Julian Dugger Presents Intriguing Quarterback Option for Pitt
p/c: Lucy Schaly - Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
Wednesday was National Letter of Intent Day across the college football landscape.
For Pitt head coach Pat Narduzzi, he officially received 19 commitments for the Class of 2024. Although Narduzzi got just one quarterback in the group, it’s a very interesting and very local kid - Julian Dugger.
On July 31st, Dugger made his decision to commit to the University of Pittsburgh, this after attending their football camp a month prior.
Both Rivals and 247 Sports have rated Dugger a three-star recruit. 247 specifically has him ranked as the 26th best QB in the state of Pennsylvania.
During his senior year at Penn Hills, Dugger threw for 1,646 yards, and 20 touchdowns, while racking up 776 yards on the ground. He led the Indians to the semifinals of the WPIAL Class 5A playoffs.
Dugger played forward on Penn Hills’ 2023 Class 5A championship basketball team, and also ran track & field.
Narduzzi said during his signing day press conference Wednesday that Dugger will be a mid-year enrollee, and added, "We're excited to get a Pittsburgh guy in our quarterback room."
New Pitt offensive coordinator Kade Bell likes to run an aggressive and fast-paced offense. While Dugger is considered raw, he’s got the potential to be a dynamic, dual-threat QB, which would seem to fit perfect in Bell’s offensive philosophy.
Nate Yarnell and Christian Veilleux are expected to battle for the starting job next season. However, it’s possible that Dugger could make some kind of impression in camp, for Bell to utilize him in certain packages.