Pitt
Spring Football Notes
By Tony DeFazio

Questions in need of answers and other things to watch for in Oakland:

The Panthers will try to pick up where they left off on Dec. 1, with their BCS-shattering upset of then No. 2 West Virginia. There is finally reason for optimism with Dave Wannstedt's Panthers, but there are still more questions than answers. The biggest are along the offensive line and behind center.

The line took the biggest hit as three starters are gone, including tackles Jeff Otah and Mike McGlynn. Jason Pinkston was the starting right tackle when last season began and played well, but was injured in September and never returned. He'll move to the all-important left side this year and be counted on to perform. Junior-to-be Joe Thomas, an ex-guard who has somewhat underachieved so far in his brief career, makes the move to right tackle. His potential back-ups are all freshmen, so he is under pressure as well. Inside, left guard C.J. Davis is the most experienced of the linemen. His counterpart on the right side figures to be either converted defensive tackle John Malecki or redshirt freshman Chris Jacobson. Center belongs-at least the coaches hope it does-to JUCO transfer Robb Houser.

Pat Bostick ended the season as the starting quarterback, but the true freshman struggled from the moment practice started last season. After missing more than a week at the beginning of the camp as he struggled to get acclimated, Bostick found himself running the show before he was ready due to injuries to Bill Stull and Kevan Smith. His arm strength and conditioning clearly needed work, but he had lost 15 pounds as of mid-February en route to improving in those areas. Stull and Smith will be back to battle for time, and junior college transfer Greg Cross has been added to the mix. Cross is the real wildcard here, as some close to the program feel he can be a difference maker immediately.

With both returning tight ends-Nate Byham and John Pelusi-limited as they return from injuries, one-time blue chip prospect Dorin Dickerson will take on a crucial role. The receiver-turned-running back-turned-linebacker-turned-tight end must find a position or risk being a washout.

All-Big East standout Derek Kinder's return from an ACL tear bolsters the receiving corps, and Shady McCoy and Conredge Collins are NFL prospects in the backfield.

Plenty of competition exists at linebacker and defensive back, with the exception of two positions. Middle linebacker belongs to Scott McKillop, the nation's leading tackler a year ago; and field cornerback will be Aaron Berry's spot to lose. Can safety Scoot Fields-back from a season-long suspension-live up to his potential?

Four defensive tackles return, but redshirt freshman Myles Caragein could force his way into the rotation if his play on the scout team a year ago was any indication. Both starting defensive end positions are open, but one will go to Greg Romeus, who was the most productive player on the line a year ago. If Doug Fulmer can return to his 2006 form-and if just one of Jabal Sheard, Tony Tucker and Justin Hargrove can deliver on their considerable promise-then the Pitt defensive line we saw dominate against WVU just may be a long-term thing.

Last but not least, the Panthers saw five coaches leave the staff this off-season, including defensive coordinator Paul Rhoads. No one was irreplaceable, but that's an awful lot of new coaches in just one year.