Darnell Dinkins played for Pitt from 1996-99, starting as a safety under coach Walt Harris beginning in 1997 after a decorated career playing quarterback at Schenley High School. He later played 10 seasons in the NFL, winning a Super Bowl with the New Orleans Saints in 2009. He sat down with the Post-Gazette sports podcast to talk about everything Panthers, as well as his new career training local athletes and helping them prepare for the academic rigors of playing college sports. The following are excerpts from the conversation:
On what the win against Penn State proved...
“One of the biggest things that the in-state rivalry games do is show who’s done a better job recruiting during those years. ... I think it shows that we’ve been able to get a lot of top-notch athletes in the area, and when they get a chance to meet head to head, it shows in who comes out the victor.”
On Pitt lacking an on-campus stadium...
“I think having a stadium on campus brings a different feel to your games. ... The campus is popping, you’re bringing all kind of revenues back to the campus by having people come from all over. I think just from a money component, it just helps the university. ... I played in Three Rivers when we played against West Virginia, Penn State, and it’s not that same feel.”
On Pitt’s chances against defending ACC champion Clemson...
“What team has more heart than running with No. 24 (James Conner) in your backfield? That kid makes me want to go our and train, want to work harder. ... Anything’s possible, and that’s what they’ve shown. They’ve shown they’re a very resilient team. Football’s not always about having the best talent, it’s about putting the best 11 guys on the field that can play as one. ... I think that puts you in the realm of being able to win any game on any given Saturday.
Adam Bittner: abittner@post-gazette.com
First Published: October 27, 2016, 4:00 a.m.