Marvin Gentry – USA TODAY Sports
The Pitt Panthers have plenty of questions about their offense heading into the 2013 season. Who will be the quarterback? How will the running back depth shake out after Rushel Shell‘s transfer? Is there a No. 2 receiver to pair with Devin Street? Head coach Paul Chryst has his hands full trying to find the answers, but one area that he doesn’t have to worry is at tight end where J.P. Holtz returns for his sophomore season ready to become a major factor for the Panthers’ offense in 2013.
Holtz was forced into action during his freshman season in 2012 and turned in a strong showing for a player that was not really a primary option in the offense. He playing in all 13 games and caught 13 passes for 173 yards with three touchdowns. He averaged just one catch per game, but he is still the No. 2 returning receiver on the team for 2013 behind only Devin Street. That experience will likely earn him a lot more looks next fall and make him a featured part of the Pitt offense.
Chryst may be forced to expand Holtz’s role in the offense due to the lack of depth the Panthers currently has at the skill positions. Isaac Bennett has emerged as the No. 1 running back, but there isn’t much behind him and the receiving corps will have to lean on some inexperienced youth next season on the outside. With not much else to turn to, Pitt will need to lean on Holtz and the surprisingly deep tight end group as mainstays in the gameplan.
While Pitt figures out what they have with some of its inexperienced skill players, Holtz will be a steady option in the passing game while opening up holes in the running game, making him a key piece of the offense in 2013. Will he be enough to carry the Panthers to another bowl game next season?
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