Know Your Enemy: Pitt

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Area of Strength: DE

Key returnees: Greg Romeus (eight sacks, 11.5 tackles for loss) and Jabaal Sheard (five sacks, 10.5 tackles for loss).

Key departures: None.

The skinny: Pitt has several strong groups, not least of which is running back with the return of Big East offensive player of the year Dion Lewis, plus Ray Graham and Henry Hynoski. But I'll give the slight nod to defensive end, where Big East co-defensive player of the year Romeus is back for his senior year, along with classmate and fellow standout Sheard. They give Pitt the best pair of ends in the league, and they're backed up by promising youngsters Shayne Hale and Brandon Lindsey.


Area of Weakness: CB

Key returnees: Ricky Gary (16 tackles, one interception), Antwuan Reed (13 tackles, one interception)

Key departures: Aaron Berry, Jovani Chappell.

The skinny: Both starting corners from a year ago have moved on, and it wasn't exactly a position of great strength beforehand. Gary and Reed have playing experience, with Gary starting the final five games of '08 and once last season. But Pitt is counting on junior college transfer and midyear enrollee Saheed Imoru to claim one of the starting spots. If Imoru lives up to his billing, this could turn out just fine. If not, the Panthers may have to scramble to find answers in their pass defense

http://espn.go.com/blog/bigeast
 
Can Pitt seize the throne from Cincinnati?
Pitt turned a corner under Dave Wannstedt last season, and if returning talent is any indication, the Panthers could be in for an even bigger 2010. They boast a Heisman contender in Lewis, a deep threat in 6-foot-5 wideout Jonathan Baldwin and an elite pass-rusher in defensive end Greg Romeus, the conference co-defensive player of the year, who passed on the NFL to return to Pitt.

Pitt proved in last year's de facto title game that it can hang with Cincy. Now, the Panthers will look to supplant a Bearcats program in transition.

With Brian Kelly gone to South Bend, Central Michigan coach Butch Jones takes over at Cincinnati. That bodes well for the multi-dimensional Collaros, who should thrive running the same offense that propelled Chippewas QB Dan LeFevour into the record books. Collaros should also benefit from the addition of USC transfer Vidal Hazelton, a proven receiving weapon.

But the Bearcats' biggest concern isn't offense; it's a defense returning just five starters and transitioning to a 4-3 scheme. Of course, considering the unit surrendered 39.4 points per game over the last five games of 2009, wiping the slate clean might not be such a bad thing.

The Panthers have their own holes. They must replace three starters on the offensive line as well as both tackles on the defensive side. More importantly, they need a successor for QB Bill Stull. Vying for the role: sophomore Tino Sunseir and redshirt junior Pat Bostick, who started as a true freshman in 2007 but sat out last season to improve his mechanics.

With Pitt, there's also the matter of mental hurdles. Did this group learn from the three-point loss to West Virginia and the one-point loss to Cincinnati that kept it out of a BCS game? If so, the Panthers could be legit contenders. If not, the real threat to Cincinnati's throne might be...



Read More: http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/20...ast-spring/index.html?eref=sihp#ixzz0i03JwQHe
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If there were an award for Big East coordinator of the year, Pitt's Frank Cignetti Jr. would likely have won it for the 2009 season.


Pitt's Frank Cignetti Jr. had an outstanding season in 2009, his first year guiding the Panthers offense.In his first year guiding the Panthers offense, Cignetti developed Bill Stull into a confident decision-maker and top-flight quarterback while helping true freshman Dion Lewis become one of the nation's leading rushers. Cignetti also found a way to use Dorin Dickerson to the utmost effect at tight end while making Pitt the league's second-highest scoring team behind Cincinnati.

Now, entering his second season under Dave Wannstedt, Cignetti is looking for even better things.

"We were happy with last year but not satisfied," he said this week. "We're going to make it better. We want to go from good to great."

He will have a talented and experienced cast to work with when the Panthers open spring practice on Thursday. But there are still some question marks, beginning at quarterback. Tino Sunseri opens the spring listed atop the depth chart, with Pat Bostick behind him. But Cignetti insists it will be a healthy competition between the two to replace Stull.

Sunseri was Stull's backup last year and has long been a fan favorite.

