Pitt OC Kade Bell Impressed by Ryan Baer

Prior to those comments, Bell had touched on the importance of Coach Stack, the head strength coach of the Pitt Panthers, and how he facilitated a physical transformation in the returning starting tackle. 

“This spring's been great for us compared to last year, just because in the run game, we're getting a hat on a hat a lot,” Bell said. “We're not having a lot of free runners, not as many negative runs." 

“It also shows even our O-Line with (head strength coach) Coach (Michael Stacchiotti) ...(Ryan) Baer's down 20 pounds from last year. Our guys are in great shape right now up front, and we're moving really well. So, I'm excited (with) where we're at.”

“Just the way he's transformed his body, and now he really understands the offense and what we're trying to get accomplished.”

Being the physical component, Bell is encouraged by just about everything else involved in Baer’s game and overall ascension ahead of the upcoming season. 

“Just seeing him just be more consistent this spring, that's what's been the great thing about him,” Bell said on April 10. “He doesn't really have the bone-headed,  the couple just, 'Oh shoot' sacks or missed blocks, right? This spring, he's been super consistent, and just getting a hat on a hat, and playing with low pad level, and just understanding what we're trying to do with the pocket with the quarterback." 

“So, I'm just excited where he's at and as a leader, man. He's a type of kid that's really hard on himself. So, he's going to expect more from himself than he does (from) everybody else you know. So, that's what you want as a leader, a guy who shows that.”