5-10, 175) 11 Dane Jackson (SO*, 6-0, 180) 3 Damar Hamlin (SO, 6-1, 190)

SPECIALISTSPK 97 Alex Kessman (FR*, 6-3, 190) 49 Ian Troost (JR, 6-6, 200)

P 18 RYAN WINSLOW (SR*, 6-6, 225) 98 Kirk Christodoulou (FR, 6-1, 215)

LS 81 Nathan Bossory (SR, 6-3, 240) 55 Conrad Brake (FR*, 6-0, 230)

Names in bold CAPS denote returning starters from 2016Asterisk following class denotes redshirt season

Qadree Ollison


PRESEASON HONORSPERSONNEL

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LETTERMEN RETURNING: 35Starters Returning: 1117 Offense (6 starters)17 Defense (4 starters)1 Specialist (1 starter)

LETTERMEN LOST: 26Starters Lost: 1314 Offense (5 starters)10 Defense (7 starters)2 Specialists (1 starter)

NOTE: Players are listed under 2016 positions. This listing does not reflect any position changes for the 2017 season.

CAPS indicate 2016 starters

* indicates letters earned

RETURNING PERSONNELOFFENSE (17)Wide Receiver (7): JESTER WEAH***, QUADREE HENDERSON**, Kellen McAlone**, Tre Tipton**, Rafael Araujo-Lopes*, Maurice Ffrench*, Aaron Mathews* Tackle (2): BRIAN O’NEILL**, Jaryd Jones-Smith**Guard (1): ALEX BOOKSER**Center (2): ALEX OFFICER***, Connor Dintino**Tight End (0): Quarterback (0): Tailback (3): Darrin Hall**, Qadree Ollison**, Chawntez Moss* Fullback (2): GEORGE ASTON**, Colton Lively*

DEFENSE (17)End (4): RORI BLAIR***, Devon Edwards**, James Folston Jr.**, Allen Edwards*Tackle (3): Mike Herndon**, Shane Roy*, Amir Watts* Linebacker (4): OLUWASEUN IDOWU**, Quintin Wirginis***, Saleem Brightwell*, Elijah Zeise*Safety (3): JORDAN WHITEHEAD**, Dennis Briggs**, Jazzee Stocker*Cornerback (3): AVONTE MADDOX***, Phillipie Motley**, Dane Jackson*

SPECIALISTS (1)Kicker (0): Punter (1): RYAN WINSLOW***Long Snapper (0):

PERSONNEL LOSTOFFENSE (14)Wide Receiver (2): Dontez Ford***, Zach Challingsworth**Tackle (2): ADAM BISNOWATY****, Aaron Reese**Guard (3): DORIAN JOHNSON****, Carson Baker***, John Guy* Center (0): Tight End (3): SCOTT ORNDOFF****, Jaymar Parrish****, Zach Poker*** Quarterback (2): NATHAN PETERMAN**, Manny Stocker* Tailback (2): JAMES CONNER***, Rachid Ibrahim***Fullback (0): DEFENSE (10)End (1): EJUAN PRICE**** Tackle (3): SHAKIR SOTO****, TYRIQUE JARRETT***, Jeremiah Taleni*** Linebacker (3): MIKE CAPRARA****, MATT GALAMBOS****, Bam Bradley**** Safety (2): TERRISH WEBB****, Reggie Mitchell***Cornerback (1): RYAN LEWIS****

SPECIALISTS (2)Kicker (1): CHRIS BLEWITT**** Punter (0): Long Snapper (1): Pat Quirin***

Ryan Winslow


PRESEASON HONORSPERSONNEL

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ACC PREDICTIONS

Athlon: 3rd, Coastal Division

Lindy’s: 4th, Coastal Division

Phil Steele: 3rd, Coastal Division

Street & Smith’s: 4th, Coastal Division

INDIVIDUAL HONORS

Alex Bookser—Offensive Guard

Athlon All-ACC (third team)

Lindy’s All-ACC (second team)

Phil Steele All-ACC (third team)

Max Browne—Quarterback

Phil Steele All-ACC (fourth team)

