Former Pitt wide receiver Raphael “Poppi” Williams Jr. publicly criticized head coach Pat Narduzzi late Saturday, accusing the longtime Panthers leader of damaging his reputation ahead of the NFL Draft.
In a post on X, Williams shared a screenshot of a pre-draft scouting report that he said originated from his former program and painted him in a harshly negative light.
The report described the Fort Lauderdale native as possessing “below average personal character,” called him “super cocky and feels entitled,” labeled him a “jerk,” and claimed he had been disrespectful toward female staff members.
Williams pushed back strongly against those characterizations.
“I’ve been debating about posting this for months, but it’s been on my heart. It’s hurts me to know that my own school/COACH tarnished my character, and told nothing but lies to NFL teams,” he wrote.
He insisted his approach at Pitt had always been focused on effort and leadership.
“All I ever did was work my hardest and try to be the best leader to my teammates,” Williams said. “I never got a real shot in the league. Not because of my play but ‘character issues.’ I’ve never had that, you can ask my teammates, coaches, and more.” He added that he “brought energy and light into this community” and declared, “I need answers. And have receipts.”
The timing of the post sharpened the contrast. Williams quoted an April message from Narduzzi that offered a far more complimentary assessment after the draft.
“Poppi Williams was a talented, productive, and reliable player for us. He is healthy and ready to go! He’s a great young man with strong character that will come in and work hard for a spot! Whichever NFL team gives him a chance, they’ll be very lucky to have him,” the coach had written.
Williams responded by noting how difficult it seemed for the program to offer even limited positive feedback about a player who had started for two seasons.
“Crazy to think it’s hard to say one good thing about a kid who started two years at a program,” he said. “Never been late to nothing. Never disrespected no one.”
Williams arrived at Pitt after productive stops elsewhere. He posted a standout 2021 season at Western Carolina with 73 catches for 959 yards and nine touchdowns, briefly landed at San Diego State without seeing the field, and then contributed 51 receptions for 701 yards and seven scores in his final college year with the Panthers.
Across his career he totaled 208 catches, 2,744 yards and 28 touchdowns. Pitt itself produced just one selection in the 2026 draft, fourth-round linebacker Kyle Louis to the Miami Dolphins.
Williams’ decision to air the scouting report has reignited discussion about how college programs communicate with NFL evaluators and the lasting impact those evaluations can have on a player’s professional opportunities.
