Pitt coach Narduzzi addresses Robinson’s river fishing during camp update

Pittsburgh Panthers head coach Pat Narduzzi used a press conference on Monday to outline the status of wide receiver Tyreek Robinson during training camp, balancing praise for the player’s on-field development with a specific admonishment regarding his off-field conduct.

Narduzzi noted that Robinson, a redshirt sophomore from Shreveport, Louisiana, is “starting to turn a corner” in his performance. The coach acknowledged that while the player still causes him concern at times, Robinson has been “really good” during camp sessions.

However, Narduzzi also addressed what he described as minor behavioural issues the coaching staff has worked to correct. He specifically cited Robinson’s habit of eating fish caught from the Monongahela River, stating, “That’s not a good thing, ‘kay? Don’t do that, Tyreek.”

The coach framed the incident as part of a broader effort to “clean up some things off the field,” joking that Robinson engages in “stuff Louisiana-style.” The UPMC Rooney Sports Complex, where the Panthers train, is situated on the banks of the Monongahela River, which is generally regarded as safe but not the cleanest waterway in the region.

Robinson, who saw limited action in his first season and did not play last year, has drawn attention for his blocking and effort. Narduzzi expressed a desire to see the player perform more consistently, particularly regarding speed, rather than displaying an “up-and-down” pattern.

The head coach indicated an intention to incorporate Robinson more heavily into upcoming games to assess his capabilities. He emphasised that while Robinson is a “great player,” the coaching staff requires sustained high-level performance rather than intermittent displays of skill.

The comments highlight the ongoing adjustments being made by the coaching staff as they refine the roster ahead of the season, with Narduzzi focusing on both athletic reliability and adherence to team standards.