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Old 03-12-2010, 09:36 AM   #1
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Know Your Enemy: Pitt

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
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Old 03-12-2010, 03:22 PM   #2
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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/201...#ixzz0i03JwQHe
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Old 03-12-2010, 07:37 PM   #3
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Pitt sucks eggs. Vidals gonna have a field day against those fools!!
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Old 03-17-2010, 01:09 PM   #4
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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
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Old 03-18-2010, 12:50 PM   #5
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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...#ixzz0iYGgK00i

http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/10077/1043740-142.stm
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Old 03-20-2010, 02:49 PM   #6
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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...#ixzz0ikRoZrOL
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Old 03-22-2010, 01:21 PM   #7
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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/pitt.../s_672694.html
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Old 03-24-2010, 01:06 PM   #8
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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/pitt.../s_673076.html
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Old 03-24-2010, 01:08 PM   #9
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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...#ixzz0j7QGHCzw
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Old 03-24-2010, 01:08 PM   #10
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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...#ixzz0j7QLkv83
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