There are few things in sports as exciting as watching the development of a young player or… There are few things in sports as exciting as watching the development of a young player or team. The maturation process turns raw talent into efficient, productive on-field products, capable of achieving great things.

Pitt fans are fortunate enough to be watching the evolution of two young players with star potential in freshman quarterback Pat Bostick and freshman running back LeSean McCoy.

Both players contributed heavily to the victory over the Syracuse Orange Saturday at Heinz Field.

McCoy rushed for 140 yards and a touchdown. For his efforts, the freshman was awarded Big East Offensive Player of the Week. He became the first Pitt freshman to earn the weekly award since wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald in 2002.

Through nine games, McCoy now has 1,062 yards, placing him behind only Tony Dorsett (1,686) and Curvin Richards (1,228) on the Panthers’ all-time single-season freshman rushing list. He’s also two touchdowns shy of Dorsett’s freshman rushing touchdown record of 13.

“I eventually thought I’d get 1,000 yards, but I didn’t think I’d get it in my first season,” McCoy said. “I didn’t know I’d get this much playing time so I’m excited, but again this is all about the team.”

McCoy is the leading freshman rusher in the nation and only the second freshman running back in Big East history to eclipse 1,000 yards. West Virginia’s Steve Slaton was the first.

“We knew what type of player LeSean McCoy was coming out of high school,” Pitt head coach Dave Wannstedt said. “Did I think he could be this type of player this quick? Yes, I did.”

Young signal caller progresses

Bostick, meanwhile, completed 21 of 30 pass attempts for 153 yards and one touchdown in the victory over Syracuse. He didn’t throw any interceptions for the second straight game after throwing at least one in each of his first five games.

“Pat Bostick is coming along,” Wannstedt said. “He’s protecting the ball. We’re trying to be smart with him. He’s trying to be smart with the ball.”

When in Rome

Another young player meriting some attention is redshirt freshman defensive end Greg Romeus. Romeus notched another sack in the win over the Orange and has been a force all season long after making his way into the defensive line rotation implemented by Wannstedt.

“All game we were getting a lot of pressure on the quarterback,” Romeus said. “Making that final sack felt great. It’s good to go out and execute.”

Pitt has a bye this week leading up to its November 17th clash with Rutgers.

The Panthers will need their young stars to continue their rapid progression. Following Rutgers, Pitt will play South Florida at home and West Virginia away. All three teams have been or are currently in the national top 25 rankings.