Paris Ford—Safety

Athlon ACC No. 11 Recruit

Lindy’s National No. 53 Recruit

Lindy’s ACC No. 11 Recruit

Quadree Henderson—All-Purpose

Athlon All-American (third team, AP)

Phil Steele All-American (first team, KR)

Phil Steele All-American (second team, PR)

Street & Smith’s All-American (first

team, KR)

Athlon All-ACC (first team, KR)

Athlon All-ACC (second team, AP/PR)

Lindy’s Nation’s No. 2 All-Purpose

Lindy’s ACC’s “Special Teams Demon”

Lindy’s All-ACC (first team, AP)

Phil Steele All-ACC (first team, KR/PR)

Phil Steele All-ACC (second team, WR)

Street & Smith’s ACC’s “Most Elusive”

Oluwaseun Idowu—Linebacker

Phil Steele All-ACC (fourth team)

Avonte Maddox—Cornerback


Alex Officer—Offensive Guard

Athlon All-ACC (second team)

Qadree Ollison—Running Back


Lindy’s All-ACC (third team)

Phil Steele All-ACC (second team)

Brian O’Neill—Offensive Tackle

Athlon All-American (third team)

Athlon All-ACC (first team)

Lindy’s ACC’s “Best Run Blocker”

Lindy’s All-ACC (first team)

Phil Steele All-ACC (first team)

Street & Smith’s All-ACC

Jester Weah—Wide Receiver



Jordan Whitehead—Safety

Athlon All-American (fourth team)

Athlon All-ACC (second team)

Lindy’s Nation’s No. 6 Safety

Lindy’s All-ACC (second team)

Phil Steele All-ACC (second team)

Lott IMPACT Trophy Watch List

Honors listing as of June 22, 2017


2017 ROSTER

NO. NAME POSITION2 Maurice Ffrench DB/WR3 Ben DiNucci QB 3(D) Damar Hamlin DB4 Max Browne QB4(D) Therran Coleman DB5 Tre Tipton WR5(D) Kam Carter DL6 Aaron Mathews WR7 Thomas MacVittie QB7(D) Henry Miller DB8 Dewayne Hendrix DL8(D) Kenny Pickett QB9 Jordan Whitehead DB9(D) Michael Smith WR10 Quadree Henderson WR10(D) Keyshon Camp DL11 Dane Jackson DB11(D) Ruben Flowers III WR12 Paris Ford DB14 Avonte Maddox DB15 Jason Pinnock DB16 Damarri Mathis DB17 Rashad Weaver DL18 Ryan Winslow P19 Charles Reeves Jr. TE19(D) Jake Zilinskas QB20 Dennis Briggs DB21 Malik Henderson DB21(D) A.J. Davis RB22 Darrin Hall RB23 Oluwaseun Idowu LB23(D) Todd Sibley Jr. RB24 Phil Campbell DB 25 Elijah Zeise LB26 Chawntez Moss RB27 Bricen Garner DB 28 Anthony McKee Jr. LB30 Albert Tucker LB31 Kaezon Pugh DL32 Phillipie Motley DB34 Amir Watts DL34(D) Mark Bernsdorff WR35 George Aston FB35(D) Rob Boatright DB36 Chase Pine LB36(D) Shawn Wood RB37 Qadree Ollison RB38 Cam Bright LB39 Saleem Brightwell LB39(D) Kyle Vreen RB40 James Folston Jr. DL40(D) Colton Lively FB41 Jalen Williams LB43 Jazzee Stocker DB 44 Elias Reynolds LB45 Devon Edwards TE46 Rimoni Dorsey DB46(D) Michael Vardzel WR 47 Kyle Nunn LB48 Kellen McAlone WR48(D) Peyton Deri LB

ALPHABETICAL ROSTER

NO. NAME POS. CL. HT. WT. HOMETOWN/HIGH SCHOOL/LAST SCHOOL61 Cal Adomitis LS FR 6-1 210 Pittsburgh, PA/Pittsburgh Central Catholic97 Deslin Alexandre DL FR 6-4 255 Pompano Beach, FL/Deerfield Beach

