Werner: Thomas Could Play A Lot Against Florida State
PITTSBURGH (KDKA 93-7 The Fan)- The Pitt Panthers open their inaugural ACC season Labor Day night against Florida State at Heinz Field.
Four freshmen could be in the starting lineup.
Sam Werner of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette told Paul Zeise that it's a reflection of the Panthers' depth as well as players standing out.
"You look at a guy like Tyler Boyd, and obviously he came in (as a) four-star recruit," Werner said. "More importantly, Pitt just didn't have a whole lot coming back at wide receiver beyond Devin Street."
Werner added that at other positions, freshmen have had solid camps.
Linebacker Todd Thomas left the program briefly early in training camp before returning.
Thomas is currently listed with the second string, but Werner anticipates Thomas playing a lot against Florida State.
"I have a hard time envisioning a scenario where he's not on the field a lot against Florida State," Werner said. "At the end of the day, Paul Chryst is paid to win football games, and I don't see any way that Todd Thomas isn't one of Pitt's best three linebackers. He might even be their best linebacker in terms of a pure athleticism and talent standpoint."
Zeise asked Werner about how the Panthers inexperienced offensive line will fare against the Florida State front seven.
"It's going to be tough," Werner said. "I think Florida State is just sort of on a different level athletically than anything these guys have seen before."
