**PITTSBURGH** — As the Pitt Panthers kick off fall camp, the focus is on preparing for the new football season with all players back in full health.
One key player returning is sixth-year offensive lineman Ryan Jacoby, who missed the entire 2023 season due to a season-ending knee injury sustained before the season began.
Pitt head coach Pat Narduzzi discussed Jacoby’s recovery and his readiness for the upcoming season. Narduzzi expressed enthusiasm about Jacoby’s progress and noted that he will be competing with fellow sixth-year offensive lineman Jason Collier Jr. for the left guard position.
“He’s made significant progress,” Narduzzi said. “He and Collier are currently vying for the left guard spot. Our training staff, including Chris Hanks and Rick Joreitz, has done an exceptional job rehabbing him. Although he wasn’t on the field, he was working on drills and one-on-one sessions with other players. Their efforts have been crucial in his recovery.”
Narduzzi was impressed with Jacoby’s current state, noting that he appears to be at the same level he was when the previous camp ended, despite missing a year.
“We thought it might take him longer to get back to where he was, but the staff’s work has really paid off,” Narduzzi added.
The coach also praised Jacoby for his mental resilience and ability to overcome the significant injury.
“Ryan has shown both the struggles and the strength behind his recovery,” Narduzzi said. “He might not wear his emotions on his sleeve, but he has remained focused and determined, which is evident in his current position.”
Jacoby, originally committed to Ohio State in the Class of 2019 from Mentor High School in Mentor, Ohio, spent two seasons with the team. He redshirted in 2019 and did not see game action in 2020.
He transferred to Pitt before the 2021 season and played in the last three games of that season, including the ACC Championship Game, and started as the sixth offensive lineman in the Peach Bowl against Michigan State.
Jacoby appeared in all 13 games during the 2022 season, making five starts, all as an in-line tight end.