82 Rafael Araujo-Lopes* WR JR* 5-9 190 Kissimmee, FL/Winter Park/Reedley (CA)35 George Aston** FB JR* 6-0 245 Stephens City, VA/Sherando34(D) Mark Bernsdorff WR SR 5-11 195 Sylvania, OH/Sylvania Northview/Wheaton (IL)92 Rori Blair*** DL SR 6-4 240 Pittsburgh, PA/Upper St. Clair35(D) Rob Boatright DB SR* 5-10 190 Clairton, PA/Clairton/Bluefield College (VA)78 Alex Bookser** OL JR* 6-6 315 Pittsburgh, PA/Mt. Lebanon81 Nathan Bossory TE SR 6-3 240 Chelsea, MI/Chelsea/Air Force50 Conrad Brake LS FR* 6-0 230 Rochester, NY/Aquinas Institute20 Dennis Briggs** DB JR* 5-10 195 Wilkinsburg, PA/Shady Side Academy38 Cam Bright LB FR 6-0 210 Cleveland, OH/Park Crossing (AL)39 Saleem Brightwell* LB SO* 6-0 220 Paterson, NJ/Paramus Catholic4 Max Browne QB SR* 6-5 230 Sammamish, WA/Skyline/USC80 Dontavius Butler-Jenkins WR FR 6-0 205 Hallandale, FL/American Heritage School10(D) Keyshon Camp DL FR* 6-4 290 Lakeland, FL/Lake Gibson24 Phil Campbell DB FR* 6-1 195 Kendall Park, NJ/South Brunswick84 Grant Carrigan TE FR 6-7 275 Wexford, PA/Pine-Richland5(D) Kam Carter DL SO 6-4 295 Germantown, MD/Gaithersburg/East Mississippi C.C.98(D) Kirk Christodoulou P FR 6-1 215 Melbourne, Australia/Balwyn87 Chris Clark TE SO* 6-6 260 Ridgewood, NJ/Avon Old Farms (CT)/UCLA4(D) Therran Coleman DB FR* 6-0 195 Pittsburgh, PA/Brashear21(D) A.J. Davis RB FR 6-0 205 Lakeland, FL/Lakeland48(D) Peyton Deri LB FR* 6-1 225 North Huntingdon, PA/Norwin86(D) Julian Desire’ DL FR* 6-3 215 Uniondale, NY/Uniondale76 Connor Dintino** OL JR* 6-3 315 Mashpee, MA/Choate Rosemary Hall (CT)3 Ben DiNucci QB SO* 6-2 220 Wexford, PA/Pine-Richland46 Rimoni Dorsey DB SO* 6-0 195 Richmond, VA/Trinity Episcopal School74 Jerry Drake Jr. OL FR 6-5 315 Palm Beach Gardens, FL/Palm Beach Gardens60 Owen Drexel OL FR 6-3 270 Montclair, NJ/Montclair96 Allen Edwards* DL SR* 6-4 255 Miami, FL/Immaculata-La Salle/Dean (MA)45 Devon Edwards** TE SR* 6-4 275 Columbus, OH/Eastmoor Academy2 Maurice Ffrench* DB/WR SO 5-11 190 New Brunswick, NJ/New Brunswick88 Matt Flanagan TE SR* 6-6 260 Chester, NJ/West Morris Mendham/Rutgers11(D) Ruben Flowers III WR FR* 6-3 205 Lima, OH/Lima Senior40 James Folston Jr.** DL JR* 6-4 250 Cocoa, FL/Cocoa56 Brandon Ford OL FR* 6-5 310 Pittsburgh, PA/Upper St. Clair12 Paris Ford DB FR 6-0 175 Pittsburgh, PA/Steel Valley27 Bricen Garner DB FR* 6-1 180 Pittsburgh, PA/Pittsburgh Central Catholic22 Darrin Hall** RB JR 5-11 220 Youngstown, OH/Austintown Fitch3(D) Damar Hamlin DB SO 6-1 190 McKees Rocks, PA/Pittsburgh Central Catholic71 Bryce Hargrove OL FR* 6-4 310 Akron, OH/Coventry21 Malik Henderson DB SO* 6-0 190 Plantation, FL/Hallandale10 Quadree Henderson** WR JR 5-8 190 Wilmington, DE/Alexis I. du Pont8 Dewayne Hendrix DL JR* 6-4 260 O’Fallon, IL/O’Fallon Twp./Tennessee66 Mike Herndon** DL JR* 6-4 310 Greenville, VA/Riverheads62 Robert Hill LS SO 5-11 210 Raleigh, NC/Sanderson/Tulsa57 Gabe Houy OL FR 6-6 280 Pittsburgh, PA/Upper St. Clair23 Oluwaseun Idowu** LB JR* 6-0 225 Wexford, PA/North Allegheny11 Dane Jackson* DB SO* 6-0 180 Coraopolis, PA/Cornell (Quaker Valley)91 Patrick Jones II DL FR* 6-5 245 Chesapeake, VA/Grassfield55 Jaryd Jones-Smith** OL SR* 6-7 320 Camden, NJ/West Catholic (PA)97(D) Alex Kessman PK FR* 6-3 190 Clarkston, MI/Clarkston40(D) Colton Lively* FB SR* 6-0 235 Lake Dallas, TX/Lake Dallas

