Pitt Introduces Four 2024 Transfers at Press Conference

by Jordan Kooper

The Pittsburgh Panthers unveiled four of their new transfers at a press conference Wednesday,
giving fans a preview of what to expect from the offensive and defensive lines in 2024.
Defensive linemen Nick James, Nate Matlack, David Ojiegbe, and offensive lineman
Lyndon Cooper spoke to the media at Pitt’s Southside facility, outlining what brought them to
Pitt and what they expect in the upcoming season. A common theme among the players:
defensive line coach Charlie Partridge was an attractive factor.

“As I was getting recruited by all these schools while I was in the transfer portal it was
always, ‘Oh, you’re visiting Pitt, I love Coach P., he’s such a great coach,” said Matlack,
formerly of Kansas State. “He has a lot of notoriety around the country.”

“I think he’s one of the best defensive line coaches in the country,” said Nick James, the
transfer from Indiana. “His teaching style, just him being able to explain the little things, it’s
amazing to be around.”

For Clemson transfer David Ojiegbe, Partridge’s play style is what drew his interest.
“[Pitt] has been known for having very relentless rushers, very aggressive off the ball, known for
blitzing too as well,” said Ojiegbe, “Under [Partridge], you can definitely become better every
day.” Coming off his redshirt year at Clemson, Ojiegbe will have time to grow under Partridge
with four years of eligibility.

Pitt lost much of its defensive line this offseason including Nate Temple, Samuel
Okunlola, and Deandre Jules. This new group will provide a shot in the arm for a line that faced
countless struggles last season. Matlack will provide an immediate boost in his final year of
eligibility, but James and Ojiegbe could be the foundation of the future defensive line with
multiple years of eligibility each.

On the other side of the ball, offensive lineman Lyndon Cooper is looking forward to
playing in new offensive coordinator Kade Bell’s fast-paced system. “I know he has a fast-paced,
up-tempo offense,” said Cooper. “He wants to score fast and score often.” With experience at
guard and center, Cooper will provide much-needed versatility for the front five.
After a down year with a 3-9 record, Pitt had a surprisingly good 2024 recruiting class,
ranked #41 in the nation. Joining these four players are former Alabama quarterback Eli Holstein
and Freshman recruit Caleb Holmes.