Pitt Camp: Questions abound for new-look Pitt

[bullwark]

Pitt closed training camp yesterday with a single practice in the afternoon. The team now turns its attention to the opener Saturday against Notre Dame.

The Panthers had a productive camp and answered some concerns at certain positions, but, for the most part, there are questions to be answered.

Two areas have shown improvement to the point that they appear to be a team strength -- the offensive line and the run game.

Although they have been the team's Achilles' heel in recent years, it appears as if the coaches have found a winning combination of linemen and running backs to help ease the Panthers' transformation from a passing team to a running team.

"The offensive line is playing very well right now, but we need to get better," said right tackle Mike McGlynn. "You are never to a point where you can't get better and if you ever start patting yourself on the back, you get lazy and that's when you get in trouble.

"Every day we've focused on just getting better. Camp was a grind but we're ready. We've gotten better in all areas of blocking and that was our goal."

Pitt coach Dave Wannstedt added: "The line has come together. That first unit we've kept together and that really helps and our depth is good as well."

The starting offensive line will consist of right tackle McGlynn, right guard John Simonitis, center Joe Villani, left guard Dominic Williams and left tackle Charles Spencer.

The bulk of the carries likely will go to freshman Rashad Jennings and senior Tim Murphy, as they have gotten the most work at tailback throughout camp. Both are tough, physical runners who should fit well in Wannstedt's power-running game, but the Panthers can also change the pace with speedy LaRod Stephens.

The run game might not be at the level coaches would like, because the personnel was recruited for a passing offense, but it still should be an improvement over last season when the Panthers averaged only 97 yards per game and ranked 105th in NCAA Division I in rushing offense.

"We're committed to it, we want to be a physical line and we want to be a good running team, so I have no doubt we'll get it done," McGlynn said.

The main question on offense revolves around the wide receivers. The coaches came out of camp confident in three receivers -- starters Joe DelSardo and Greg Lee and Derek Kinder. A fourth, Marcel Pestano, has shown progress. The Panthers also have a trio of excellent pass-catching tight ends.

On defense, the coaches have switched around the personnel to Pitt's benefit, but the defensive line is still a work in progress.

"You know, I think our defense has a chance to be really good," said middle linebacker H.B. Blades, who was one of several players shuffled into new positions since last season. "I think we have to establish ourselves physically up front and if we can do that, everything else will fall into place."

Blades was moved to middle linebacker in the spring and will be paired with outside linebackers Brian Bennett and Derron Thomas.

J.J. Horne and Clint Session, who is hurt, are experienced and talented and will share time with Bennett and Thomas.

The defensive line is inexperienced, though. Thomas Smith is the only starter with extensive playing time, but he is learning a new position and has been hurt for most of camp.

The defensive line has plenty of speed, though, and that alone is an upgrade from a year ago.

"Our defensive line isn't big, but they get to the ball quick, a lot quicker than in the past," Blades said. "You can tell because it seems like our D-line is making a lot of plays and that's really what is the most important -- just make plays. That goes for all the rest of us as well."

The strength of the team should be the secondary, which features two NFL-caliber cornerbacks in Josh Lay and Darrelle Revis. The move of Mike Phillips from corner to strong safety has also turned out well and free safety Tez Morris is a four-year starter.

Although the Panthers had a tough, physical camp, they emerged with very few injuries. Wannstedt said the Panthers' health is excellent and they are physically ready for the season.

"Camp is always a success when you come through it healthy," he said. "And we ran an awful lot and our guys are in great shape. Physically, we couldn't have done any more.

"I couldn't have asked anything more from the players. Now, all we need them to do is go out and perform."

[smazza]

they are getting verbals from usa's best

[bulls96go]

and the "great" option QB carter is now going there

good luck to him!