NUMERICAL ROSTER


2017 ROSTER

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NO. NAME POSITION49 Erik Sellers FB49(D) Ian Troost PK50 Conrad Brake LS51 Jim Medure LB53 Brian Popp LB54 Justin Morgan OL55 Jaryd Jones-Smith OL55(D) Jaylen Twyman DL56 Brandon Ford OL57 Gabe Houy OL58 Quintin Wirginis LB59 Tony Pilato OL60 Owen Drexel OL61 Cal Adomitis LS62 Robert Hill LS63 Alex Officer OL66 Mike Herndon DL67 Jimmy Morrissey OL70 Brian O’Neill OL71 Bryce Hargrove OL72 Carson Van Lynn OL74 Jerry Drake Jr. OL 76 Connor Dintino OL77 Carter Warren OL78 Alex Bookser OL80 Dontavius Butler-Jenkins WR81 Nathan Bossory TE82 Rafael Araujo-Lopes WR83 Darian Street WR84 Grant Carrigan TE 85 Jester Weah WR86 Tyler Sear TE86(D) Julian Desire’ DL87 Chris Clark TE88 Matt Flanagan TE90 Rashad Wheeler DL91 Patrick Jones II DL92 Rori Blair DL93 Shane Roy DL96 Allen Edwards DL97 Deslin Alexandre DL97(D) Alex Kessman PK98 DeAndre Schifino TE98(D) Kirk Christodoulou P