"First of all, I like his mental makeup," Cignetti said of Sunseri. "He's competitive, he's tough, he's functionally intelligent, he expects to win. He's a very good passer who can make all the throws. He can throw the ball deep, he can throw the intermediate route. And I like his mobility -- not only can he play within the pocket, but he has good movement outside the pocket."

http://espn.go.com/blog/bigeast
 
Pitt rebuilding OL

The Pitt football team opens spring drills today, and there is no question that all eyes will be on the quarterback competition between Pat Bostick and Tino Sunseri, particularly since coach Dave Wannstedt has said he would like to have a starter in place by end of spring football.

But while eyes are fixated on the quarterbacks, the truth is there is a lot of work to be done to rebuild the unit charged with protecting the quarterback -- the offensive line -- more specifically to the guy who snaps the ball --the center.

Wannstedt and his staff have been working hard to come up with some viable options at center in the offseason.

Redshirt freshman defensive tackle Jack Lippert (6 feet 4, 275 pounds) was moved to center and he will compete for the starting job with Alex Karabin. If Lippert pans out and at least provides some depth, it would mean redshirt junior Greg Gaskins would be able to remain at tackle and be the third player -- behind returning starters Jason Pinkston and Lucas Nix -- at that position.

Pitt also will try to replace two starting guards along the offensive line as well as two NFL-caliber tight ends.

In all, there are 11 starting positions that need to be filled, but Wannstedt said that is the nature of spring football as it is a time to reload and get ready for the fall.

"We [had] a big group of seniors so there's a lot of opportunity for younger players, and most of these guys see this as an opportunity to get in there and an opportunity to play," Wannstedt said. "Offensive line is the biggest concern. [Offensive line coach] Tony Wise has a challenging job trying to figure out not just the starters but the depth.

"A year ago at this time, I was standing here [saying] 'I don't know if we have a running back or who our quarterback is going to be.' And I don't think anybody brought up Dorin Dickerson's name. And those three positions were a major, major bright spot in the success that we had."

Two other players who moved positions for the spring are Aundre Wright (from receiver to corner) and Kolby Gray (quarterback to safety).

Spring drills will conclude April 18 with the annual Blue-Gold spring game at Heinz Field.



Read more: http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/10077/1043740-142.stm#ixzz0iYGgK00i

http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/10077/1043740-142.stm
 
Pitt has qb competition

Pitt spring football drills got under way Thursday, and that means the Panthers' quarterback derby has officially begun.

Redshirt sophomore Tino Sunseri took all of the first-team reps Thursday while redshirt junior Pat Bostick played with the second team, but the two likely will alternate roles each day. Coaches have said the competition will last at least until the end of spring.

Pitt coach Dave Wannstedt said it is clear both players have done their homework and know the offense, but evaluating either of them is difficult because this was their first day throwing with receivers since the end of the season.

"The timing is the biggest thing," Wannstedt said. "You can tell they had a good offseason from the standpoint of studying film, but it is going to take them a few practices to get the timing down."

Neither player was especially interested in talking about the competition between them after Thursday's practice. Both acknowledged that there is a long way to go until anything is decided.

"I pride myself on knowing the offense and having a handle on what we are trying to do," Bostick said. "I can't control what happens other than I'll just continue to practice and train and work hard every day and be coachable and see what happens."

Sunseri said, "When you finally get out here and throw the ball around, it is fun and it is a good experience. Competition is healthy, anywhere you go in life you will have competition, and we have a lot of good guys out here but this is more like a friendly competition more than anything."



Read more: http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/10078/1044053-142.stm#ixzz0ikRoZrOL
 
Pitt adding depth at WR

Redshirt sophomore Cam Saddler says he hasn't felt this good since high school, and the timing seems perfect.


Through the first two days of Pitt's spring practices, the 5-foot-7, 170-pounder from Monroeville has flashed his playmaking ability as a kick-returner and versatile receiver.

Running free of a brace on his left knee for the anterior cruciate ligament he tore two years ago and without pain from the ankle injury he suffered last season, Saddler is leading a group of Pitt receivers hoping to replicate the numbers of a departed tight end.


