WPIAL Alum Q&A – J.P. Holtz

By: HSSN Staff
Monday, November 9, 2015 | 4:33 PM

As the University of Pittsburgh football team has enjoyed a resurgence this season, several former WPIAL competitors have been crucial to the success. Perhaps nobody has meant more to the Panthers over the past four seasons, however, than tight end J.P. Holtz.

Holtz enjoyed a stellar high school career for the Shaler Area Titans, playing a variety of positions. He scored 15 touchdowns as a senior, and helped guide the Titans to the playoffs. He also was a four-year letterwinner on the Titans’ basketball squad that made an appearance in the state postseason in 2012.

After receiving interest from several major college football programs, Holtz settled on the Panthers, and started 10 games as a true freshman in 2012. During his sophomore and junior campaigns, Holtz started all 26 games, and totaled more than 400 yards receiving.

This year, Holtz was named a senior captain, and has enjoyed a breakout performance on the field, as well. Through nine games, the tight end has compiled 19 catches for 297 yards and three touchdowns.

He was named to the midseason watch list for the Mackey Award, which is given to the best tight end in college football. Considering his individual success, as well as Pitt’s team success, Holtz could potentially hear his name called in the 2016 NFL draft.

J.P. took time from his busy schedule to talk football, and also provide a glimpse into his personal life. Not surprisingly, Holtz still keeps tabs on his former team, and also has a backup plan in place for life after football.

Q: You have enjoyed a very successful career thus far, including making an impact as a true freshman. How were you able to make the transition from high school to college football so quickly?

A: I think the biggest part of it is the weight room. I thought I worked hard my senior year after football season and got a lot stronger, and I think that was the biggest transition, because of the size of the guys you got to make up.

Q. What is your greatest attribute as a player?

A: I think blocking, I’m a good blocking tight end. I really had to work hard on it. Blocking isn’t all about size and strength, it’s a lot of technique and little details you need to have in order to be a good blocker.

Q: How has your relationship with first-year coach Pat Narduzzi been, and what’s his best quality in your opinion?

A: He’s an all-around great coach. We certainly haven’t missed a beat with him. He came in day one, ready to be fired up. We just love him as a head coach.

Q: Do you aspire to play professionally following this season, and in which areas do you need to improve to achieve that?

A: I really haven’t thought about that much. I’m just focusing on the season right now and finishing that up, and we’ll see where things go after that.

Q: What led to you ultimately choosing to continue your athletic and academic career at Pitt?

A: I’m from Pittsburgh, and being a Pittsburgh kid, I don’t know how you wouldn’t want to stay in your hometown and play for your hometown every weekend. It’s a big deal for me, being from Pittsburgh and being able to represent the city.

Q: What has been your best memory with the Panthers so far?

A: I have a lot. This year, I’d say getting our first win with our new coach, it meant a lot to us and a lot to him, and it was just nice to get things rolling.

Q: At Shaler, you played numerous positions. What were the benefits of rarely settling into just one spot on the field?

A: I just like helping my team out whatever way I can, and I like when I get the ball in my hands and be able to do something. It wasn’t really my call, it was their call, and if they wanted me to play running back, I was playing running back.

Q: Have you continued to follow the Shaler football team, and WPIAL football in general?

A: Every week, I check the WPIAL scores. A lot of my teammates are from the WPIAL. I like seeing what teams are doing well. I definitely keep up with Shaler. I was actually at their win, their first win this year at Butler. It was a great feeling. They have a great coach up there, and it was great to see those kids win.

Q: You also were a standout on a very accomplished basketball team. How much did you enjoy basketball, and playing alongside former Penn State Nittany Lion Geno Thorpe?

A: We had a solid team. I loved playing basketball. I had close friends I played with and I still talk to. Geno was a heck of a player. He’s at South Florida now, and I’m interested to see what he does down there. I know he’ll be successful and have a good couple of years left.

Q: What has been the most electric or exciting college road venue in which you have played?

A: There’s been a couple. I’d probably say my freshman year at Notre Dame. It was a triple overtime game. It was a packed stadium, very loud, so it was a very good atmosphere.

Q: What are you studying at Pitt, and what would be your ideal job after your football career is over?

A: I’ll graduate this December with a degree in administration justice, and I want to get into law enforcement somewhere. I’m not sure what, but I’d like to go down that path. My dad is in law enforcement, so that’s what got me interested.

Q: How do you spend the few hours before kickoff preparing?

A: Really, it’s nothing crazy. My pregame routine isn’t much. I warm up on the field when we get to the stadium, stretch a little bit and just relax and get ready for the game. I’m not a big music guy, I just like to chill.

Q: Who is your favorite NFL player, currently or all-time?

A: I’d definitely say right now my favorite player is Rob Gronkowski. He’s a beast.

Q: What is the best way to relax after a long week of football and classes?

A: I just get away from football, hang out with my teammates, hang out with my puppy. That’s about it.