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Pieces in place for Panthers' offense
PITTSBURGH - For the second straight year, Bill Stull enters his first year as the starting quarterback at Pitt.
Stull, a record-setting passer at Seton-La Salle High School, won the starting quarterback job last year and got off to a strong start against Eastern Michigan. Stull completed 70 percent of his passes and threw a touchdown before he tore ligaments in his right thumb that ended his year.
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"It's my second go-around," Stull said. "It's another opponent, and I'm feeling 110 percent. This time, I'll try to finish the first game."
Stull's injury forced Kevan Smith and freshman Pat Bostick into unexpected roles. Smith, who has the strongest arm of any Pitt quarterback, played in five games and started three. He threw one touchdown against four interceptions.
Bostick wasn't mentally or physically ready when forced into action, but played in 10 games and started the final eight. His play progressively improved as Bostick guided the offense during wins over Cincinnati and West Virginia. Now, a bulked-up Bostick may not play this year.
"The subject of Pat being redshirted has been brought up," Pitt coach Dave Wannstedt said.
That depends on Stull's health.
One thing is certain, Pitt is counting on him to stay in the lineup. If the coaching staff has its way, the only times Stull is not under center is when junior-college transfer Greg Cross enters to run Pitt's version of the wildcat.
"I'm more than satisfied with our weapons," Stull said. "Coach just says to get the ball to our playmakers. It sounds pretty easy. My job is to feed them and let them do the dirty work."
Here's a look at some of the weapons Stull hopes to deliver to:
Running backs: Sophomore LeSean McCoy enters the year as a long-shot Heisman Trophy hopeful and Pitt's best offensive player. During a record-setting freshman year, McCoy rushed for 1,328 yards and scored 15 touchdowns.
LaRod Stephens-Howling, the primary backup, has 1,647 career rushing yards and averages nearly five yards per carry. He'll also return kicks. Sophomore Kevin Collier and freshman Chris Burns help make this Pitt's deepest group of running backs since Kevan Barlow, Nick Goings and Lousaka Polite in 2000.
Fullback also is a position of strength with senior Conredge Collins, considered a pro prospect, and redshirt freshman Henry Hynoski.
Receivers: Derek Kinder caught 57 passes for 847 yards in 2006 but a severe knee injury ended his senior year before it started. Kinder is back and healthy. He leads an experienced group, but one that needs to produce more.
Oderick Turner will start at split end opposite of Kinder. More suited as a second receiver, Turner caught 26 passes for 496 yards last year and has scored 13 touchdowns in his two years. Freshman Jonathan Baldwin is Turner's backup, while Cedric McGee outperformed T.J. Porter during the preseason and will back up Kinder.
Tight ends: Maybe the deepest position on the Panthers offense with the emergence of Dorin Dickerson, a junior who has played at receiver and linebacker previously.
Nate Byham started the first 11 games last year before sustaining a patellar dislocation against South Florida. He's back and will start. John Pelusi rounds out the unit.
Offensive line: The primary concern heading into the year, Pitt must replace first-round draft pick Jeff Otah and fourth-round selection Mike McGlynn.
Jason Pinkston started the first three years before suffering a season-ending left shoulder injury at Michigan State. He is the starting left tackle, though Wannstedt is pleased with the play of senior Chase Clowser, a 6-7, 330 fifth-year senior.
Left guard C.J. Davis is Pitt's most experienced lineman with 30 starts. That's 13 more than the rest of the line. Center Robb Houser is a junior-college transfer, while Joe Thomas starts at right tackle and John Malecki at right guard.
Freshmen Lucas Nix and Chris Jacobson will push for playing time.
"There could be a lot of changes as the season wears on," Wannstedt said. "Joe Thomas came out of camp as the starter but Lucas Nix can do things some of the guys that are starting can't do. It's the mental part, as Lucas progresses and gets more time. We expect him to play."