"We lost Dorin Dickerson, and we lost his production," said offensive coordinator Frank Cignetti. "You can't replace Dorin, but you have to find new ways to get the production. We feel like we can get more production out of (the receivers). We take a look at each guy and ask ourselves: 'What does he do great?' and put him in those positions to make plays.

"The last couple days, we've gotten Cam the ball, and he's been very productive. Cam's time is now."


Saddler was primarily a kick returner last year, averaging 25.3 yards on 25 returns and also catching three passes for 41 yards and a score.


That's a long way from Dickerson's 2009 stats, which included 529 yards receiving and 10 touchdowns.

But the explosiveness Saddler showcased at Gateway High School is still evident, even despite his injuries the past two years.

"It's the best feeling in the world, just being able to show that I can make plays," Saddler said. "Showing I'm capable of getting touches in games is real important."


Pitt's top returners at receiver are Jonathan Baldwin and Mike Shanahan. Gone to graduation are Cedric McGee and Oderick Turner, but the Panthers hope to build depth with Saddler, redshirt freshman Devin Street and redshirt senior Greg Cross, a converted quarterback.

"We feel like we have a very good receiver group," Cignetti said. "(Thursday), Cam had a tremendous day. Devin came out and showed what he can do. We all know what Baldwin and Shanahan can do, and Cross is getting better every day. We have quality depth."

http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburghtrib/sports/college/s_672694.html
 
Pitt Offensive Line

When asked if he feels confident about filling the gaps on an offensive line that lost three starters -- center Robb Houser, along with guards Joe Thomas and John Malecki -- Wise sharply responded, "No."

Wise is expecting more from his returning starters, All-Big East left tackle Jason Pinkston and right tackle Lucas Nix. And he's demanding more of the projected first-year starters -- guards Chris Jacobson and Greg Gaskins, and center Alex Karabin -- in the weeks leading up to the Panthers' spring game April 17 at Heinz Field.

"It's not only replacing our starters, it's about recognizing they had their own way of doing things," Wise said. "It's a major deal having to replace those guys.

"It's too early to assess these guys, but Jason's got a lot of ability and Lucas is the same way. I think (Jacobson) has to define his game, and the other guys, we have to find out who can play."

Wannstedt is hoping the allotted 15 practice sessions are enough to evaluate and develop depth along the offensive line before heading into fall practice.

"There's a lot of opportunity there," Wannstedt said, "and I think we're going to have some real healthy competition."

Lewis tallied some of his yards between the tackles last season. But Pitt's bookends, Pinkston and Lucas, paved the way as the 5-foot-8 running back swept the edges for many of his 1,799 yards and 17 rushing touchdowns.

Pinkston will be counted on to protect the blind sides of quarterbacks Tino Sunseri and Pat Bostick. Nix proved to be equally adept at pass and run blocking, and Jacobson played well in relief of Thomas in the bowl game.

"We're trying to build on what we did with Dion last year," said Pinkston. "We know he's a powerful runner, and what we have to do is make a couple of powerful blocks, and he can take it the rest of the way.

"It's big for us to keep moving forward. We don't want to fall behind on what we did last year."

The questions marks are the projected starters, who are likely to be busy during the spring game, as Wise tries to develop a reliable run-blocking unit that can carve out some daylight for Lewis and backup Ray Graham.

While there remains doubt about the offensive line, the Panthers have history on their side. A year ago, they were faced with a similar situation, as Thomas and Jacobson battle for the No. 1 job and Pinkston was recovering from an ailing shoulder.

"Things work out in strange ways. Joe Thomas had a good year, and when Joe got hurt and wasn't healthy in the bowl game, we put Jacobson in there and said we would find out in a big way," Wannstedt said earlier this year.

"Chris played very good (in the bowl game). We go into the spring feeling good about the left side of our offensive line with him and Jason."

Yet, as with any offensive front, Wannstedt knows it'll probably take more than 15 practice sessions to find depth. He's confident his depth chart is deep enough that his projected starters could be pushed in the fall by several linemen -- including Ryan Schlieper, Jack Lippert, and Ryan Turney

http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburghtrib/sports/college/s_673076.html
 
Shayne Hale moving to DE

Shayne Hale was a highly recruited prospect out of Gateway High School who had visions of becoming Pitt's next dominant middle linebacker.

