The Pitt defense was among the best in the Big East last year. It was ranked first in sacks,… The Pitt defense was among the best in the Big East last year. It was ranked first in sacks, second in scoring defense, second in rushing defense, and third in total defense. The 2001 version is quickly coming together at the UPMC Complex on the South Side. The complex is abuzz with candidates for just about every major defensive award on the national level, with excited coaches, and with a vaunted freshman class. Experience at all positions is as deep as it has been in years, and the players are eager to live up to the preseason hype and build on the success of last year.

Defensive coordinator Paul Rhoads said things are rough at the beginning of training camp, but expects his experienced team to quickly jell.