PITTSBURGH—Pitt head football coach Pat Narduzzi and his staff have selected the 2023 winners of the Ed Conway Award, presented to the most improved players of spring drills.
Senior tight end Karter Johnson is the offensive honoree, while sophomore defensive end Nahki Johnson is the defensive recipient.
Karter Johnson (Pickerington, Ohio/Pickerington Central) enters his second season with the Panthers after transferring last year from Butler (Kan.) Community College. During his Pitt debut season, he played in 12 games, making two starts, and totaled six catches for 89 yards (14.8 avg.).
“Karter has really dedicated himself to becoming an all-around tight end at Pitt,” Narduzzi said. “He made some really great strides this spring and I expect that to continue into his final season. His progress has been so impressive, especially considering he started his college career on the defensive line.”
Nahki Johnson (Pittsbugh, Pa./West Mifflin) lettered as a redshirt freshman last season, playing in eight games. He totaled four tackles, 1.5 tackles for loss and a sack on the year.
“Nahki really started to flash during our Sun Bowl practices last December,” Narduzzi said. “He continued that momentum this spring and is ready to be a factor on our defensive front. Playing behind veterans Deslin Alexandre and Habakkuk Baldonado the past two years gave him great examples to learn from and he is ready to put that to use this year.”
The Conway Award has been presented since 1975 in honor of the late Ed Conway, who served as the radio play-by-play voice of Pitt football from 1970-73. A popular sports anchor with WTAE-TV, Conway passed away in 1974.
Pitt concludes spring drills today at Acrisure Stadum with the 2023 Blue-Gold Game presented by M@C Discount. Start time is 1 p.m. Coverage can be found on ACC Network Extra and NewsRadio KDKA (100.1 FM and 1020 AM).
The Panthers return 13 starters and 50 lettermen from last season’s Sun Bowl champion squad. For 2023 season-ticket information, log on to PittsburghPanthers.com or call (800) 643-PITT.
Source: E.J. Borghetti/Pitt Athletics