But Hale, a redshirt sophomore who was a U.S. Army All-American as a high school senior, didn't make an impact his first season at Pitt, ended up taking a redshirt and then, in the offseason between 2008 and '09, approached the coaching staff about moving to defensive end.

He hadn't played the position before. So he spent most of last season learning while improving his strength and technique, but that meant he spent lots of time on the bench.

That won't be the case this year, though, as Hale is expected to back up Greg Romeus at defensive end and hopes to see plenty of playing time.

"He hasn't even played the position for a year yet, but he has really improved," said defensive line coach Greg Gattuso. "We need him to be able to play 15 to 20 snaps a game next year and that is if [the two starters] are healthy. If we get an injury, we'll need more, and if he isn't playing that many there is something wrong."

Hale, who is 6 feet 4 and 250 pounds, said he knows his time is now and he's making sure he takes full advantage of the opportunity.

"I've been staying after practice working on things, I want to work with [strength and conditioning coach] Buddy Morris on getting even stronger," Hale said. "I know I can be a big part of things in the future, but I have to start this year. Just getting on the field and making plays when my number is called, that is all that I can control."



Read more: http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/10083/1045118-142.stm#ixzz0j7QGHCzw
 
Pitt TE battling

Tight end is a position that was hit hardest by graduation, considering how much Dorin Dickerson and Nate Byham meant to the offense.

Head coach Dave Wannstedt said all three players fighting for playing time at that position are working hard.

"It's early yet, but we need for Andrew Devlin and Brock DeCicco to come on," Wannstedt said. "But I expect them to make strides. [And] Mike Cruz, it's obviously his job to lose. He's played some, but we'll need them all. And each one has their own specialty, what they bring to the table.''



Read more: http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/10083/1045118-142.stm#ixzz0j7QLkv83
 
Jacobson's time has arrived

The time is now for Chris Jacobson, and he knows it. College football players only get so many chances before they are bypassed for the next big recruiting star coming through the ranks.

Jacobson was one of those big recruiting stars once upon a time. Three years ago, he was a can't-miss prospect from Keystone Oaks High School. He played in the Army All-American Game, had five stars next to his name on all of the recruiting websites and was billed as one of the top high school offensive linemen in the country.

Now, after three years filled with injuries and unsuccessful bids to earn starting jobs, Jacobson is -- finally -- 100 percent healthy and bent on seizing a starting job on Pitt's offensive line.

"I'm coming out here every day with a purpose to get better," said Jacobson, a 6-foot-3, 290-pound redshirt junior. "This is my fourth year, and it is my time. I've worked my butt off in the weight room with Buddy Morris. It's time to put my foot down and really be coachable, be physical and just hit people."

Jacobson could always do the latter. From a physical standpoint, he was ready to play when he was a true freshman, but not having a full grasp of the mental aspects of the game is what prevented him from earning the starting left guard position this past fall.

Jacobson competed with senior Joe Thomas throughout camp, but the coaches decided to start Thomas because he did not make as many mental errors.

"It was just stupid mistakes that shouldn't have been made that you want to kick yourself in the butt for," Jacobson said. "It was never the physical part. It was just some of the mental parts.

"But now the mental part is clicking. Now I look at some of the mistakes I made, and it's like, 'That's so easy. It all falls in like a puzzle.' "

Jacobson will fill one of three vacated spots on the offensive line in the fall. The Panthers also are looking for a new center and a new right guard.

Pitt coach Dave Wannstedt is hoping Jacobson can help anchor the retooled offensive line in the fall along with returning tackles Jason Pinkston and Lucas Nix.

"He's had a very good offseason," Wannstedt said. "When we came out of fall camp last year, we felt like Chris, from a physical standpoint, was there and ready to go, but Joe Thomas had been a four-year starter, and we came to the conclusion that both would play.

"We just thought Joe with his experience gave us a little better option at that time. And Joe stayed healthy for the most part. Chris' time is now. He knows it, and he's off to a good start."

Jacobson impressed the coaches Dec. 26 when he had to step in for an injured Thomas and start against North Carolina in the Meineke Car Care Bowl. It was a gratifying experience for Jacobson, who had to battle back from a dislocated knee that prevented him from playing as a freshman and kept him hobbled in his second season.

