The team was off until yesterday. So with the resumption of practice, comes stories once more. There is also the first injury to report.

Defensive back Sam Bryant injured his left ankle with about 30 minutes left in practice Thursday. Bryant was taken off the field on a cart, and no further information was immediately available on the nature of his injury.

The note piece also has Coach Wannstedt stressing the need for speed, and some slimming down. Last year, we saw the defense unable to stop teams from turning the corner on running plays. Pitt just seemed a step slow and out of position. Even on obvious sweeps, the defense couldn’t get there. So I’m behind seeing the guys get faster.

Another piece focused on the defense. The players seem quite enthusiastic about everything. H.B. Blades has his whole family excited since his father and uncle were coached by Wannstedt at Miami.

As noted last week, Palko is on some football writers’ early, early short list for potential Heisman winners. Palko downplayed it when asked, and Pitt is not saying how much or whether they will push a candidacy.

Recruiting Coordinator and Tight Ends Coach Greg Gattuso gets the puff piece for a look at how he is adjusting to being a position coach after years as the head man at Duquesne. In something of a shock, Gattuso started cursing about Wannstedt and the players. He indicated that the head coach is clueless and the team is pathetic.

Well, no, of course he didn’t. He spoke glowingly of everyone and is very happy, as you would expect. I just wanted to see if anyone was paying attention.