NO. NAME POS. CL. HT. WT. HOMETOWN/HIGH SCHOOL/LAST SCHOOL7 Thomas MacVittie QB FR* 6-5 225 Cincinnati, OH/Moeller14 Avonte Maddox*** DB SR 5-9 180 Detroit, MI/Martin Luther King6 Aaron Mathews* WR SO 6-4 205 Clairton, PA/Clairton16 Damarri Mathis DB FR 5-11 185 Lakeland, FL/Lakeland48 Kellen McAlone** WR JR* 6-2 205 Dallas, TX/Jesuit College Preparatory School28 Anthony McKee Jr. LB SO* 6-2 215 Columbus, OH/Marion-Franklin51 Jim Medure LB SO* 6-2 225 New Castle, PA/Neshannock7(D) Henry Miller DB FR* 6-3 205 Kissimmee, FL/Gateway54 Justin Morgan OL FR* 6-6 350 Bronx, NY/Poly Prep Country Day School67 Jimmy Morrissey OL FR* 6-3 295 Huntingdon Valley, PA/La Salle College H.S.26 Chawntez Moss* RB SO 5-11 210 Bedford, OH/Bedford32 Phillipie Motley** DB JR* 5-10 175 Columbus, OH/Hilliard Davidson 47 Kyle Nunn LB FR 6-3 200 Findlay, OH/Findlay63 Alex Officer*** OL SR* 6-4 340 Rochester, NY/Eastridge37 Qadree Ollison** RB JR* 6-2 230 Niagara Falls, NY/Canisius70 Brian O’Neill** OL JR* 6-6 305 Wilmington, DE/Salesianum School8(D) Kenny Pickett QB FR 6-2 215 Oakhurst, NJ/Ocean Township59 Tony Pilato OL SO* 6-5 320 Greensburg, PA/Hempfield Area36 Chase Pine LB FR* 6-2 240 Williamsburg, VA/Lafayette15 Jason Pinnock DB FR 6-0 190 Windsor, CT/Windsor53 Brian Popp LB JR* 6-0 235 Loveland, OH/Loveland31 Kaezon Pugh DL FR* 6-1 250 Aliquippa, PA/Aliquippa19 Charles Reeves Jr. TE FR 6-5 280 Steubenville, OH/Steubenville44 Elias Reynolds LB FR* 6-2 235 Brooklyn, NY/Poly Prep Country Day School93 Shane Roy* DL JR* 6-4 280 Reading, OH/Reading98 DeAndre Schifino TE SO* 6-2 240 Penn Hills, PA/Penn Hills86 Tyler Sear TE FR 6-4 245 New Castle, PA/Neshannock49 Erik Sellers FB SO* 6-1 235 Clearfield, PA/Clearfield Area23(D) Todd Sibley Jr. RB FR 5-9 215 Akron, OH/Archbishop Hoban9(D) Michael Smith WR FR 6-1 205 Vero Beach, FL/Vero Beach Senior43 Jazzee Stocker* DB SO* 6-2 190 Coatesville, PA/Coatesville Area83 Darian Street WR FR 6-1 180 Bethlehem, PA/Liberty5 Tre Tipton** WR SO* 6-0 190 Apollo, PA/Apollo-Ridge49(D) Ian Troost PK JR 6-6 200 Portsmouth, NH/Portsmouth30 Albert Tucker LB FR 6-1 210 Plantation, FL/St. Thomas Aquinas55(D) Jaylen Twyman DL FR 6-2 315 Washington D.C./H.D. Woodson72 Carson Van Lynn OL FR 6-5 255 Worthington, OH/Worthington Kilbourne46(D) Michael Vardzel WR FR* 5-11 190 Charleston, SC/Wando39(D) Kyle Vreen RB FR* 5-10 190 Aliquippa, PA/Central Valley77 Carter Warren OL FR 6-5 325 Paterson, NJ/Passaic Tech34 Amir Watts* DL SO 6-3 285 Chicago, IL/Wendell Phillips Academy 85 Jester Weah*** WR SR* 6-3 210 Madison, WI/Madison Memorial17 Rashad Weaver DL FR* 6-5 265 Fort Lauderdale, FL/Cooper City90 Rashad Wheeler DL FR* 6-3 290 Pittsburgh, PA/Pittsburgh Central Catholic9 Jordan Whitehead** DB JR 5-11 195 Aliquippa, PA/Central Valley41 Jalen Williams LB JR* 6-2 215 Newburgh, NY/Newburgh Free Academy18 Ryan Winslow*** P SR* 6-6 225 Maple Glen, PA/La Salle College H.S.58 Quintin Wirginis*** LB SR 6-2 245 Pittsburgh, PA/Fox Chapel36(D) Shawn Wood RB FR* 6-0 210 New Castle, DE/William Penn/Jireh Prep (NC)25 Elijah Zeise* LB JR* 6-2 230 Pittsburgh, PA/North Allegheny19(D) Jake Zilinskas QB SO 6-2 210 Indiana, PA/Indiana

* following name denotes letters earned * following class denotes redshirt season (D) denotes duplicate number

ALPHABETICAL ROSTER (continued) NUMERICAL ROSTER (continued)

