Plenty of prospects in 2024 “Backyard Brawl”
by Bo Marchionte
Published September 15, 2024, 09:37 PM
Pittsburgh, PA – The football rivalry between the University of Pittsburgh (Pitt) Panthers and the West Virginia University (WVU) Mountaineers, known as the “Backyard Brawl,” is one of the oldest and most intense rivalries in college football. It lived up the billing with a wild finish in Pittsburgh.
The first meeting took place on October 26, 1895, with Pitt winning 8-0. Since then, the two teams have faced off over 100 times. Geographically, the two schools are about 75 miles apart, with Pitt located in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia in Morgantown, West Virginia.
This proximity has fueled the rivalry. Acrisure Stadium Press Box was moving at certain points in the game when the sell crowd engaged themselves with the big plays throughout the game.
On August 21st, Reese’s Senior Bowl released their coveted “2025 Senior Bowl Watchlist” that provides great insight into what some of the most experienced scouting eyes are seeing heading into this 2024 college season. A total of 859 prospects were listed and nine of those players from the 107th game between these rival universities earned the early nod from the Senior Bowl. Strong play from here out will help get them to Mobile, Alabama next winter.
Five Mountaineers are listed that includes, Ty French, Garrett Greene, Garrett Hollis Jr., Sean Martin and Wyatt Milum. Four Panthers caught the preseason eyes of the Senior Bowl with Gavin Bartholomew, Donovan McMillon, Konata Mumpfield and Branson Taylor.
Trailing by 10-points with less than five minutes left in the final quarter, Pitt scored 14 unanswered points to buckle the knees of their rival. The late game heroics by the Panthers offense helped lead the comeback victory 38-34 to increase their all-time series lead 63-41-3 and winners of two of the last three games since 2022, when the rivalry was united.
The Backyard Brawl has deep cultural and historical significance for fans of both teams. It’s a rivalry that transcends just football, representing regional pride for both Western Pennsylvania and West Virginia. Let’s take a deeper look at the seniors on the watchlist that played in the game this afternoon.
WEST VIRGINIA MOUNTAINEERS
Ty French, Spur, 6’1 225 – The Garden-Webb transfer bends nicely and is agile on his feet. Finalist for the Stats Perform FCS Buck Buchanan National Defensive Player of the Year Award, in 2022, French looked comfortable jumping from FCS football to FBS level. French is a fast and fluid linebacker. He displays good range but will have to grow by leaps and bounds to advance himself into the good graces of the Senior Bowl staff as the season goes on.
Garrett Greene, Quarterback, 5’11 204 – Smallish frame, looks more like Los Angeles Rams Cooper Rush than a quarterback and his game mirrors that of an active playmaker. Very polished in the pocket, anticipates pressure well and has the ability and agility to escape and make plays. His accuracy and more specifically ball placement, I felt wasn’t up to par on some of the elite senior quarterbacks that will make their way to Mobile, Alabama in 2025. A scrappy competitor, Greene plays all out. However, an invite to the Senior Bowl would seem unlikely, but other all-star games may offer an invitation.
Garrett Hollis Jr., Cornerback – A long defensive back who looks the part of an NFL corner. Long arms to match his long frame, Hollis Jr., showed impressive open field awareness. He was flagged for holding, but overall felt he has the measurables and ability to keep himself under the watchful eyes of the Senior Bowl scouts and should warrant a strong East West Shrine look if the Senior Bowl doesn’t come to fruition.
Sean Martin, Defensive End – NFL body, played the part of the worker bee, by occupying blockers. Nothing stood out specifically in this game that I was able to pick up with the binoculars on No. 5, but again his presence was felt by the Pitt offensive line with his workman-like mentality snap after snap.
Wyatt Milum, Left Tackle, 6’4 310 – Milum brings intensity. Play after play you could catch his jawing with opponents, the Pitt student section after a Mountaineers touchdown. The extracurricular activity after plays was a calling card which I adore from an offensive lineman. Mean, nasty and talented. Milum wasn’t dominant but his demeanor is hard to go unnoticed.
PITTSBURGH PANTHERS
Gavin Bartholomew, Tight End, 6’5 250 – Targeted the times in the game, Bartholomew wasn’t a huge factor in the passing game, finishing with two catches for 20 yards. Dual threat type who is Lucas Krull type who is on the Denver Broncos practice squad and fan favorite of head coach Sean Payton. Bartholomew is going to make splash plays throughout the year to attract consideration to the top all-star games in the country.
Donovan McMillon, 6’2 205 Safety – Six players from the Pitt secondary have been drafted since 2020, and McMillon is another in the pipeline of NFL talent to emerge for the Panthers. Good field awareness locates the ball and is a force in the box. Feel his deep game is developing since last season from what I’ve seen early on in 2024. Will earn an invite to an all-star game, just not sure it will be in Mobile.
Konata Mumpfield, Wide Receiver 6’1 185 – Led the Panthers in both targets (8) and receptions (6) which added up to 76 receiving yards. Has quickly developed a rapport with new Panthers quarterback Eli Holstein. Good quickness getting into his routes, Mumpfield’s confidence is growing week by week. Surely, barring any setbacks to him or Holstein he is building on a career best single season in 2024.
Branson Taylor, Left Tackle, 6’6 330 – Thought he held up his end against the front of West Virginia. Taylor has the massive size that will catch the eyes of NFL teams, but his ability to transition quicker in all facets of his game is going to be key to really unlocking his skillset. More consistent reps are what I’ll be looking for as the season progresses. A lot to like about Taylor, especially if he puts it all together.
Photo Credit Frank Hyatt/College2Pro.com
