clock menu more-arrow no yes mobile

Filed under:

Pitt's Chad Voytik named Athlon Top 10 "Quarterback on the Rise"

By CardiacHill
Andrew Weber-USA TODAY Sports

For the second consecutive season, Pitt's football team will be breaking in a new quarterback. Last year it was Tom Savage - this season, presumably Chad Voytik.

The sample size of Voytik's playing career is pretty short. The bulk of his time really came in the bowl game against Bowling Green and even though it was only a half, he was impressive.

Voytik has a lot of potential and recently, Athlon named him one of their Top 10 quarterbacks on the rise:

Paul Chryst got a glimpse of the future when Tom Savage suffered an injury in the bowl win over Bowling Green. Pittsburgh’s offense didn’t miss a beat with Voytik at the controls, as the Panthers posted 13 points in the second half and punted only once on five drives. Voytik completed 5 of 9 passes for 108 yards against the Falcons and rushed for 24 yards on two attempts. The Tennessee native threw only 11 passes last season, but there’s no question about his talent, ranking as the No. 16 quarterback recruit in the 2012 signing class. As evidenced by his work at Wisconsin, Chryst knows how to develop quarterbacks and make the most out of his talent. Voytik has the talent and intangibles and should flourish under Chryst’s tutelage this season. And it certainly doesn’t hurt Voytik’s development that he will be throwing to standout receiver Tyler Boyd and protected by a line that returns four starters.

Paul Chryst got a glimpse of the future when Tom Savage suffered an injury in the bowl win over Bowling Green. Pittsburgh’s offense didn’t miss a beat with Voytik at the controls, as the Panthers posted 13 points in the second half and punted only once on five drives. Voytik completed 5 of 9 passes for 108 yards against the Falcons and rushed for 24 yards on two attempts. The Tennessee native threw only 11 passes last season, but there’s no question about his talent, ranking as the No. 16 quarterback recruit in the 2012 signing class. As evidenced by his work at Wisconsin, Chryst knows how to develop quarterbacks and make the most out of his talent. Voytik has the talent and intangibles and should flourish under Chryst’s tutelage this season. And it certainly doesn’t hurt Voytik’s development that he will be throwing to standout receiver Tyler Boyd and protected by a line that returns four starters. - See more at: http://athlonsports.com/college-football/college-footballs-top-10-quarterbacks-rise-2014#sthash.sZJmqbhC.dpuf
Paul Chryst got a glimpse of the future when Tom Savage suffered an injury in the bowl win over Bowling Green. Pittsburgh’s offense didn’t miss a beat with Voytik at the controls, as the Panthers posted 13 points in the second half and punted only once on five drives. Voytik completed 5 of 9 passes for 108 yards against the Falcons and rushed for 24 yards on two attempts. The Tennessee native threw only 11 passes last season, but there’s no question about his talent, ranking as the No. 16 quarterback recruit in the 2012 signing class. As evidenced by his work at Wisconsin, Chryst knows how to develop quarterbacks and make the most out of his talent. Voytik has the talent and intangibles and should flourish under Chryst’s tutelage this season. And it certainly doesn’t hurt Voytik’s development that he will be throwing to standout receiver Tyler Boyd and protected by a line that returns four starters. - See more at: http://athlonsports.com/college-football/college-footballs-top-10-quarterbacks-rise-2014#sthash.sZJmqbhC.dpuf

To me, I'm really impressed with the scrambling ability combined with the passing ability. Savage and, before him, Tino Sunseri, were able to scramble a little when needed. But Voytik is a bit more of a natural there and you can even see some designed runs for him from time to time. That will be an added dimension to the offense and I think will aid him a little as the offensive line still is being built up.

Breaking in a new quarterback will mean some growing pains, obviously. But the more I think about it, the more I think the transition can be fairly smooth. Voytik has a good amount of potential and I'm hoping we see positive results sooner rather than later.

Be sure to join Cardiac Hill's Facebook page and follow us on Twitter @PittPantherBlog for our regular updates on Pitt athletics. Follow the author and manager/editor of Cardiac Hill @AnsonWhaley

More From Cardiac Hill