Pitt Panther Prowl

PITT FOOTBALL SPRING CAMP: WEEKLY NOTES: 4/1

First a few personal notes:

I apologize for the lack of postings - Coast Guard business reared its head and I was busy with things I get paid an actual salary for.

It occurred to me (via my wife’s strong suggestion) that I should write these articles in the first person singular (as opposed to the journalistic “we”) since I’m speaking only for myself and stating my personal thoughts on here. So I will, and who said I can’t take direction when needed?

That said I’d like to reiterate that I am not a reporter, I do not have access to “inside” information and do not claim to, and lastly I hold strong opinions about PITT football and our players. However, one thing I have learned to do in over five decades of life is change my mind if I’m presented with information, either other’s opinions or facts, that persuade me to do so. Therefore, as I write this season’s outlook on our favorite football team you might read my articles and see that I have indeed changed my stance on things.

OK - onto my thoughts on week 1 of PITT’s Spring Camp….

Nothing earthshaking has come out of Camp so far and with PITT football sometimes no news is good news. No major injuries (knock on wood) no disciplinary issues (two academic situations with Mo Williams and Tommie Duhart that appear to be resolved - good for them!) and no clear cut answers to PITT’s major questions going into the spring practices. Myles Caragein twisted an ankle, but looks to be alright. Previously injured players will NOT be participating for the most part so we won’t see how they have progressed…. with one exception;

QB Bill Stull’s thumb injury has completely healed and he’s throwing with strength and accuracy. This was a major concern, and allows Stull to compete fully with Pat Bostick for the starter’s job. I think Greg Cross is being slotted as a change of pace QB and as a quality back up should we find ourselves in the same position as last season with QB problems. QB is a two horse race and personally, I think Stull is the front runner here. I believe DW rewards loyalty in his players, especially upperclassmen, and Stull was one of the first recruits DW brought onboard when he was hired in 2004. Not only that, but Stull de-committed from Kentucky to do so, and I think that made a huge impact on Wannstedt. Now, does that mean Stull will automatically be playing every game this season - I sure hope not. But, Stull won the position out of last year’s Summer Camp and never got a chance to show what he could do in games, except for a brief stint in the opener. I think DW will ensure Stull gets at least that opportunity to show what he’s about in the beginning of this season.

Bostick apparently has taken direction well also, and put his superb work ethic to point in correcting some major flaws he carried last season - his weight and his hitch in his throwing motion. That is great news, but I wonder if, in this short time off season, his abilities have progressed to the point where he can clearly out play Stull under center. We still have two weeks left in camp with a scrimmage to go, but really, this question will linger until summer camp at least.

Elijah Fields has been practicing everyday with the second team. Count on him moving up to first string as practices progress. I can’t wait to see this kid on the field of play, and if he’s half as good as the hype we’ll have some great players in the defensive backfield. I can’t help but think this might be a Lucy and Charlie Brown situation here - remember when Lucy would always pull the football away just as Charlie Brown ran up to kick it? Well, it feels like that now with Fields practicing - like it’s a cruel joke or something. So I’ll keep my fingers crossed that I’m just being a pessimist on this subject, but I want him to get out there and contribute.

As always in Spring Camp, the defense is beating the crap out of the offense on a regular basis - it happens every year in every camp. So, not to worry, but I would like to feel that this is the only reason our O line is getting pushed around so much. I have to think it’s also the great talent level we have on the defensive line this year. Coach Wise has to find five guys that will mesh and play as a unit, and considering Pinkston is out with his injury that is one starter that won’t be in the mix as yet. We won’t really know anything about how the O line will do for awhile. One surprising point is that young Jordan Gibbs is pushing for a starting position - kind of came out of nowhere.

An interesting note is that DW has insisted that McCoy practice just like the mortals on the team. I’ll wait and see, but if he isn’t sitting as soon as the pads and heavy hitting start the collective blood pressure of PITT fans will go through the roof.

Dorin Dickerson has been getting 1^st team snaps due to being the only TE able to play so far. But that’s good and the indications at this point are that he’s taken well to the switch and has shown good hands and legs as a receiver. This could work out folks and if it does opens up a whole new weapon for our offense (if Cavanaugh remembers that there actually is a TE position on offense, he seemed to forget that for long periods last season).

All in all it has been a typical Spring Camp, but with a twist - this year’s talent level is superior to anything we have seen at PITT in years. It makes for a fun time in speculating who will play when and who will surprise us in pre-season. So far no answers on the bigger issues and the only thing I can state for a fact is that McCoy will be our starting HB in 2008 (how’s THAT for going out on a limb?)