I thought there was nothing today. Then CollegeFootballNews.com came through. The Tuesday question for their panel:
Q: How will the first season go for … ?
The responses are varied:
– Dave Wannstedt – A perfect fit. His mediocre NFL head coaching career overshadowed what a great defensive coach he has been. Don’t be shocked if he leads Pitt back to the BCS.
…
– Dave Wannstedt – Solid, but not spectacular. Third in the Big East.
…
Dave Wannstedt – If he lets Tyler Palko ‘spin’, the Big East championship is a realistic goal. He’ll like what he has on defense, but he can’t make Palko be a 15 attempt a game guy. With the bad blood that Walt Harris generated, an alum like Wannstedt should have a ton of support.
That bit about Palko is the only fear I have. Pitt has to keep the offense open and throwing. Yes, more balance, but Pitt has to play to its strength on offense. And as if to follow it up, they list “The Next Big Things” (i.e., NFL prospects) for various positions. For Tight End:
10. Erik Gill, Pittsburgh — Gill’s primed to be one of this year’s fastest rising tight ends. At nearly 6-5 and 270 pounds, he’s built like a lineman, but runs well and proved in 2004 to be a reliable option for Tyler Palko. Playing behind Kris Wilson for two years forced Gill to concentrate on his blocking, and he evolved into one of the game’s most punishing run blockers. With Wilson in the NFL last fall, Gill broke the seal on his entire game, displaying the kind of agility rarely found in a kid his size. As the Pitt offense trends back toward the running game under Dave Wannstedt, Gill might have 25 catches in 2005 on play action passes alone.
2004 Numbers — 25 catches for 433 yards and 4 TDs
Shades of … Jerramy Stevens
10. Greg Lee, Pittsburgh (Jr.) — It’s not as if Pitt didn’t miss Larry Fitzgerald last year, but Lee sure looked unfazed about replacing the best receiver in school history. Yet another stud out of the Florida pipeline that the Panthers like to tap, he kept the program’s trend of churning out top-flight pass-catchers alive with a sterling effort in his debut as a starter. And while not as gifted, he mirrors Fitzgerald in that he’s no burner, but uses his superb athleticism and hands to haul in balls most wouldn’t touch. If he and Tyler Palko stick around campus for two years, they’ll develop into one of the most feared pitch-and-catch combos around.
2004 Numbers — 68 catches for 1,297 yards and 10 TDs
Shades of … Marcus Robinson
And at Quarterback:
10 more that need to be watched for the 2006 Draft
1. Tyler Palko, Pittsburgh (Jr.) — In just one season as a starter, Palko established himself as one of college football’s rising stars under center. His makeup and work ethic just scream winning quarterback.
Pitt is still built to throw the ball.
