Pitt QB Julian Dugger Progressing In Spring Camp

Last week, Narduzzi expanded on Dugger and the element he brings to the offense. 

"You saw the bowl game, right? There’s no question about it," Narduzzi replied when asked if Dugger is the backup quarterback this year. "They’ll have to defend him in the run game and he’ll hurt you in the pass game, too. So, there’s always going to be a special package for him."

Asked again about Dugger packaged on Tuesday, Narduzzi infused some humor into the post-practice press conference before carrying on about his new No. 2 and No. 3 quarterbacks.

“I think Amanda was way ahead of you, asked that question last week,” Narduzzi snarked. “You might not be paying attention. You've got ADD like me."

“Yeah, we'll have some packages. Mason (Heintschel) is doing well as well. I mean, for a true freshman, he picks things up well, he makes good decisions. He's got a quick release. We're happy with, really, all three of those guys.”

Dugger didn’t display the ability he showed versus Toledo before and during the 2024-25 regular season. And since his debut, he’s building his game in an encouraging way through the eyes of Pitt’s head coach. 

“He didn't show it in spring, maybe a little in the fall with limited reps just because you're getting the two guys ready, right? So, I would say we didn't see what you saw (in the bowl game),” Narduzzi said. 

“Again, you knew he could throw the ball well but he's just grown up in the last few weeks, and he had to grow up real quick in that bowl game. He did a nice job, and we were happy with where he is, and he's still got a ways to go. He's not there yet.”

Dugger will see live reps this Saturday when Pitt heads to Acrisure Stadium - if the weather cooperates - for a live scrimmage.