Blogs

Running backs Lost: Mark Yezovich Returning: LaRod Stephens-Howling*, Conredge Collins*, Shane Brooks, Kevin Collier Newcomers: Sharif Harris, Henry Hynsoki, LeSean McCoy, Greg Williams Breakdown: Stephens-Howling and Collins ran with the first-team at tailback and fullback, respectively, while Collier and Brooks split second-team tailback reps. Brooks also took repetitions at fullback and can play both spots. [...]

Receivers Lost: Joe DelSardo Returning: Derek Kinder*, Oderick Turner*, Marcel Pestano, T.J. Porter, Cedric McGee Newcomers: Kyle Hubbard, Maurice Williams, Aundre Wright Breakdown: Kinder, a first-team All-Big East pick, maintained his hold on one position but Turner appears to have lost his starting job. Pestano and Porter both passed Turner and are fighting for a [...]

Tight ends Lost: Steve Buches* Returning: Darrell Strong, John Pelusi, Nate Byham Newcomers: Jordan Gibbs Breakdown: Possibly the Panthers’ best position, in terms of talent. Byham emerged as the starter, but Pelusi will start in double-tight end packages and Strong in passing situations. Positives: Byham proved to be equally effective as a receiver and blocker [...]

Offensive line Lost: John Simonitis*, Joe Villani* Returning: Mike McGlynn*, Jeff Otah*, C.J. Davis*, Joe Thomas*, John Bachman, John Brown, Chase Clowser, Scott Corson, Kevin Hughes, Jason Pinkston, Chris Vangas, Dom Williams Newcomers: Chris Jacobson, John Fieger, Greg Gaskins, Dan Matha Breakdown: The line returns four starters, but there is some shuffling to do. The [...]

Defensive line Lost: Vernon Botts, Corey Davis, Charles Sallet Returning: Joe Clermond*, Rashaad Duncan*, Doug Fulmer*, Gus Mustakas*, Craig Bokor, Derrell Jones, John Malecki, Chris McKillop, Greg Romeus, Tyler Tkach, Mick Williams, Newcomers: Myles Caragein, Tommie Duhart, Justin Hargrove, Jabal Sheard, Tony Tucker Breakdown: The defensive line appeared to be a strong suit for a [...]

Linebackers Lost: H.B. Blades*, Brian Bennett*, Tommie Campbell*, Clint Session* Returning: Jemeel Brady, Steve Dell, Dorin Dickerson, Adam Gunn, Dan Loheyde, Scott McKillop, Shane Murray, Nate Nix, Greg Webster Newcomers: Max Gruder, Brandon Lindsey, Tristan Roberts Breakdown: This is the position that most concerns the Panthers. McKillop won the starting job at middle linebacker. Murray [...]

Cornerbacks Lost: Darrelle Revis*, Reggie Carter Returning: Kennard Cox*, Aaron Berry, Jovani Chappel, Ricky Gary, Lowell Robinson Newcomers: Buddy Jackson, Sherod Murdock, Aaron Smith Breakdown: Replacing Revis, a likely first-round draft choice, wasn’t expected to be easy but Berry filled in admirably in covering the wide side of the field. Cox returns on the opposite [...]

Safeties Lost: Sam Bryant* Returning: Mike Phillips*, Eric Thatcher*, Elijah Fields, Newcomers: Dom DeCicco Breakdown: Without question, the worst position on the defense last season. The Panthers needed to find safeties with speed and playmaking skills, and Phillips and Thatcher came back from injuries to form a nice combo. Fields, however, returned after a six-practice [...]

Now that spring drills have concluded, we can reflect on what transpired at every position. Be forewarned that nothing is decided after spring practice and very little is based on the Blue-Gold Game. The Pitt coaching staff wasn’t able to get a full gauge of the team at certain positions because of injuries to key [...]

Thanks for the timely responses to my question about which position on the Pitt football team is the cause for most concern after the completion of spring drills. Now that the Panthers won’t be practicing again until August, I’ll be writing about a wider scope of sports and events. Next on my agenda is previewing [...]