Football: New set of cornerbacks stepping up for Pitt

All eyes were on the quarterback position this summer as fans waited to see whether Tino Sunseri could aquequately step in for Bill Stull. What Pitt fans might have overlooked in all that hubbub was the search for new cornerbacks, critical players on the defense… All eyes were on the quarterback position this summer as fans waited to see whether Tino Sunseri could aquequately step in for Bill Stull. What Pitt fans might have overlooked in all that hubbub was the search for new cornerbacks, critical players on the defense.

The Panthers felt a huge loss when all-star cornerback Aaron Berry graduated last year and was picked up in the NFL as a free agent by the Detroit Lions. He was a staple of the secondary in his years at Pitt with five career interceptions and was named to the 2009 All-Big East Team. Despite missing two games due to injury that season, he still accumulated 28 tackles and nine pass break-ups.

Who could replace this kind of productivity in the secondary? That answer came quickly to the team throughout summer workouts and was only confirmed in the team’s training camp when senior Ricky Gary and junior Antwuan Reed emerged as starters at the cornerback position.

“[The biggest thing I learned from] Aaron Berry was that getting a lot of [football] knowledge playing corner is important. Once you have that, you can play faster,” Reed said. “The more you know, the easier it is for you.”

Reed and Gary both had outstanding displays at training camp, impressing both the coaching staff and their fellow teammates.

“I’ve just been trying to take it one day at a time, working hard and being a part of the team. I’ve been coming in trying to take a leadership role,” Reed said.

The Panthers’ schedule pins them against many teams whose deep threat is their main offensive strategy and who have great talent at the wide-out position. For this reason, the cornerbacks will play an especially large role this season.

Reed, however, said that he is not concerned about any wide receiver in particular. Perhaps this is because both Gary and Reed are presented daily with the opportunity to battle the likes of wide receiver Jon Baldwin in practice.

“[Playing against Jon] helps me out a lot because we’re constantly competing, and he’s one of the best guys at his position in college football,” Reed said.

Reed said that if he wants to succed as a cornerback, he must have solid footwork and a thorough knowledge of the game.

“In the offseason, I concentrated on improving my footwork. It’s important to know formation calls and have everyone on the same page. The more film you are able to watch, the more routes you will know,” Reed said.

Reed is confident with the team’s depth at the cornerback position.

“We have a lot of guys that want to learn,” he said.

He also has a lot of hope for this year’s team, but the Panthers are taking it one step at a time.

“I’m most excited about getting the first game on the road in,” he said. “All we’re worried about is preparing for Utah and taking it one day at a time.”