PITTSBURGH – Cam Lindsey is used to success.
A 3-year starter at perennial Pennsylvania soccer energy Aliquippa, Lindsey helped lead the Quips to a PIAA Class 4A championship in 2023. Taking part in on either side of the ball, Lindsey scored three touchdowns within the District 7 championship sport – a 39-yard fumble return landing and two dashing scores.
Maybe it’s no shock then that Lindsey is among the true freshmen who’ve caught coach Pat Narduzzi’s eye throughout Pitt’s coaching camp.
“At linebacker, I’ll let you know what, Cam Lindsey’s executed a pleasant job,” Narduzzi stated forward of Wednesday morning’s apply. “Davin (Brewton) and Cam Lindsey are the opposite guys who’re going to get on the sphere one way or the other, a way.”
Fairly spectacular contemplating the linebacking corps is already two-deep in any respect three positions.
Lindsey is sporting a number of “takeaway” stickers on his helmet, that are awarded to defensive gamers who create turnovers. He believes these turnovers have helped him stand out to Narduzzi.
“I obtained an interception the primary day (of camp),” Lindsey stated.
“They need us to punch the ball so much, so I undoubtedly try to get to the ball as a lot as attainable.”
Lindsey stated he’s primarily been working at star linebacker all through camp, however is open to shifting round to completely different spots if wanted. He additionally stated he’s greater than keen to play on particular groups to get on the sphere.
As for being observed by Narduzzi, a former linebacker and coach of the place, Lindsey stated, “That’s an excellent factor.
“It undoubtedly simply retains me heading in the right direction, retains me shifting ahead, conserving my head excessive.”
On the offensive facet of the ball, Narduzzi has had his eye on 6-foot-4, 225-pound true freshman tight finish Malachi Thomas.
“He’s executed an excellent job to date choosing up stuff,” Narduzzi stated. “He’s powerful. He’s bodily. I believe he’s going to be a particular soccer participant for us.”
Resulting from accidents within the tight finish room, Thomas obtained an opportunity to go in opposition to the first-team protection in apply.
“I made some performs on the first-team protection the primary day I obtained right here, and I’ve been making performs ever since, simply being constant,” Thomas stated.
Understanding that he might see the sphere early in his faculty profession has motivated Thomas.
“It’s nice,” Thomas stated. “It’s simply making me work tougher. Making me develop up and mature extra, so I can simply slot in that function.”
Thomas stated he brings so much to the offense.
“I convey blocking, soccer IQ, potential to catch the ball and get upfield,” Thomas stated.
His pass-catching potential is mirrored within the numbers he put up as a senior at Thomas County Central Excessive Faculty in Georgia. He averaged 18.1 yards per catch, and totaled 542 receiving yards and eight touchdowns – on the best way to a Class 6A championship.
Regardless of his gaudy numbers in highschool, Pitt was Thomas’ solely Energy 5 supply and he dedicated to this system with out ever visiting the campus or town – a call he doesn’t remorse.
“By no means seen (Pittsburgh), simply dedicated blindly,” Thomas stated. “Greatest resolution of my life, although. I like town. The town’s enjoyable, alive. I’m from the South.
“We don’t see tall buildings like this.”
One factor did shock him about his adopted metropolis.
“It’s very hilly in Pittsburgh,” Thomas stated. “I didn’t assume it was going to be like this, nevertheless it’s good.”
Amanda Filipcic-Godsey is a contract author in Pittsburgh. She covers Pittsburgh sports activities for CNHI Pa. newspapers. Observe her on Twitter @AmandaFGodsey.
Amanda Filipcic-Godsey is a contract author in Pittsburgh. She covers Pittsburgh sports activities for CNHI Pa. newspapers. Observe her on Twitter @AmandaFGodsey.