(D) denotes duplicate number


GEOGRAPHIC ROSTERPENNSYLVANIA (34)Cal Adomitis Pittsburgh, PA/Pittsburgh Central CatholicRori Blair Pittsburgh, PA/Upper St. ClairRob Boatright Clairton, PA/Clairton/Bluefield College (VA)Alex Bookser Pittsburgh, PA/Mt. LebanonDennis Briggs Wilkinsburg, PA/Shady Side AcademyGrant Carrigan Wexford, PA/Pine-RichlandTherran Coleman Pittsburgh, PA/BrashearPeyton Deri North Huntingdon, PA/NorwinBen DiNucci Wexford, PA/Pine-RichlandBrandon Ford Pittsburgh, PA/Upper St. ClairParis Ford Pittsburgh, PA/Steel ValleyBricen Garner Pittsburgh, PA/Pittsburgh Central CatholicDamar Hamlin McKees Rocks, PA/Pittsburgh Central CatholicGabe Houy Pittsburgh, PA/Upper St. ClairOluwaseun Idowu Wexford, PA/North AlleghenyDane Jackson Coraopolis, PA/Cornell (Quaker Valley)Aaron Mathews Clairton, PA/ClairtonJim Medure New Castle, PA/NeshannockJimmy Morrissey Huntingdon Valley, PA/La Salle College H.S.Tony Pilato Greensburg, PA/Hempfield AreaKaezon Pugh Aliquippa, PA/AliquippaDeAndre Schifino Penn Hills, PA/Penn HillsTyler Sear New Castle, PA/NeshannockErik Sellers Clearfield, PA/Clearfield AreaJazzee Stocker Coatesville, PA/Coatesville AreaDarian Street Bethlehem, PA/LibertyTre Tipton Apollo, PA/Apollo-RidgeKyle Vreen Aliquippa, PA/Central ValleyRashad Wheeler Pittsburgh, PA/Pittsburgh Central CatholicJordan Whitehead Aliquippa, PA/Central ValleyRyan Winslow Maple Glen, PA/La Salle College H.S.Quintin Wirginis Pittsburgh, PA/Fox ChapelElijah Zeise Pittsburgh, PA/North AlleghenyJake Zilinskas Indiana, PA/Indiana

OHIO (16)Mark Bernsdorff Sylvania, OH/Sylvania Northview/Wheaton (IL)Cam Bright Cleveland, OH/Park Crossing (AL)Devon Edwards Columbus, OH/Eastmoor AcademyRuben Flowers III Lima, OH/Lima SeniorDarrin Hall Youngstown, OH/Austintown FitchBryce Hargrove Akron, OH/CoventryThomas MacVittie Cincinnati, OH/MoellerAnthony McKee Jr. Columbus, OH/Marion-FranklinChawntez Moss Bedford, OH/BedfordPhillipie Motley Columbus, OH/Hilliard Davidson Kyle Nunn Findlay, OH/FindlayBrian Popp Loveland, OH/LovelandCharles Reeves Jr. Steubenville, OH/SteubenvilleShane Roy Reading, OH/ReadingTodd Sibley Jr. Akron, OH/Archbishop HobanCarson Van Lynn Worthington, OH/Worthington Kilbourne

FLORIDA (14)Deslin Alexandre Pompano Beach, FL/Deerfield BeachRafael Araujo-Lopes Kissimmee, FL/Winter Park/Reedley (CA)Dontavius Butler-Jenkins Hallandale, FL/American Heritage SchoolKeyshon Camp Lakeland, FL/Lake GibsonA.J. Davis Lakeland, FL/LakelandJerry Drake Jr. Palm Beach Gardens, FL/Palm Beach GardensAllen Edwards Miami, FL/Immaculata-La Salle/Dean (MA)James Folston Jr. Cocoa, FL/CocoaMalik Henderson Plantation, FL/HallandaleDamarri Mathis Lakeland, FL/LakelandHenry Miller Kissimmee, FL/GatewayMichael Smith Vero Beach, FL/Vero Beach SeniorAlbert Tucker Plantation, FL/St. Thomas AquinasRashad Weaver Fort Lauderdale, FL/Cooper City

