College Football 2008
Pitt Panthers
By Chris Dokish

The Dave Wannstedt era, complete with a three year record of 16-19, is not what Panthers fans, school administrators, or Wannstedt himself had expected so far. However, after three impressive recruiting classes in a row, the Pitt alum may finally be in position to make the program a major success.

On offense, quarterback is one of the few positions that is a question. Bill Stull began the season as the starter last season, but an injury cost him all but that first game. It's doubtful that the junior can take over a game by himself, but if he can be steady and make an occasional play, he will be an upgrade from last season. Junior college transfer Greg Cross is an athletic running threat and will see the field in certain situations.

Stull will benefit from an excellent group of skill players, led by All-American candidate LeSean McCoy at running back. He will be backed by experienced Larod Stephens-Howling and Shariff Harris. Fullback Conredge Collins also returns as a starter and has excellent running skills for the position.

The wide receiver corps don't have a definite star, but they do possess a large number of talented players. Senior Derek Kinder will be the main target again after missing last season with an injury. Oderick Turner returns as a starter but T.J. Porter, Cedric McGee, Aaron Smith, and Aundre Wright will all pressure him. The wildcard is 6'6" true freshman Jonathan Baldwin who has superstar potential. Look for him to play a lot.

Even the tight end position is loaded with Nate Byham the starter and John Pelusi the blocking tight end. That's good enough for most teams, but the Panthers have also finally found a place for past high school phenom Dorin Dickerson, who is showing star ability at the position.

The offensive line has not been a strength for a long time at Pitt and this version may be no different, but the talent at least gives fans hope. Starting tackles Jason Pinkston and Joe Thomas were big time high school prospects with great talent, but so far both have underachieved. For Thomas, a senior, this is his last chance to prove himself. At guard, C.J. Davis was a surprise as a freshman, but the senior hasn't progressed much since. The other guard, John Malecki, is new to the position after playing his first two seasons at defensive tackle. He has excelled in practices, however, and looks like he will be a plus. Junior college transfer Robb Houser is the new starter at center and should be an upgrade. Chris Jacobson, John Bachman, Dominic Williams, and Jordan Gibbs are the reserves.

On defense, the Panthers were statistically ranked in the top ten last season, and this season they may be even better.

It all starts with the defensive line where sophomore end Greg Romeus is a future star, possibly even this year. At the other end is Doug Fulmer, who was badly injured two years ago and missed all of last season. Youngsters Jabaal Sheard and Tony Tucker are the reserves and the level drops little. The tackle position is even stronger with Gus Mustakas returning from injury last year and being joined by Mick Williams, Rashaad Duncan, and Tommie Duhart. All four are very good.

If that wasn't impressive enough, at linebacker, the man in the middle is All-American candidate Scott McKillop, who led the nation in tackles per game last season. Both outside linebackers, Shane Murray and Adam Gunn, also return this season, but they will be pushed by Nate Nix, Greg Williams, Brandon Lindsey, and Max Gruder.

The secondary also has great potential and features lockdown corner Aaron Berry. On the other side will be Jovani Chappel, but he will be pushed by Ronald Hobby, Ricky Gary, and Buddy Jackson. The safety position starts a senior in Eric Thatcher but it's sophomores Dom DeCicco and Elijah Fields at the other spot that has fans drooling.

Excellent kicker Conor Lee returns as does punter Dave Brytus, who needs to rebound from an underachieving season.