Pitt Football: Is Devin Street ready to Break Out?
By Matt Shetler
The 2011 season was a rough one offensively for the Pitt Panthers and while it’s been easy for the critics to pile on quarterback Tino Sunseri, not everything was Sunseri’s fault.
One thing that was missing from the 2011 Pitt offense was that of a go-to-receiver, a distinction that Devin Street is hoping to fill this season.
No one has ever doubted the talents of Street, but the Panthers are still waiting for Street to reach his full potential.
After catching only 25 passes for 318 yards in 2010, Street doubled those numbers in 2011, catching 53 balls for 754 yards. An increase on those numbers could be in the cards for Street in 2012, as he’s off to a good start so far during the first week of camp.
All reports after three days of camp suggests that Street looks bigger and stronger and has caught everything thrown his way.
If that’s the case, a legitimate receiving threat will hopefully make things much easier on Sunseri in 2012.
One thing new coach Paul Chryst would like to see more is Street finding the end zone, as the junior caught only a pair of touchdowns in each 2010 and 2011. The big play is something that was also missing from the Panthers offense a season ago and Street has the speed to deliver exactly that.
Under Chryst, the Panthers will likely run the football a lot, but that doesn’t mean Street can’t have a big season. He has all the tool to be one of the bigger weapons on the outside in all of the Big East Conference.
If he is used effectively and takes advantage of the opportunities he is given, the 2012 season could turn into a break out party for Street.