PITTSBURGH - Redshirt freshman Jared Holley has been focusing on improving each week in practice in case his number was called this season.
Not only was his number called Saturday against visiting Syracuse, but he rose to the starting free safety position after Elijah Fields suffered a high ankle sprain.
Holley responded by leading the team in tackles against the Orange with nine, including eight unassisted. He played in the defensive backfield and also on special teams.
"I just tried to learn as much as I could and just be ready when my number was called," Holley said. "Our entire defense plays really well, and I just tried to contribute and be a part of that."
In what started out to be a close game, Holley intercepted a Ryan Nassib pass with less than five minutes left in the third quarter after Pitt took a 20-3 lead. Holley credited the Pitt coaches in preparing the team the week before the game.
"We had a great week of practice against the schemes they run," Holley said. "I think we all came ready to play today after how hard we practiced this week."
It was Holley's first career interception. He had 6 return yards after the pickoff and gave the ball to Pitt's offense on the Orange 49-yard line at the 10:26 mark in the third quarter.
"I saw him drop back and just tried to stay in my lane and play the ball," Holley said. "I thought we played well as a defense. It wasn't just me."
Pitt coach Dave Wannstedt thought Holley rose to the occasion in the win.
"I thought Jarred had a great game today," Wannstedt said. "He's worked hard and was ready when we called on him to respond."
Wannstedt is pleased with the progress Holley has made in the short time he has been with the team.
"Jarred Holley is a playmaker, and that interception was great," Wannstedt said. "He has a lot of responsibility back there for a redshirt freshman, like making checkdowns."
When Fields is healthy, Wannstedt may be faced with a decision to either bring him back or leave Holley in as the starter. It may end up being a good problem to face.
"Jarred is not only in the starting lineup right now, but he's playing extremely well," Wannstedt said.
Holley is looking forward to the remainder of the Panther season. They host Notre Dame on Saturday.
"This game was a great experience as we get into the heart of our season. Now we have to elevate our game and be ready to play next week," Holley said.
