ATLANTIC COAST CONFERENCE FOOTBALL KICKOFF

July 23, 2024

Gavin Bartholomew

Pitt Panthers

Press Conference

THE MODERATOR: Questions for Gavin.

Q. I have to ask you about what Kade Bell has done for this offense this season, and also, what has the inclusion of Jake Overman done for your tight end room, as well?

GAVIN BARTHOLOMEW: Coach Bell brought a new energy. Great ever since he got here teaching us the offense, getting around the guys, building the relationship with all the team.

As far as Jake Overman, he's been doing a great job. Having a wing man like him coming from Oregon State, it's been great. He's just going to continue to get better during camp and I can't wait to watch his growth.

Q. When we talked to you during the spring, you talked about how 3-9 is unacceptable. How have you seen your teammates try to live up to that?

GAVIN BARTHOLOMEW: Absolutely. Like Coach said, we've been playing player-led practices during the summer three times a week. We've really embodied that. We're trying to be better than 3-9 because we know that's not acceptable, that's not Pitt football.

Q. What did you learn about yourself during your late season last year, especially with the injury?

GAVIN BARTHOLOMEW: Yeah, I mean, not being able to finish the season is tough on anyone. I really learned a lot about myself, how much I really care about this program. I was on the sidelines not being able to help my brothers, but I was there mentally, cheering them on.

Yeah, doing whatever I can do to help the team win.

Q. There's a lot that happens after the catch. You certainly are proficient in grabbing the ball. There's a lot of extra that happens after you make the catch. How is it that you get ready for the hit, the run after you have the ball?

GAVIN BARTHOLOMEW: Really just from practice, getting reps. The reason why we practice is so the games feel like practice. Nothing more than just a practice on Saturdays. I'm just doing my job, doing my one of one. I can count on my teammates to do their job.

Q. Describe your head coach in one word.

GAVIN BARTHOLOMEW: Hmmm... I got to be careful (smiling). I'd say trustworthy. We've come a long way. Coming out of high school, I only had one Power Five offer, it was from Pitt. For him to take a chance on me, just put me in a position where I am today, it's amazing.

THE MODERATOR: Thank you.