Teams jumping on Idaho State DB captain Calvin Pitcher in the portal
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
As Calvin Pitcher packs up his stuff and collects his diploma on Saturday, when he leaves Pocatello, he does so on the best of terms. Signing with the Bengals out of Southern California’s Centennial High School (Corona), Pitcher was a contributor on the field from his freshman season earning team captain honors in 2023. As a model to his teammates and for other college football players, Pitcher is entering the portal as a wanted grad-transfer.
Taking on Big Sky programs in conference, the Bengals were no strangers to playing power conference teams. Pitcher (6-1, 225) was that presence in the middle of the defense for Idaho State no matter who they were lining up against.
“The last two seasons we ran a 3-3-5,” Pitcher stated. “Our defensive coordinator (Josh Runda) came from Iowa State; they ran that scheme there. It is a 3-high safety look. I played middle safety, over the box with heavy run responsibilities.
“I was a linebacker in thought process; look run-first. I was part of the run fit, but I would still have to play man on the slot or in the post. It is a really fun position to play. Our defense is catered to that safety position. It was a unique experience.”
Pitcher continued, “Our base was Cover 4 with a lot of Cover 3. I was the post safety – middle-high, zone press, 3 under – 3 deep, and things like that.”
The Bengals asked Pitcher to do it all in the scheme, and that he did.
No. 6 Calvin Pitcher with a big stop for Idaho State.
“It was backyard football almost,” Pitcher shared. “I am a sideline-to-sideline player who was expected to come up and stop the run, and at times protect against the deep ball.”
Being the enforcer in the box is just one of the many things Pitcher does well.
“For one, being versatile,” Pitcher stated. “I can play on the line, I can match up on a tight end, play middle of the field, and play at five yards at linebacker to play the run. I had so many responsibilities in the defense, that allowed me to grow as a player.”
The Bengals nonconference schedule would include teams such as Oregon State, UNLV, San Diego State, Nevada, and BYU. FCS or FBS, Pitcher showed he can get it done on the field.
“That stigma that there is a big drop off D-I to D-II, that helped me understand it is still just football,” Pitcher said. “If I bring it, I can hang and play with anyone.”
The traits wanted in the program where Pitcher will suit up next season was covered, “The biggest thing is the scheme that fits me, at linebacker or backend at safety. I am looking for a place that will allow me to play to my strengths; that is the biggest factor. The ability to play closer to family is another big thing with this decision.”
Playing in nine games during the 2021 season as a freshman, Pitcher had a big sophomore campaign accounting for 62 stops, 37 solo, with a PBU, forced fumble, and recovered fumble. His presence in the locker room, in meetings, and on the field led to an ultimate team honor – being named one of the Bengals’ captains.
“That was a unique experience,” Pitcher shared. “Being a mentor for my teammates, I am a younger sibling, I don’t have younger brothers – with guys looking up to me and asking questions, they were like little brothers to take care of. I had to be that example. How I show up and carry myself, they are looking at me. That responsibility, I didn’t expect it coming into college, but I was happy to step into that role.”
Pitcher responded to the team responsibilities with 87 tackles, 46 solo, three tackles for a loss, two forced fumbles, and a fumble recovery.
Since announcing his intention to enter the transfer portal, Pitcher has received an offer from Ball State and Portland State with Cal Poly, Southern Utah, Central Connecticut, Campbell, Northern Illinois, and others showing interest.
Photo credit: Pitcher family/Idaho State – No. 6 Calvin Pitcher