"That was a great experience for me," Jacobson said. "It was exciting. I got to play with
Rob Houser and John [Malecki]. I got to get one game in with them before they left. It was a good experience.

"North Carolina had two draft prospects, and we all did great against them. At first, I was nervous, but I knew the coaches trusted me and that I could go out there and play."

Pitt is set with Jacobson, Pinkston and Nix as starters, but Wannstedt still needs to name starters at center and right guard.

Fifth-year senior walk-on Alex Karabin and redshirt freshman Jack Lippert are competing at center, and Greg Gaskins and Ryan Turnley are competing at right guard.



Read more: http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/10085/1045806-142.stm#ixzz0jJ7Qq8i5​
 
Cruz at Tight End

That Pitt tight end Mike Cruz even had one touchdown catch last season might seem impressive considering the two tight ends who were ahead of him.

Even Cruz described Nate Byham and Dorin Dickerson as "two of the best tight ends in the country" last year and said losing them both to graduation was a "huge, huge loss."

But without Byham and Dickerson ahead of him on the depth chart, Cruz, a 6-foot-5, 270-pound redshirt sophomore from Johnstown, has emerged as a leader this spring.

"This is Mike's third spring in the program, and he's starting to assume some leadership," Pitt tight ends coach Brian Angelichio said. "He's had a chance to sit and watch Nate and Dorin, and I think he understands that this is his time to assume some leadership, and that's good to see."

Cruz played in 11 games last season and found the end-zone on a 2-yard pass from Bill Stull -- Cruz's only catch of the year -- in a 41-14 rout of South Florida. Even though his playing time was limited, Cruz says the game experience was a tremendous help, especially now that he's taking the first-team reps at tight end.

"It was a huge loss losing two of the best tight ends in the country, and you really have some shoes to fill," Cruz said. "I feel like I need to step in and be a leader for the whole tight end group and for the offense. It's a huge, huge loss, but you can't dwell on who you lost. You just gotta step up and do your best."

Cruz now leads a Pitt tight end group with several new faces, including redshirt junior Andrew Devlin, who sat out last season after transferring from Virginia, and redshirt freshman Brock DeCicco.

"I definitely learned a lot watching Nate and all the older guys," DeCicco said. "Now, I'm just coming out, learning from Cruz and trying to learn and compete. It's making us all better right now."

http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburghtrib/sports/college/s_673447.html
 
Dr Saturday On Pitt

Double that sentiment when you consider the flashing sirens next to the names of the dueling heirs apparent, sophomore Tino Sunseri and junior Pat Bostick, who both come with obvious issues -- Sunseri didn't get any significant time as the top backup last year, and Bostick got just enough time as a freshman starter in 2007 for fans to balk at the prospect of watching any more. Thrown into the fire after a season-ending injury to Stull, Bostick lobbed up 13 interceptions to eight touchdowns, including a pair of picks in the earth-quaking win at West Virginia in the season finale, a grueling upset the defense dragged across the line in spite of it all. Bostick didn't win any friends when he came on to throw three picks against Notre Dame in his only start of 2008, either, though it turned out to be another big road win, too. On the other hand, as a once-touted fourth-year junior, he has had plenty of mistakes to learn from, which may still trump Sunseri's inexperience when it comes down to it.

What's the Same. The new QB will have no complaint with the support staff, headed by the best individual running back (Dion Lewis) and receiver (Jonathan Baldwin) in the conference. Lewis ran away with the attention as the classic undersized, overlooked underdog made good as conference rushing champ in his first season, but Baldwin looks like the man with a future, courtesy of his lanky, NFL-ready frame and eerily familiar body control on long balls:


http://rivals.yahoo.com/ncaa/football/blog/dr_saturday
 
Graham-Pitts other RB

Coach Dave Wannstedt called Graham "the star of spring practice," saying he has improved. "Ray Graham's probably had as many exciting plays as anybody out there. He's really come on."

Some in Graham's position might have transferred to see more playing time. But he said he is committed to Pitt, what he called a "program on the rise."

And he appreciates his role, saying he loves the competition between the Panthers' top running backs. But he is not sure if he will ever catch Lewis, last season's Big East Conference offensive player of the year and rookie of the year.