NEW JERSEY (9)Saleem Brightwell Paterson, NJ/Paramus CatholicPhil Campbell Kendall Park, NJ/South BrunswickChris Clark Ridgewood, NJ/Avon Old Farms (CT)/UCLAOwen Drexel Montclair, NJ/MontclairMaurice Ffrench New Brunswick, NJ/New BrunswickMatt Flanagan Chester, NJ/West Morris Mendham/RutgersJaryd Jones-Smith Camden, NJ/West Catholic (PA)Kenny Pickett Oakhurst, NJ/Ocean TownshipCarter Warren Paterson, NJ/Passaic Tech

NEW YORK (7)Conrad Brake Rochester, NY/Aquinas InstituteJulian Desire’ Uniondale, NY/UniondaleJustin Morgan Bronx, NY/Poly Prep Country Day SchoolAlex Officer Rochester, NY/EastridgeQadree Ollison Niagara Falls, NY/CanisiusElias Reynolds Brooklyn, NY/Poly Prep Country Day SchoolJalen Williams Newburgh, NY/Newburgh Free Academy

VIRGINIA (5)George Aston Stephens City, VA/SherandoRimoni Dorsey Richmond, VA/Trinity Episcopal SchoolMike Herndon Greenville, VA/RiverheadsPatrick Jones II Chesapeake, VA/GrassfieldChase Pine Williamsburg, VA/Lafayette

DELAWARE (3)Quadree Henderson Wilmington, DE/Alexis I. du PontBrian O’Neill Wilmington, DE/Salesianum SchoolShawn Wood New Castle, DE/William Penn/Jireh Prep (NC)

MICHIGAN (3)Nathan Bossory Chelsea, MI/Chelsea/Air ForceAlex Kessman Clarkston, MI/ClarkstonAvonte Maddox Detroit, MI/Martin Luther King

ILLINOIS (2)Dewayne Hendrix O’Fallon, IL/O’Fallon Twp./TennesseeAmir Watts Chicago, IL/Wendell Phillips Academy

TEXAS (2)Colton Lively Lake Dallas, TX/Lake DallasKellen McAlone Dallas, TX/Jesuit College Preparatory School


GEOGRAPHIC ROSTER | CLASS BREAKDOWN

2016 SEASON

MEDIA

PREVIEWSTAFF

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FIFTH-YEAR SENIORS (10)Rob Boatright DBMax Browne QBAllen Edwards* DLDevon Edwards** TEMatt Flanagan TEJaryd Jones-Smith** OLColton Lively* FBAlex Officer*** OLJester Weah*** WRRyan Winslow*** P

SENIORS (5)Mark Bernsdorff WRRori Blair*** DLNathan Bossory TEAvonte Maddox*** DBQuintin Wirginis*** LB

REDSHIRT JUNIORS (17)Rafael Araujo-Lopes* WRGeorge Aston** FBAlex Bookser** OLDennis Briggs** DBConnor Dintino** OLJames Folston Jr.** DLDewayne Hendrix DLMike Herndon** DLOluwaseun Idowu** LBKellen McAlone** WRPhillipie Motley** DBQadree Ollison** RBBrian O’Neill** OLBrian Popp LBShane Roy* DLJalen Williams LBElijah Zeise* LB

JUNIORS (4)Darrin Hall** RBQuadree Henderson** WRIan Troost PKJordan Whitehead** DB

REDSHIRT SOPHOMORES (13)Saleem Brightwell* LBChris Clark TEBen DiNucci QBRimoni Dorsey DBMalik Henderson DBDane Jackson* DBAnthony McKee Jr. LBJim Medure LBTony Pilato OLDeAndre Schifino TEErik Sellers FBJazzee Stocker* DBTre Tipton** WR

SOPHOMORES (8)Kam Carter DLMaurice Ffrench* DB/WRDamar Hamlin DBRobert Hill LSAaron Mathews* WRChawntez Moss* RBAmir Watts* DLJake Zilinskas QB

