Pitt still has questions

Less than one week and another Steelers victory later, I provide answers to the last five… Less than one week and another Steelers victory later, I provide answers to the last five burning questions facing Pitt football this off-season.

1. An already shaky offensive line loses Rob Petitti and Justin Belarski, so can the Panthers fill these holes and protect Tyler Palko?

Losing Petitti and Belarski will hurt the Panthers on more levels than some may think. Petitti is likely headed to the NFL as one of the better tackle prospects in the draft, and it is unlikely that the Panthers will be able to replace his production completely. The task will rest on the shoulders of Mike McGlynn, John Simonitis and Charles Spencer to take over as the anchors in the trenches. Those three should all return to start, while the two open spots are essentially up for grabs. Depth is not a problem for the Panthers on the offensive line, as they have plenty of players. Quality, not quantity, is the concern that will need to be addressed in spring and summer practice. Expect players such as Neal Tracey, Eric Fritz, Dave Weber, Chris Vangas, Mike DeLuca and others to participate in fierce competition for starting jobs.

2. How good can the Panthers’ receivers be?

Tyler Palko may lead one of the nation’s better offenses next year, and he most certainly won’t do it alone. Greg Lee will return for his junior season after having a breakout year that saw him catch 68 balls for almost 1,300 yards and 10 touchdowns. A legitimate Biletnikoff candidate, Lee will need a No. 2 receiver to help break off the double teams. That receiver, if all goes right, could be Princell Brockenbrough. If Brockenbrough applies and is granted a sixth year of eligibility, he will most likely take it and return to the receiving corps with a veteran mind and big-play ability. The Indianapolis Colts have Brandon Stokely to fill the slot and have shown how effective a slot receiver can be. The Panthers have Joe DelSardo, whom they could fit in the slot. Despite being undersized, the shifty DelSardo showed off his incredible hands all season, with 49 catches and four touchdowns, and will return as a second or third option. The evolution of Derek Kinder will add more depth, but remember the name Marcel Pestano, because, with his speed, he could be the next big thing. The secret weapon for Palko will be tight ends Erik Gill and Steve Buches, possibly one of the better pairs in the country when it comes to catching the football.

3. Is this the year the Panther defense finally puts it all together?

Despite good talent, the Panthers have had trouble executing defensive schemes. In 2004, the Panthers allowed 35 points to Utah and Notre Dame and 38 to Syracuse and Furman. In 2005, head coach Dave Wannstedt will help defensive coordinator Paul Rhoads develop new schemes using the Panthers’ solid talent. Gone will be tackles Vince Crochunis and Dan Stephens, along with safety Tyrone Gilliard and linebacker Malcolm Postell, but the rest of the starting defense will be back. Defensive end Azzie Beagnyam will return from injury opposite Thomas Smith. Clint Session, H.B. Blades, J.J Horne, Derron Thomas and Brian Bennett comprise an extremely solid linebacker core, while Sam Bryant, Jemeel Brady, Adam Gunn, Allen Richardson, Reggie Carter and Mike Phillips will fight to back up returning players Josh Lay, Darrelle Revis and Tez Morris at the cornerback and safety positions. There are rumblings that the Panthers could change from a 4-3 defense to a 3-4, a scheme that could suit their speed at end and outside linebacker and would make Phil Tillman a key at nose tackle.

4. What impact will the class of 2005 have in the fall of 2005?

It may be too early to tell, as last year many thought some Panther recruits who had committed verbally would help the Panthers, but they turned their backs and sheepishly headed for other schools. As of now, the Panthers still have a handful of open scholarships and are courting a few quarterbacks, some tight ends and some offensive linemen. They have verbal commitments from Shane Brooks, a running back from nearby Duquesne High School that could fight for playing time in the fall, as well as Marlon Terry and Derrell Jones, touted defensive linemen. Also having committed verbally is John Brown, who should fit in well on the offensive line, and tackle Craig Bokor, who just spent a year at Valley Forge Military Academy. He should show up on campus bigger and faster and ready to compete for solid playing time.

5. Can the Panthers be the new Beast of the (Big) East?

Arguably, the best three teams in the Big East over the last decade — Miami, Virginia Tech and Boston College — are gone from the conference this year, and following their conference title in 2004, the Panthers have the potential to repeat as champions for years to come. If Palko can get protection from the offensive line and a running game to go along with an already strong special teams unit, the Panthers will succeed. They will need more solid and consistent defensive play on a weekly basis, so the offense won’t be forced to outscore their opponents without help, but simply beat them. Finally, better game-day coaching could be the key to another title run.

Matt Sortino is a staff writer for The Pitt News