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August 5, 2013

Chryst Year 2: Camp Prelude

Filed under: Football,Players — Chas @ 9:09 am

Camp opens tomorrow for Pitt football. Today is generally a minor media day.

So, why not start with the position everyone will be watching intently: quarterback.

There are plenty of questions at various positions. God, are there questions. There can be a case made for the importance of various other spots, but in modern football it is foolish (or Wannstedtian) to pretend that the QB spot isn’t the most important position.

It’s the center of the offense. He helps to dictate the pace of offense, which in turn influences how long the defense is on the sideline resting. It’s not that you can win without good skill players, strong lines and all the other parts. But any one of those can be papered over a little more than if you don’t have a good QB.

Officially, this is still an open competition between Tom Savage and Chad Voytik. You will not get Coach Paul Chryst or QB Coach Brooks Bollinger to say anything to contrary.

Unofficially, it is anything but. Going all the way back to the end of spring and the Blue-Gold scrimmage.

Savage, who has been practicing with the first team all spring, played three series and sat out the entire second half.

Voytik, meanwhile, got eight series, including several with the first team, and looked like a quarterback intent on competing for the starting job.

In front of 3,642 fans at Bethel Park High School, Voytik finished 27 of 33 for 358 yards and three touchdowns. In limited action, Savage connected on 6 of 11 for 80 yards.

Chryst said the plan going in was to limit Savage to three or four series, since the fifth-year senior had received the bulk of the first-team work in Pitt’s spring practices to this point.

“[Our goal was to] just give [Chad] snaps,” Chryst said. “I didn’t care if it was [with the] ones or twos, just give Chad a lot of work.

“Tommy’s done a lot of good things this spring. We like where he’s at and just thought it’d be good for Chad to get some good work tonight.”

Yeah, there was nothing to read into things. And as well as Voytik played, it was still an incomplete evaluation when four members of the 1st team defense (Aaron Donald, Jason Hendricks, Shane Gordon and Ray Vinopal) didn’t play in the game.

And of course the QBs weren’t admitting a decision has been made.

“I’ve never really thought it was over,” [Voytik] said. “I’m doing everything I can. We are all working together. It’s been good for all of us.”

He believes he is improving.

“The reads are starting to come to me a lot better,” he said. “But I have a lot of work to do.”

That was the theme back in the spring. That grizzled Savage was about knocking the rust off on his last chance while young Voytik was itching to begin his reign.

Voytik describes the competition as “unique.”

“(Savage) has had more background,” he said. “He’s already played in some college games, had more time to learn the game. But as far as the (Pitt) offense goes, we are going through it together We both help each other out.”

Voytik has four years of eligibility remaining and may enter another competition next year with freshman Tra Chapman. Savage is in his last year.

“I don’t have time on my side,” he said.

He points to Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson, who transferred in 2011 from North Carolina State to Wisconsin and flourished in one season under Chryst, who was the Badgers’ offensive coordinator.

In a conversation with former Pitt quarterback Pat Bostick, who is part of the game-day broadcast team, Savage said he admires what Wilson accomplished at Wisconsin.

“If he can do it in one year, so can I,” he said.

The other advantage working for Savage, is that last year he at least got to run the scout team. So he at least got more action in practice going against the defense.

Voytik credited a good deal of his growth to the redshirt he took.

“When I came in, you’re thinking ‘Compete, compete,’ ” Voytik said. “You’re going to do all that you can, but realistically there was a redshirt senior [Tino Sunseri] who had started for [two] years, so you don’t come in thinking, ‘I should have the job.’ You have to be realistic with yourself and don’t let that limit the work that you put in, but just let it push you even harder. Throughout fall camp, you realize what it’s heading toward, but I try not to let that affect my work ethic.”

Looking back, Voytik said he appreciated the year off. With Savage serving as the scout-team quarterback, Voytik was able to work with Pitt’s playbook and learn Pitt’s offensive playbook.

Even though he was originally recruited by former Pitt coach Todd Graham to play in his spread offense, Voytik said he has gotten comfortable with Chryst’s pro-style system.

“Of course everyone wants to play, but [the redshirt year] was good for me,” Voytik said. “I feel like I made the most of that time and it really helped me as a player, especially in this offense, there’s a lot to take in. If there’s a system to redshirt in, I feel like this is a good one.”

Back in the spring, Savage said about his final year: “I don’t have time on my side.” Now, he’s trying not to sound quite so desperate with regards to a window.

Even with only one year of eligibility, Savage doesn’t view this season as the window closing.

“I can’t look at it that way,” he said. “Everything is a blessing right now. It is very, very rare for a kid to transfer twice and end up at a dominant school.

Still…

“I have to play like I have nothing to lose. I can’t play timid.”

Now back to reality. Barring injury, Tom Savage is going to be the starting QB.

During ACC media days last month in Greensboro, N.C., senior receiver Devin Street praised Savage as if the decision had been made.

