When it comes to quarterbacks, Tony Racioppi knows what he's talking about.
For starters, he played the position at a high level. While at Division III Rowan, Racioppi once passed for more than 4,000 yards and 47 touchdowns in a single season. He owns the NCAA all-divisions record with five TD passes in a quarter. In 2001, he was runner-up for D-III Player of the Year. He played professionally in Europe and in the National Indoor Football League. He even signed free-agent deals with the Jets and Dolphins.
His quarterbacking experience isn't limited to playing. The New Jersey native is a high school head coach. He was a graduate assistant at Temple. He's interned three times in the NFL, twice with the Jaguars and once with the Cardinals. Racioppi also is a regular at the prestigious Manning Passing Academy, and, yes, he's worked side-by-side with Peyton Manning at the event.
Call him a quarterback whisperer because his client list runs from middle-school hopefuls to Division I starters and NFL back-ups.
Pitt's Kenny Pickett is among them, and Racioppi can't stop saying positive things about him.
"There's not a throw the kid can't make," Racioppi told me. "He's tough as nails. He's a leader. His teammates all respect him. All the things you want in a quarterback, he has it. If I was starting a team, he'd be my first pick in gym class."
Happy birthday KP! No better kid in America. Pitt has been lucky to have you as their QB. Talent, leadership, toughness and ultimate competitor. Will always have your back. Love ya brother. @kennypickett10 pic.twitter.com/eS4o4CJzd5
— Tony Racioppi (@Tonyrazz03) June 6, 2020
