Along with the claims of no position or place on the depth chart is safe by Coach Wannstedt, it seems that the kids are going to be facing the challenge of being moved to new positions.
Redshirt Sophomore Chris McKillop after being moved from linebacker to fullback because of need, is now looking at becoming a defensive end, as part of Coach Wannstedt’s emphasis on speed.
“Coach asked me if I ever heard of Jason Taylor,” said McKillop, referring to the Miami Dolphins’ all-pro defensive end. “[They] explained to me that Jason, who is one of the best defensive ends in the business, is only about 235, 240 pounds. I’ve been watching some films of him with [defensive ends] coach [Charlie] Partridge, and he is just an amazing player.
“One of the reasons they asked me to switch was my speed. I plan on gaining a little weight, but I know now after watching Jason, you don’t have to be huge to play this position if you’re quick and tough.”
Taylor, a Woodland Hills High School graduate listed at 6 feet 6, 260 pounds in the team’s media guide, is the prototype for the type of defensive player Wannstedt is looking for — fast, relentless and aggressive.
McKillop has those traits, which is why he was a candidate to move to defensive end. He is big and strong 6 feet 2, 240 pounds — can run — under 4.6 in the 40 — and is one of Pitt’s most aggressive players.
It will be interesting to see, not because I disagree with the move (I don’t), but because Pitt had some speed on defense last year. The problem, too often then not, was that the defenders on the outside overpursued, especially against the run, and were out of position. It will be interesting to see if the increased emphasis of speed on defense is also matched with increased discipline in pursuit and getting off the block.
Thomas Smith, a fifth year senior, is getting moved from the defensive end position to inside linebacker. Charles Spencer who moved from defensive line to offensive guard is shifting to tackle. He is still staying on the left side. Apparently the lines are in for a lot of shifting about.
The full-pad practice had an extra surprise when Wannstedt moved it outside.
Pitt coach Dave Wannstedt caught some of his players off guard Tuesday when he held the first full-pads workout of spring drills on the outdoor fields at the UPMC South Side facility.
“There was no way I was going to have my first practice in pads and walk into that locker room without having anybody with mud on their pants,” Wannstedt said, grinning.
In what was not a surprise, every player said liked it. What? You were expecting anyone to complain? Wannstedt is also going to allow the QB to take some limited contact, rather than keep him completely off limits. This is only a good idea, unless he gets hurt. Then it becomes a stupid risk.
Final piece on the comeback from injury for WR Terrell Allen. He should help the kick return immediately. More importantly, if he comes back and plays as expected, he should provide another big weapon for the offense. He should benefit from extra attention paid to Greg Lee.
