NFL Draft: Stull overcomes adversity, prepares for draft

Editor’s Note: This is the seventh part of the Pitt News’ series of profiles… Editor’s Note: This is the seventh part of the Pitt News’ series of profiles on the eight Panthers who are entering the NFL Draft, which starts tonight in New York.

It was the first game of the year. Pitt was in the midst of its season opener against Youngstown State, and senior quarterback Bill Stull was already hearing it from the fans — the tune of resounding boos on his first incomplete pass.

Panther fans were calling for backup-quarterback Tino Sunseri to become the starter after Stull’s performance the previous season and in the Sun Bowl in particular, where he was 7 for 24 with 51 yards and an interception.

Yet, just a little over seven months since that season opener, Stull has vastly improved and positioned himself as a possible late-round selection in the NFL Draft starting today in New York.

The difference for Stull has been staggering, throwing for just nine touchdowns and 10 interceptions his junior year, compared to 21 and eight respectively this past season.

The biggest difference that led to Stull’s improvement — besides a tireless work ethic — came when Pitt hired new offensive coordinator Frank Cignetti prior to last season.

“Coach Cignetti’s playing system fit my playing style to a T,” Stull said. “I watched a lot of film of my redshirt junior year and critiqued myself to a point where I don’t make that same mistake again.”

Stull, one of the most criticized Pitt players in recent memory, said he feels that all the booing he’s heard over the course of two seasons at Pitt will only help him when it comes time to perform in the pressure-packed NFL.

“I think that you’re not going to find a more mentally-tough quarterback than me,” Stull said. “I’m pretty sure it’s safe to say I’ve gone through a lot of difficult times. No matter what people say about me I’m not going to back down.”

Sunseri, who watched Stull from the sidelines this year, agreed.

“Anytime you face that kind of adversity, you’re not going to hit anything harder,” Sunseri said. “And me just becoming a good friend with him, you realize how much he went through and all he had to overcome.”

Another thing that will help Stull’s chances of getting picked in the draft is his familiarity with an NFL system. Coach Dave Wannstedt installed a pro-style offense when he took over before the 2005 season, Stull’s first as a Panther, and Cignetti’s NFL background only helped him more.

“I think I might be one of the only quarterbacks in this draft [who has] been in a pro-style offense for five years,” Stull said. “The learning curve will be a little bit easier for me.”

But the thing that has helped his chances the most was his recent play on the field. He completed 65.1 percent of his passes last year and finished in 11th place in quarterback ratings among all Division I quarterbacks with 150.6.

There was certainly no one booing him at Pitt’s pro day last month where he was equally effective, impressing scouts with his 4.90 second 40-yard dash speed and reportedly good arm strength and accuracy — a trait that Sunseri feels is Stull’s best physical attribute.

Not to mention his 6-foot-3 inch, 215 pound frame gives him the type of solid build that NFL general managers like.

Stull’s agents have told him that with those pro day results and improved stats from last season, he’s put himself in a good position to land himself with an NFL team this summer.

“We’ll see what happens, just trying not to get my hopes up,” Stull said. “But […] what I’m hearing is that I’ll definitely get picked up whether it’s as a free agent or getting drafted.”

But it’s tough to say exactly how he will land with a team, as different mock drafts have drastically different ratings on him. ESPN has him ranked as the No. 14 quarterback in the draft, while CBS Sports has him at No. 27.

He still has three classes left to complete his communications degree as his training regimen this winter in Florida set him back.

But Stull said he’s in the process of figuring out when to complete those classes, whether over the summer or next fall.

So look for Stull to possibly get his name called on Saturday — day three of the draft — which Stull will be watching with his family at his parents’ house.

As far as what the teams thinking about picking up Stull should expect to get from him, Sunseri gave a ringing endorsement.

“They’re going to get a guy that works hard, and they’re going to get a guy that’s all for the team,” Sunseri said. “The only thing he cares about is winning.”