Desmond Reid Adding Special Dynamic to Pitt Offense
p/c: Sebastian Foltz - Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
For head coach Pat Narduzzi, it was out with the old and in with the new - figuratively and literally.
Following the dismissal of offensive coordinator Frank Cignetti Jr, Narduzzi hired former Western Carolina OC Kade Bell, to fill the role, on December 10th.
A week after Bell was named the Pitt Panthers new offensive play caller, he helped lure transfer running back Desmond Reid to the school.
For Reid, he had played a significant role, in Western Carolina’s high-powered offense last year.
Reid, the 5’8, 175 pound junior, wasted little time making his presence felt. During Pitt’s season opener versus Kent State, Reid compiled 234 all-purpose yards, including 145 on the ground, and 78 on a punt return touchdown.
In the second week at Cincinnati, the Panthers pulled off an incredible comeback victory, 28-27. Reid played a vital role, as he rushed for 148 yards, while recording 106 receiving yards. In the process, he became the first RB in school history to have 100 rushing yards and 100 receiving yards in the same game.
The Backyard Brawl was a chance for Reid, to put his stamp on the rivalry. Although Reid’s overall stats weren’t the best against West Virginia, with 76 total yards, he still managed to record two key receiving touchdowns, in a 38-34 win.
Reid entered Saturday’s game versus North Carolina well-rested, this after not playing in the Youngstown State game, and having a bye week.
Facing the Tar Heels’ defense, Reid rushed for 55 yards, but it was his impact in the passing game yet again that made a difference, as he racked up 155 yards catching, which included a 2 yard touchdown reception from quarterback Eli Holstein. With a final score of 34-24, it was the Panthers’ first ever win in Chapel Hill, since joining the ACC in 2013.
Not since 1991 has Pitt football began a season 5-0. That year, Alex Van Pelt was the quarterback, Hall of Famer Curtis Martin occupied the backfield, former NFL head coach Jon Gruden was the team’s wide receivers coach, and Vanilla Ice became a hip hop sensation.
Through five games, the Panthers’ offense is averaging 41.1 points per game under Kade Bell.
Reid has not only continued to be a dynamic, all-around tailback collegiately, with more people starting to take notice, but he also has personified Bell’s fast, up-tempo style of offense that Narduzzi was hoping for, when he made the hire.