"I don't know," he said. "Dion's pretty good."

Coming to Pitt was an adjustment for Graham, a New Jersey native. Before last fall, he had never studied a playbook and spent a lot of time early in the season learning Pitt's plays and schemes. And he was not used to a hectic college schedule that had him waking up at 5:30 a.m., in class by 8 and on the practice field for a couple hours in the afternoon.

http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/10092/1047344-142.stm
 
Pittsburgh

Pitt's offense looked sharp, scoring two touchdowns in the first 10 plays of a full-squad scrimmage. Tino Sunseri finished 13-of-18 for 129 yards and four touchdowns to solidify his spot as the No. 1 quarterback, while Pat Bostick was 10-of-14 for 122 yards and a score.

Mike Cruz, Greg Cross, Mike Shanahan and Jonathan Baldwin all had touchdown catches. Dion Lewis ran for 64 yards on nine carries.

The defense was hamstrung by a wrist injury to end Jabaal Sheard, who will have to wear a cast. Dom DeCicco missed the scrimmage with a foot problem, and reigning Big East co-defensive player of the year Greg Romeus didn't play much.


http://espn.go.com/blog/bigeast
 
WR Shanahan behind Baldwin

Shanahan, a 6-foot-5, 220-pound sophomore, was the leading receiver in Pitt's first scrimmage of the spring Saturday with four receptions for 52 yards and a touchdown.

"I like watching basketball still, but I don't miss playing it that much," he said. "I just love playing football."

His father, Mike, played college basketball at IUP; uncle Brian Shanahan played at Duquesne; and two others uncles, Robert and Jerry Shanahan, played at Pitt-Johnstown and IUP, respectively.

The younger Mike Shanahan visited Vermont, Bucknell and Akron and seemed destined to continue the family tradition until his senior football season at Norwin went so well that he reconsidered. Now his family is all about football.

"They might actually have more fun with it than me sometimes," Shanahan said. "They like to travel to the away games. They're all going out to Utah [for the season opener.] They're just excited to be a part of it."

Chances are that when the Sept. 2 season opener at Utah rolls around Shanahan will be the starter opposite Jon Baldwin. After being slowed early last season with a broken hand, Shanahan came on late and earned two starts against South Florida and North Carolina.

For the season, he had 15 receptions for 211 yards. He set careers highs for receptions (five) and yards (83) in the bowl game victory against North Carolina.

"He gained a lot of experience last year," Pitt coach Dave Wannstedt said. "He started off with a real good camp, but then he broke a bone in his hand, which really put him behind. But he battled back into contention. That speaks volumes about the type of competitor he is. It would have been easy for him to say, 'I'm a redshirt freshman, there goes this year.' He was on the scout team and worked his way through. And when his number was called, he took advantage of it."

Shanahan developed into a reliable target. His 13-yard reception on third-and-7 against North Carolina helped to set up Pitt's winning field goal in the final minute.

Shanahan's role in the offense might be labeled as a "possession" receiver because, as Wannstedt notes, Shanahan has the ability to hurt teams that underestimate his athleticism.

"He's a big guy who, because of his basketball skills, can position you," Wannstedt said. "If they're going to double-team Baldwin and leave Shanahan one-on-one, the guy covering him is going to have to go up and be able to make a play on the ball, or [Shanahan] is going to beat you."

Even though he excelled in the role of short-yardage receiver last season, Shanahan does not like being labeled a possession receiver. He said offensive coordinator Frank Cignetti has a plan to use all of his skilled receivers.

"It turned out last year that I was making third-down conversions. The big plays were going to Jon," Shanahan said. "I think that's just how it worked out. Coach Cignetti knows our strengths and weaknesses. He will utilize us the best he can. If it works out like that again, it will. If not, I'll be making big plays, too



Read more: http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/10097/1048407-233.stm#ixzz0kRFiABOU
 
Pitts secondary work in progress

The Panthers have been without safeties Andrew Taglianetti and Dom DeCicco, who were in the starting lineup during last year's season opener against Youngstown State. And that's been compounded some by the absence of Jason Hendricks, who's slated to be a key backup at safety.

