Sep 3, 2015 5 min read

PITTSBURGH – Jitters were impossible to avoid for Zach Challingsworth. He was just 17 years old, lining up at wide receiver while his new coaches and teammates closely watched his first college practice at Pitt.

An exceptional athlete at South Fayette, Challingsworth was a standout on offense, defense and special teams. He made difficult catches look easy and finished his high school career with a season that captured the attention of Division I coaches, but at that first practice in August of 2013, he just wanted to make a good first impression. When the ball was snapped on his first play, Challingsworth sprinted forward and made a cut to complete his route. By the time he turned back toward the quarterback, the play was over. The speed of the game was different than the one he dominated at South Fayette.

“The fast-pace, tempo offense at South Fayette is similar to what we have at Pitt,” Challingsworth said. “But it’s definitely a different pace. That first practice opened my eyes. It’s faster and more physical. At the high school level, I’d say (South Fayette head coach Joe Rossi and his assistants) did everything they could to prepare me for it.”

Two years spent watching wide receivers such as Tyler Boyd and Devin Street, who is now playing for the Dallas Cowboys, can have quite the impact. When first-year head coach Pat Narduzzi’s staff took over at Pitt in the spring, Challingsworth immediately stood out.

He caught a 34-yard touchdown pass from quarterback Adam Bertke in the Blue-Gold Scrimmage in April, overcame a hamstring injury in preseason camp and made a strong case to be Pitt’s No. 3 wide receiver this season.

Speculation that surrounded the position battle between Challingsworth, a redshirt sophomore, and redshirt freshman Elijah Zeise finally came to an end Monday morning when the depth chart for the season opener against Youngstown State was released.

With Boyd suspended because of a DUI charge this summer, Challingsworth is listed as the starting wide receiver opposite Dontez Ford. After redshirting his first season at Pitt and spending last season contributing on special teams, Challingsworth could catch his first pass in a college game.

Kickoff against Youngstown State is 1 p.m. at Heinz Field.

“I just kept working at my craft and trying to improve,” Challingsworth said. “Now, I’m in a position to play. It’s kind of surreal, but at the same time, it’s not because I’ve worked so hard to get to this point. I know what I’m capable of doing.

“It’s great being with the starters, going on the field and trying to be that dude. It’s a great feeling, but you can’t get comfortable. There are other guys working to take that spot.”

It’s that mentality that carried the 6-2 Challingsworth from a little-known player at South Fayette to a Division I program. The two-sport standout won a WPIAL championship as a sophomore with the Lions and became the focal point of a fast-paced spread attack in his final two seasons.

An all-state selection as a senior, Challingsworth caught 58 passes for 1,190 yards and 15 touchdowns and excelled on defense as a cornerback. But it was not those offensive numbers that separated him from other players. It was the seven kicks he blocked as a junior.

“His versatility was huge,” South Fayette head coach Joe Rossi said. “Those blocks on special teams were probably the most important thing about him. The coaches from Pitt loved seeing those blocked kicks, seeing him do that dirty work. He did it all for us.”

Challingsworth did not turn 18 until eight weeks into his freshman year at Pitt. By then, he was grasping the offense during a redshirt season and preparing to make an impact in 2014.

He did not catch a pass last fall, but his work on special teams endured him to the coaching staff. With two years under his belt, he made a better impression this spring, earning a shot to show what he can do on offense.

Narduzzi stressed at his press conference Monday that the term ‘starter’ is loose and the order could change leading up to kickoff.

“Challingsworth and Zeise are both going to give us a lot of time on the field,” Narduzzi said. “Whether it’s the third guy in or the fourth guy in (when Boyd returns), who knows? But with the way football is nowadays, it’s not like you’re going out there with your first team and you don’t see the second team.”

That’s fine with Challingsworth. He’s not settling into his role or worrying about competition. All that matters to him is being ready for Youngstown State.

“I’m more excited than anything,” Challingsworth said. “I’ve been waiting on this moment for three years now, to have a substantial impact on offense. I’m not really nervous. I want to take this opportunity and run with it.”