DALE GRDNIC
For The Tribune-Democrat
PITTSBURGH —
Antwuan Reed was the first recruit from the 2008 class to commit to Pitt, and the Greater Johnstown High School grad has tried to stay ahead of the curve ever since.
The 5-foot-10, 190-pound Reed sat out the first four games as a freshman, but he began playing on coverage units for the Panthers’ special teams and eventually got time as a reserve in the secondary as a cornerback. Reed’s playing time steadily increased last season, and now he’s the most experienced among the healthy players in the secondary this spring.
“Things are going great so far,” Reed said.
“With Ricky (Gary) out, I’m getting a lot of reps, and I believe I’m taking advantage of the extra time so far. It’s always good to get more reps, and it’s a great opportunity for me. This spring, I’m taking it as a learning experience. But I really didn’t do anything different.
“I always try to work as hard as I can on and off the field, and I prepared very hard for this spring. I guess you could say that I’m trying to be more of a leader. Even though I haven’t played a lot, I’m one of the older guys on defense, and the coaches are counting on me. So, I want to step up.”
Leadership comes easier for some players, especially those who are big talkers, but Reed just tries to lead by example.
“That’s the best way for me,” Reed said. “I want to show the younger guys that I’m a hard worker on the field and in the film room. I’ve been watching a lot of film, trying to learn as much as I can, and I think it really has helped me. So, I’m really trying to do as much as I can.”
Pitt secondary coach Jeff Hafley had nothing but praise for Reed so far.
“This is Antwuan’s time,” Hafley said.
“We lost two starters, and he was in a backup role both years. So, it’s his time to get it done. He knows it, and he worked very hard in the offseason to take advantage of this opportunity.
“He’s doing a great job so far, but we still have a long way to go for both Antwuan and Saheed Imoru. And I wouldn’t count Ricky Gary out, even though he’s going to miss the entire spring after shoulder surgery. But I really think you’re going to see great things from Antwuan Reed this year.”
Reed and Imoru, the junior-college transfer who began classes in January, are getting every repetition with the first team this spring. But Reed is the most experienced when Gary is discounted.
Reed did not start any games last fall, but he played in all 13 contests to go with nine in 2008. He had an interception last season and has had two so far this spring, along with a handful of pass breakups.