“Tom has been working his tail off this summer,” Street said. “I can’t say enough about Tom.”

What Voytik has done is pushed Savage. Voytik has added mass, while Savage has been slimming down. In the Pitt media guide the “preseason depth chart” (PDF, pg. 15) Savage is listed ahead of Voytik. There is no “or.”

The only question regarding Voytik is how much and when will get some playing time.

This is Savage’s final go and he should play with some edge of desperation. At the same time, Voytik — more so than in the spring — is vital to Pitt and Chryst’s tenure.

Barring a huge 5th year senior transfer or a stud JUCO, Voytik is going to be the starting QB in the following year. It will be imperative for Chryst to manage working Voytik into games for some experience. To get a better idea of what he can (and cannot) do at the 1-A level.

It isn’t an easy balancing act. You can’t just put him in there to mop-up and hand-off at the end of games. At the same time no coach wants to create a controversy.

For the development of Voytik there are two games that really matter. New Mexico and Old Dominion. These are the easiest games on the schedule. They are at home. Realistically the only two games on the schedule where you can look at them and think that they could be over by halftime — in a good way.

These are the games where Voytik has the best chance of playing for at least a solid quarter without real controversy happening. To have that occur, though, Pitt needs to put those games out of reach early and decisively.





It seems like a really good situation with the only negative being Savage’s rust (no real game PT for a few years.) He does have all the tools and should have a wealth of knowledge … and he knows that he needs to work hard to have any chance of the NFL.

Voytik will still have 3 years eligibility after this year, has a strong arm and should have two years in the SAME system before assuming the starting role next year.

Comment by wbb 08.05.13 @ 9:32 am

Sorry, Manziel dominating college football headlines.
But, if NCAA suspend Manziel for signing autographs for money. Expect a huge lawsuit by Manziel and perhaps even class-action. Expect the Top 5 football conferences who want to pay players to make noise also.
I don’t see the problem with Manziel making money for signing autographs.
I also don’t see a problem with them selling their own rings and things they got as momento’s. ie. Pryor and others.

Comment by Pitt.Dan83 08.05.13 @ 9:37 am

Read Savage lost weight. From 250 to 225#.
That is a good thing.
In one of those video’s on pitt website, he was huffing and puffing. He noted in the interview the coaches said he was gasping for air. Translation, he was out of shape and told to get in shape.

Comment by Pitt.Dan83 08.05.13 @ 9:39 am

250? Jamarcus?

he did look fat as hell with that GoPro helmet cam in the spring. Im sure we’ll have stellar pass protection for him.

Comment by Yup 08.05.13 @ 10:05 am

It would be advised to get Voytik as many snaps as possible with the first teamers in camp.

While Savage does have a stronger arm as noted he hasn’t played a real down in a real game since 2010. He wasn’t exactly lighting it up in 2010 either. Which led to his transferring out.

He couldn’t reclaim his lost job (due to injury) against one Chas Dodd. Dodd wasn’t exactly that good himself as he lost his job to former Wannstedt recruit, Gary Nova who was a true freshman that year.

And we saw how bad Nova was last year in one of of the few games(a Pitt stomping) we had an advantage at QB. Nova threw 6 picks in another game last year.

In my mind, the only way one gets better is thru more competition and playing in games. Even, you know who, got slightly better last year (or maybe it was the lame schedule). Savage while he might have all the tools (which he did coming out of Cardinal O’Hara HS) hasn’t had any real game competition for 3 years. Who’s to say he isn’t any better than he was in 2010 when he never could win back his job at Rutgers (to the likes of Chas Dodd).

Which ultimately led to him transferring out, since he obviously didn’t see himself beating out Chas Dodd or then Gary Nova. Not exactly two good D1 QB’s.

I don’t see why the job is being handed over to him quite frankly. Let’s see a real & fair competition for the starting QB this camp.

We all are kind of tired of the starting QB job……just being handed over to someone !!!

Let them compete for Chryst sake !

Comment by EMel 08.05.13 @ 10:13 am

And to add, if we’re going to go 5-7 or 6-6 which is more than likely. I think the Over/Under on Pitt is 5.5 wins.

Means no bowl or some, shall we say, less than stellar bowl game.

Wouldn’t it make sense to do that with a QB who then would use that experience gained this year, to make PITT a much better team next year.

Rather than to have to break in another new starting QB next year.

Which could then mean another 4-8 or 5-7 or 6-6 season.

Comment by EMel 08.05.13 @ 10:26 am

Ronald Jones & KK Smith out for this year.

Cannot use L. Pitts on Kickoffs..

Comment by Yup 08.05.13 @ 10:38 am

savage hasnt played a real down in a real game sience 2010. well voytik hasnt played a real down
ever.
so it must be savage who starts not voytik but voytik must get some snaps at times this year.

