/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/58525641/usa_today_10413479.0.jpg)
Returning only two starters, Pitt’s offensive line is a significant area of concern for next year’s team. But on Wednesday, the Panthers made a key addition there, grabbing graduate transfer offensive tackle Stefano Millin.
Millin joins a unit that will lose several players from last year, including seniors Jaryd Jones-Smith, Brandon Hodges, and Alex Officer, as well as junior tackle Brian O’Neill, who is leaving for the pros a year early.
Millin comes to Pitt from Kent State, where he was a starter the past two seasons. Last year he was at left tackle and, judging by his conversation with Pat Narduzzi, he expects to be the starter there for the Panthers this fall, per PantherLair:
“With Brian O’Neill doing to the NFL, they needed a left tackle,” Millin told Panther-Lair.com shortly after committing. “And when I talked to Coach Narduzzi just now he said he’d be shocked if I don’t win the job. Nothing is given, I understand that, but it’s really a good opportunity and my plan is to go in and be the left tackle.”
Millin has also played right tackle and center, so he’s able to move around a little bit. But given the hole left by O’Neill at left tackle, it’s hard to see him moving from that spot.
This is obviously a nice get for a team looking to fill several holes on the line for next season. The Panthers have a lot of young linemen on the roster and Millin’s addition means that one fewer inexperienced guy is relied upon next year.
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 founder/editor @AnsonWhaley.