Eric Knopsnyder
eknopsnyder@tribdem.com
PITTSBURGH —
Antwuan Reed has played in 22 games in his two seasons at Pitt, but the Greater Johnstown graduate has not started any.
That should change this season.
With the loss of last year’s starters, Aaron Berry and Jovani Chappel, Reed is expected to step into a starting role, and to listen to coach Dave Wannstedt tell it, Reed should excel.
“I think Antwuan is going to be a great player for us,” Wannstedt said at the team’s media day earlier this month.
“You’re talking about a guy that has matured both on the field and off the field. He’s always been a very talented player. I think the thing that has happened with Antwuan the last year or two is he’s been coachable. He’s watched Berry and some of the guys in front of him. He’s learned from what he’s heard the coaches say, from what he’s watched on tape.”
Reed played in all 13 of the Panthers’ games last year as a reserve cornerback, and he said he’s ready for a bigger role.
“I feel like it’s my time,” he said. “I’ve been working hard and listening to coaching. This offseason, this whole summer, really helped me out, just getting better, catching more film all summer. That really helped me out.”
Reed received the Ed Conway Award in the spring as the team’s most improved defensive player. He said there was no secret to his improvement, just hard work.
“Just working my technique, and more film. Just taking in what the coaches are telling me, every day,” he said. “It’s just a maturity thing. As you get older, you understand the game more. More and more film helps you out a lot.”
Reed had one forced fumble and an interception last year, but he also struggled after getting thrust into action against Notre Dame last year. But Reed sees the benefit of those growing pains.
“It’s definitely a learning experience,” he said. “You have to take in everything and learn from game situations.”
Just as Reed has improved from last season, he’s expecting the Panthers to do the same.
After a heart-breaking loss to Cincinnati cost Pitt the Big East title last year, Reed is looking more this season.
“We want to get better every year,” he said. “This year, Big East championship. That’s what we hope for. Championships - that’s what everybody wants.”