REDSHIRT FRESHMEN (24)Conrad Brake LSKeyshon Camp DLPhil Campbell DB Therran Coleman DBPeyton Deri LBJulian Desire’ DLRuben Flowers III WRBrandon Ford OLBricen Garner DBBryce Hargrove OLPatrick Jones II DLAlex Kessman PKThomas MacVittie QBHenry Miller DBJustin Morgan OLJimmy Morrissey OLChase Pine LBKaezon Pugh DLElias Reynolds LBMichael Vardzel WRKyle Vreen RBRashad Weaver DLRashad Wheeler DLShawn Wood RB

FRESHMEN (24)Cal Adomitis LSDeslin Alexandre DLCam Bright LBDontavius Butler-Jenkins WRGrant Carrigan TEKirk Christodoulou PA.J. Davis RBJerry Drake Jr. OLOwen Drexel OLParis Ford DBGabe Houy OLDamarri Mathis DBKyle Nunn LBKenny Pickett QBJason Pinnock DBCharles Reeves Jr. TETyler Sear TETodd Sibley Jr. RBMichael Smith WRDarian Street WRAlbert Tucker LBJaylen Twyman DLCarson Van Lynn OLCarter Warren OL

AUSTRALIA (1)Kirk Christodoulou Melbourne, Australia/Balwyn

CONNECTICUT (1)Jason Pinnock Windsor, CT/Windsor

DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA (1)Jaylen Twyman Washington D.C./H.D. Woodson

MARYLAND (1)Kam Carter Germantown, MD/Gaithersburg/ East Mississippi C.C.MASSACHUSETTS (1)Connor Dintino Mashpee, MA/Choate Rosemary Hall (CT)

NEW HAMPSHIRE (1)Ian Troost Portsmouth, NH/Portsmouth

NORTH CAROLINA (1)Robert Hill Raleigh, NC/Sanderson/Tulsa

SOUTH CAROLINA (1)Michael Vardzel Charleston, SC/Wando

WASHINGTON (1)Max Browne Sammamish, WA/Skyline/USC

WISCONSIN (1)Jester Weah Madison, WI/Madison Memorial

* following name denotes letters earned

CLASS BREAKDOWN

PRONUNCIATION GUIDECal Adomitis ..........................................................................adam-eye-tisDeslin Alexandre .....................................................................alex-an-drayRafael Araujo-Lopes ...............ah-roo-joe (last name rhymes with “ropes”)Kirk Christodoulou ...............................................................christo-doo-louTherran Coleman ........................................................................ THERE-un Julian Desire’ ..............................................................................dez-er-rayConnor Dintino ......................................................................... din-TEE-no Rimoni Dorsey ....................................................................... ra-mon-knee Devon Edwards ................................................................................. devin Bricen Garner ................................................................................. bri-sen Malik Henderson ...........................................................................ma-leek Gabe Houy ............................................................................................. hoyOluwaseun Idowu ...............................................................EYE-dough-woo (prefers to be called Seun, rhymes with “Shawn”) Jaryd Jones-Smith ...........................................................................jair-rid Thomas MacVittie..................................................................... mac-vit-tee Avonte Maddox ........................................................................ ah-VON-tay Chawntez Moss .......................................................................... shawn-tez Phillipie Motley ....................................................................... phil-leap-pe Qadree Ollison ............................................................................. quad-dreTony Pilato ............................................................................... pill-lah-tow Kaezon Pugh ..................................................................................kay-zonJazzee Stocker ..................................................................................... jazzyTre Tipton .............................................................................................tray Amir Watts ...................................................................................ah-mirror Jester Weah ...................................................................................... WE-uh Quintin Wirginis ........................................................................ were-JIN-is Jake Zilinskas ...........................................................................za-lin-skasElijah Zeise ..........................................................zice (rhymes with “rice”)

Documents

PEIE THE OFFENSE WIDE RECEIVERS QUARTERBACKS · 14 15PITT FOOTBALL MEDIA GUIDE PEIE THE OFFENSE ... second only to the legendary Tony Dorsett in ... Junior Oluwaseun Idowu returns