Kradel of Opportunity
PITTSBURGH — With four years of eligibility remaining at the University of Pittsburgh, Jake Kradel appears to be ahead of the game.
The Butler graduate and 6-foot-3, 300-pound Panther offensive lineman has been taking reps at center and guard since the spring and could see action at either position in his red-shirt freshman season this fall.
“I love the position I'm in right now,” Kradel said. “I can play three positions — left guard, center or right guard — along the offensive line. I've been getting reps with the first team in practice to help get me ready.”
Kradel has never played center in his football career.
“Jimmy (starting center Morrissey) was hurt for spring ball this year and they (Pitt coaches) like to work with three centers,” Kradel said. “I was happy to slide into one of those roles. I figure the more versatile I am, the better off I'll be.”
Pitt opens its season at home against Virginia Aug. 31 at Heinz Field.
Kradel's goal for this season is a basic one: Get on the field and help the team.
“If I'm one of the best five and deserve to start up front, so be it,” he said. “If I'm not, I'll just keep working hard to improve, be part of our big-man packages, be ready to play if a starter goes down.
“I've been getting a lot of time on the field goal and extra-point units, so I'm pretty confident I'll be playing there.”
Pitt offensive line coach Dave Borbely believes Kradel may play a significant role on the offensive line this year.
“Jake Kradel is a guy that needs to be mentioned as someone that is pushing for playing time this season,” Borbely said in a prepared statement. “He's asserting himself during this training camp as a player that can help us at both center and guard.
“We're training Jake at both positions because we feel comfortable with Jimmy Morrissey returning as our starting center. If Jake proves to be one of our five best offensive linemen, we want him to be ready to play at guard.”
Kradel graduated from Butler midway through his senior year in 2018. He was able to participate in Pitt's spring drills that year and has now been part of two spring and two preseason training camps with the Panthers.
A first team all-state player in high school, Kradel says he's a much better football player now.
“I've learned so much more technique,” he said. “I've always been aggressive and strong, but I need the technique to succeed at the college game. My footwork is much better. So is my first step off the ball and hand placement against the defender.
“It's the little things you have to take care of — and there are a lot of them — to succeed at this level.”
Pitt traditionally likes to run the football. Kradel says this year's offense will likely be more balanced as new offensive coordinator Mark Whipple is providing a spark to the passing game.
“We're always going to want to run the ball,” Kradel said. “We like our offensive line to be nasty and physical. But a more balanced offense will make it that much easier for us to maintain an effective running game.”
Regardless of how much playing time Kradel does get this year, his future as a Panther looks bright.
“I feel confident that if (Kradel) continues to work hard and develop, then he's going to be a very good player for Pitt over the next few years,” Borbely said.
“We've tried to develop a culture in the offensive line room. Our values are centered around trust, discipline, grit, pride, consistency and toughness — both mentally and physically. These guys have really bought into that culture. They are all completely locked in. And that will only benefit us this season.”