If that isn't enough, Hafley has to decide on who will replace cornerbacks Aaron Berry and Jovani Chappel. The likely starters are Ricky Gary and Antwuan Reed, but Buddy Jackson is bidding for a No. 1 spot.

The picture isn't nearly as clear at the safety positions. With the exception of Jarred Holley and Todd Gilchrist, Hafley hasn't had much to work with this spring with the injured Taglianetti and DeCicco watching from the sidelines.

Taglianetti, who suffered a season-ending knee injury in the second game against Buffalo last season, is expected to be ready for preseason training camp. DeCicco, who had 88 tackles and tied for the team lead with three interceptions, has missed the entire spring with a foot ailment.

Taglianetti and DeCicco have spent most of the spring tutoring their young backups. And Holley, who stepped into the starting lineup ahead of an inconsistent Elijah Fields after Taglianetti was injured, enters his sophomore season with high expectations.

"Those guys (Taglianetti and DeCicco) are always talking about different formations and making suggestions," Holley said. "Whatever the coaches come up with, we'll be comfortable with."

Holley and Gilchrist, a former walk-on, are expected to start the spring game. But Pitt has a thin depth chart, which includes a former quarterback (Kolby Gray), an ex-kicker (Pat Costello) and Marco Pecora, all of whom are still adjusting to their new roles.

"I've been trying to take advantage of my chances," said Gilchrist, who had three tackles Saturday. "I'm doing whatever I can to make plays and get the system down. Some things are new to me, but as long as I keep working everything should be good."

Yet, a confident Hafley isn't sweating the fact that Pitt will dress only one experienced safety for the spring game.

"Taglianetti and DeCicco are good players, but we've got some pretty good players on the field right now, and their all getting better," Hafley said after Saturday's scrimmage. "You can only be concerned about the guys that are out there

://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburghtrib/sports/college/s_676102.html
 
Updated Depth chart-Pitt

For those of you that are interested, here is the most updated depth chart now that spring is over.

It will obviously remain this way until training camp starts. There aren't many surprises but I do think there are some interesting notes:

1.) Greg Williams has hung on to his starting job - for now. Dave Wannstedt made it clear that Tristan Roberts is charging hard and so this will be a competition worth watching in the fall. Williams has ability but in two years he has yet to develop consistency and it appears as if Roberts has a renewed focus and is ready to play at a high level.

2.) Ricky Gary missed most of the spring with an injury and now he has some ground to make up as Saheed Imoru is listed as the starter at corner opposite of Antwuan Reed. That should be another good battle to watch though regardless of who wins it, the other will become the third corner and play a lot anyway.

3.) As we have suspected the back-up offensive line is, how do we say, a little underwhelming. It is clear that the starting five need to stay healthy because I don't know how many of those guys on the second string are ready to play.