Comment by FRANKCAN 08.05.13 @ 2:22 pm

So it looks like Pitts or Tyler Boyd on KO returns. Good luck with that, gentleman!! Rev. George from Columbus

Comment by Rev. George Mehaffey 08.05.13 @ 4:15 pm

If the competition is even steven by the end of fall camp, I think that Savage should get the nod for the Florida State game. This game will be a test by fire for the QB, whoever he is, and I think that Savage will just be the more likely one to “survive” that game based on his maturity level and his previous game experience, even if it was years ago.

The test during that first game however should be a quick one. If Savage struggles, then I would give Voytik the same starting opportunity in game two against New Mexico State. There is a week lay off that would give Chad the chance to get a lot or reps in with the first team in practice leading up to that game. Once Voytik gets his starting chance in the sun then the coaching staff can assess both QBs accordingly going forward.

Needless to say, Savage has no future with the team past this year, so if Voytik rises to the occasion, I feel that you have to go with the future of the program so that he can get the essential experience necessary to mature into the QB that the staff is looking for in 2014.

Comment by Dr. Tom 08.05.13 @ 4:20 pm

Based on what I saw Boyd do in the big 33 game he should have a chance at playing some kick off returns, receiver and running back (in certain situations).

Hopefully he can put on a little weight and muscle. He has a chance to be a star. Very glad he picked Pitt. I wanted him if given a choice with Foster. Both would have been nice but …

Comment by Frank MD 08.05.13 @ 4:41 pm

Dr. Tom your comments are always cogent, witty and well-respected. That being said I have to disagree with your most recent. I think you have to give Savage a game against a mediocre opponent if he struggles against the vastly more talented Florida State defense. Now if he struggles against the likes of New Mexico state after a poor showing against the ‘Noles, then it is definitely time to pull the plug.

Comment by atlanta panther 08.05.13 @ 4:44 pm

I also ran across a nice free article on panther lair if you haven’t been over there lately check it out. Pretty detailed

link to pittsburgh.rivals.com

Comment by atlanta panther 08.05.13 @ 4:51 pm

Thanks Atlanta Panther, that was a good Panther link. The thing that jumps out at me is that we are going to be playing a lot of young people. Rise up and show your potential, or else it’s going to be a beat down this year, sorry to say.

Maybe I’m just a perpetual optimist, but I think that this year’s recruiting class is going to rise to the top at all of the positions of need. I’m feeling that wide receiver and running back will be handled by the younger guys, time will tell.

Comment by Dr. Tom 08.05.13 @ 5:20 pm

Anybody but Tino. That says it all.

Comment by Imma Man! Im 40! 08.05.13 @ 7:27 pm

For me it is a red flag that Savage was out of shape in the spring… this kid’s entire football career is on the line, he is here for 1 year… and he is out of shape heading into the Spring/Summer??

that is a head scratcher….

Comment by PittScript 08.06.13 @ 1:46 pm

@PittScript
Yep. that would lead one to question his commitment.

Agree with Doc Tom, FSU might chew up and spit out Voytik and Pitt as a whole. and his confidence would be shaken possibly. So therefore if the two are about equal coming out of camp, throw Savage in there as he’s only a 1 year rental player.

If it’s a real beatdown and Pitt is just overwhelmed, with the week off you get Voytik ready for New Mexico and the plan might be to play both of them. See who outperforms who.

And then go from there.

Comment by EMel 08.06.13 @ 2:30 pm

Look, the bottom line is Pitt needs to win some games this year and take a step forward. Chryst knows that and is going to play QB who gives him the best chance to do so.

More wins will bring better recruits. More wins will take some pressure of Chryst going into 2014. Imagine the heat he’s going to start to feel if he lugs back to back losing seasons into his third year, combined with questionable recruiting methods. He needs wins this year, doesn’t matter if they come from Savage or Voytik.

Comment by BostonsCommon 08.06.13 @ 8:17 pm

Regardless of the spring game stats for Voytik there really was a ‘real’ competition for the QB1 spot going into the 2013 training camp and Savage clearly won it. You could see it when watching the two practice and by the close of spring camp there was a reason the staff only had Savage play three series.

Voytik needs all the work he can get. I think PITT fans are expecting too much from a rsFR quarterback. Even very good ones will most often sit behind an upperclassman, which is what will happen this season.

We have to remember that Voytik was not a Chryst recruit and was recruited to PITT to fit into Graham’s system. I believe if Graham was still the HC in 2012 he would have started Voytik over Sunseri even as a true FR because Voytik perfectly fits that mold of an actual ‘running QB’ who can pass OK also.

Voytik has a future here at PITT and most probably as a starter next season bar the options Chas mentioned above. But he’s not ready to be a starter ahead of Savage this season.

If Savage stinks out the joint, specifically with numerous INTs at bad tomes we may see Voytik play more this year than I anticipate. But something like that has to happen for Voytik to get game snaps in the heat of competition and not just blow out wins.

Comment by Reed 08.07.13 @ 5:41 am

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