Pitt's Jacobson center of attention
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Pitt senior Chris Jacobson has played every position along the offensive line in his career except for one. Until Tuesday that is.
Jacobson, who has played guard and tackle for Pitt, became the latest player the Panthers' new coaching staff is trying at center. Both parties say the experiment worked out well.
"I actually am really excited about [moving to center]," said Jacobson, who has started the past 14 games at left guard. "At first, I was nervous about it, but then I got my feet under me and settled down and I really enjoyed it."
Jacobson is the fourth player the coaches have tried at center this spring. Offensive line coach Spencer Leftwich said it is a position that must be solved before the entire unit can really come together.
Because the position is very important, particularly considering the Panthers will take almost all of their snaps out of the shotgun formation, the coaches have been extremely patient in their quest to find a starter. The position became available when last year's starter, Alex Karabin, graduated.
The center position is a concern, but Leftwich said the coaches are mainly trying to get the best five offensive linemen on the field.
"Coming into a new spring, the number one goal is to find the best five guys," Leftwich said. "I think we made some strides today in identifying those guys and seeing who can play. It is the first day of practice. I hate to make any bold statements, but just being out there today for two hours, I think [Jacobson] has a chance."
Jacobson takes over for junior college transfer Zenel Demhasaj, who was moved because head coach Todd Graham said he didn't quite fit the role.
"We are trying to feel around and get the right makeup there up front," Graham said. "That is the biggest area that we need to develop and find a consistency with.
First Published March 30, 2011 12:00 am
