Chad Voytik makes play for more Pittsburgh time

photo Quarterback for Cleveland High School Chad Voytik runs the ball during the City Jamboree held at Finley Stadium in Chattanooga in this file photo.

Chad Voytik has no idea what lies ahead as far as the 2013 season, in terms of playing time. But the University of Pittsburgh redshirt freshman quarterback might have done enough recently to earn conversation for more repetitions on the field.

Voytik completed 27 of 33 passes for 358 yards and three scores in the Pitt spring game on April 12. The thought heading into spring practice was that the former Cleveland High standout would serve as a backup to former Rutgers and Arizona quarterback Tom Savage, and that still could happen, but Voytik's performance reportedly sent shockwaves through the Pitt fan base.

"I really like how they used me in the offense," Voytik said. "It was different than what had happened in the practices leading up to the game."

Savage was 6-for-11 for 80 yards in the game but failed to lead a touchdown drive. Coach Paul Chryst said before the game that Savage, who will be a senior, would get limited action, but Voytik's performance stirred some thoughts that Chryst should hand the ball over to the potential quarterback of the future heading into the 2013 season.

"I went out there with something to prove," Voytik said. "I wanted to give a little hint of what I was capable of, but I didn't know I was going to get that many reps. Coach pulled out the older players early, and as soon as I saw how things were evolving, I changed my mindset and prepared to get more drives.

"I had to stay locked in longer."

Voytik was named to the Big East All-Academic team in 2012. The Panthers finished 6-7, falling to Ole Miss in the BBVA Compass Bowl. They join the Atlantic Coast Conference this season, opening at home against Florida State on Labor Day night.

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