On Wednesday, Noah Hiles of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reported that Pitt was benching starting quarterback Phil Jurkovec in favor of backup Christian Veilleux.
Tonight, Hiles dropped some more stunning news, reporting that Jurkovec, a four-star prospect coming out of high school in 2018, is shifting positions to tight end.
“The sixth year senior will now play tight end. Jurkovec began working out at his new spot during today’s practice,” Hiles wrote on X/Twitter.
Hiles also said Jurkovec made the move “with the hope to continue his football career.”
Multiple sources have informed the Post-Gazette that Phil Jurkovec is changing his position. The sixth year senior will now play tight end. Jurkovec began working out at his new spot during today’s practice.
— Noah Hiles (@_NoahHiles) October 6, 2023
A star at Pine-Richland High School in Pennsylvania, Jurkovec began his career at Notre Dame, where he saw limited action in his first two seasons before transferring to Boston College.
In three years with the Eagles, Jurkovec completed 59.5% of his passes for 5,184 yards, 35 touchdowns and 17 interceptions. He made the decision to come home and attend Pitt to close out his college career and began this season as the Panthers’ No. 1 signal caller, replacing Kedon Slovis.
In five games this year, Jurkovec was 57-for-112 passing for 818 yards, six touchdowns and three interceptions.
Pitt is 1-4 on the season with a bye this weekend before facing Louisville on Oct. 14.