Pitt Teammates See Kenny Pickett-Like Moxie in Phil Jurkovec

PITTSBURGH -- Phil Jurkovec is one of the new kids on the block as the Pitt Panthers open 2023 Spring Ball, but he's already been able to earn the respect of his teammates by showing some moxie and playmaking ability. 

Offensive guard Blake Zubovic has worked closely with Jurkovec ever since the Boston College transfer arrived at Pitt in January and he sees how his toughness and will to win have impressed the linemen that will block for him. Add in that Jurkovec is a Pittsburgh native who played against many of his now teammates in high school, and the transition has been seamless. 

"He’s a gutsy guy," Zubovic said. "He’ll go out there and make a play and I think a lot of guys on this team really respect that, really respect a guy with moxie. He’s a team guy, he’s down to earth and a lot of knew him in high school so it’s not like he’s completely new to this team."

This isn't the first tough quarterback Zubovic has blocked for. Having arrived at Pitt in the same recruiting class as four year starter and eventual first round NFL Draft pick Kenny Pickett, he helped keep the former All-American and ACC Player of the Year Kenny Pickett clean over the course of his five years as a Panther. Zubovic has noticed that Jurkovec's moxie is similar to Pickett's.

"I do see those similarities in terms of moxie," Zubovic said. "Those dudes, like I said, they’re not afraid to get hit. They’re not scared to stand in there and make the throw. And that stuff, the linemen really respect because we’re blocking out butts off, the quarterback’s hot and you got to make the throw. He does his part and we’ll do ours.”

That's crucial, according to Zubovic. In his eyes, having the desire to make plays and win that is so strong you're willing to lay your body on the line is necessary from the quarterback position if a team wants to go far. 

“A quarterback, when they have heart," Zubovic said. "Especially in college football - that’s the most important thing because you get the whole team behind you."

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