PITT POST-SPRING DRILLS 2-DEEP

OFFENSE

SPLIT END

87 Mike Shanahan* SO* 6-5 220

14 Greg Cross SR* 6-2 215

LEFT TACKLE

77 Jason Pinkston*** SR* 6-4 305

68 Jordan Gibbs* JR* 6-7 295

LEFT GUARD

54 Chris Jacobson* JR* 6-3 290

62 Fernando Diaz FR* 6-2 275

CENTER

61 Alex Karabin** SR* 6-1 290

72 Jack Lippert FR* 6-4 250

RIGHT GUARD

60 Greg Gaskins* JR* 6-4 285

75 Ryan Turnley* SO* 6-6 305

RIGHT TACKLE

52 Lucas Nix** JR 6-6 300

78 Cory King FR* 6-6 315

TIGHT END

85 Mike Cruz* SO* 6-5 270

47 Andrew Devlin JR* 6-6 255

QUARTERBACK

12 Tino Sunseri* SO* 6-2 210

19 Pat Bostick** JR* 6-3 225

TAILBACK

28 Dion Lewis* SO 5-8 195

34 Ray Graham* SO 5-9 185

FULLBACK

27 Henry Hynoski** JR* 6-2 260

23 Kevin Adams FR* 6-1 205

FLANKER

82 Jon Baldwin** JR 6-5 225

5 Cameron Saddler* SO* 5-7 170

DEFENSE

LEFT DEFENSIVE END

97 Jabaal Sheard*** SR 6-4 260

46 Shayne Hale* SO* 6-4 250

DEFENSIVE TACKLE

98 Chas Alecxih** JR* 6-5 275

96 Justin Hargrove* JR* 6-4 265

NOSE TACKLE

94 Myles Caragein** JR* 6-2 275

45 Tyler Tkach** SR* 6-3 280 OR

50 Tyrone Ezell FR* 6-4 270

RIGHT DEFENSIVE END

91 Greg Romeus*** SR* 6-6 270

35 Brandon Lindsey** JR* 6-2 240

SAM LINEBACKER

55 Max Gruder** JR* 6-2 230

36 Manny Williams* SO* 6-1 225

MIDDLE LINEBACKER

40 Dan Mason* SO 6-0 225

58 Shane Gordon FR* 6-1 225

WILL LINEBACKER

38 Greg Williams** JR* 6-3 240

32 Tristan Roberts* JR* 6-1 235

CORNERBACK

22 Antwuan Reed** JR 5-10 190

21 Buddy Jackson** JR* 6-1 180

FREE SAFETY

18 Jarred Holley* SO* 5-10 175

25 Jason Hendricks FR* 6-0 190

STRONG SAFETY

31 Dom DeCicco*** SR 6-3 230

41 Andrew Taglianetti* SO* 5-11 190

CORNERBACK

2 Saheed Imoru JR 5-10 190

26 Ricky Gary*** SR* 5-9 175

SPECIALISTS

PLACEKICKER

30 Dan Hutchins* SR* 5-11 190

39 Kevin Harper* SO* 5-10 170

PUNTER

30 Dan Hutchins* SR* 5-11 190

92 Matt Yoklic FR* 6-2 210

KICK RETURNER

5 Cameron Saddler* SO* 5-7 170 AND

34 Ray Graham* SO 5-9 185

29 Chris Burns* SO* 5-11 195 AND

9 Jason Douglas FR* 5-7 170

PUNT RETURNER

3 Aaron Smith* JR* 6-0 180

5 Cameron Saddler* SO* 5-7 170

http://community.post-gazette.com/blogs/collegesports/default.aspx
 
Spring Wrap Up

Spring answers

1. Tino time: This spring ostensibly brought a quarterback competition, but Tino Sunseri began it as the No. 1 guy and held off a challenge from Pat Bostick to remain in that role. The sophomore has a good arm, solid mobility and a strong understanding of the game. Even though he's never had much significant college experience, Pitt feels comfortable with him under center.

2. Reed and react: The Panthers were looking for someone to step up at cornerback, and Antwuan Reed did just that. The junior had been confined mostly to a special teams and backup role his first two years but shined in his chance to run with the first team. He should be a starter in the fall.

3. More playmakers: Pitt was already blessed to have Dion Lewis, Jonathan Baldwin and Mike Shanahan. This spring saw Ray Graham excel alongside Lewis at tailback and former quarterback Greg Cross push for playing time at receiver. Add in impressive young wideout Devin Street, and offensive coordinator Frank Cignetti Jr. has a lot of options and flexibility.


Fall questions

1. Department of the interior: The offensive line is solid at the tackle spots, but Pittsburgh left the spring with lingering questions at center and right guard. Alex Karabin is trying to hold onto the job at center, but he's been a four-year walk-on for a reason. The Panthers will either have to explore some shuffling around or hope their current players improve this summer to keep the interior stout. The backups on the O-line need work, too.

2. Tight end turnover: Arguably the two best tight ends in the Big East called Heinz Field home last year as both Dorin Dickerson and Nate Byham got drafted last month. Replacing them and what each did so well -- Dickerson a versatile and speedy pass catcher, Byham a tough-nosed blocker -- won't be easy. Mike Cruz appeared to be the best all-around option on the roster this spring.


3. Weakside linebacker strength: Two-year starter Greg Williams held onto his job in the spring, but just barely. Tristan Roberts made a strong charge for the role and earned coach Dave Wannstedt's praise, while Williams has struggled to play up to his physical talent. This is a competition worth watching in the fall.

http://espn.go.com/blog/bigeast/post/_/id/9462/pittsburgh-spring-wrap-2
 

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