University of Pittsburgh offensive coordinator Mark Whipple doesn’t call anyone after losses, and the Panthers took their first L of the season against Virginia days earlier.



But he decided to make an exception.



“You’re the only one I’m calling, and it’s because of what I think of Elijah,” he said on the other end of the line.



The former University of Massachusetts head coach spent three years working with Elijah Wilkinson, an undrafted free agent for the Broncos who, in three years, has jumped from practice squad player to the team’s top reserve on a thin offensive line.



As a rookie in 2017, he was active for nine games but played only two snaps at left tackle. Last season, he played all 12 games and started the last seven at right guard when Connor McGovern shifted to center.



This year, Wilkinson has worked at four of the five positions on the line, making him arguably their most valuable reserve...