Apparently this is no longer the offensive line of last year.
With a little more than a week to go before the Panthers play their first game, most of the offensive linemen appear to be in excellent shape, and that’s a big reason why the depth chart at offensive line — which once was in disarray– is shaping up. And rather nicely, at that.
The Panthers’ starting offensive line from left to right is Charles Spencer, Dom Williams, Joe Villani, John Simonitis and Mike McGlynn. This unit mostly has played together since the start of spring practice.
But a bigger concern coming into camp than the starting line was identifying quality depth behind them. Early in preseason camp ,Wannstedt said he wasn’t sure if the Panthers had many legitimate backups and hinted that perhaps one or more true freshmen would make their way onto the two-deep roster.
His tune has changed, however, as the Panthers now have a veteran backup at all five positions. The talented trio of freshmen Wannstedt spoke of are still on the outside looking in. That means Wannstedt likely will be able to redshirt at least one, if not all, three.
A big reason for the improved play of the backups is their commitment to the offseason strength and conditioning program.
The emphasis on speed on the lines resulted in the slimming down of the players. I’m still worried about depth — the drop-off from 1st to 2nd team is still significant. I still expect at minimum one of the freshman to at least move to second team.
Another article on the o-line focuses on the 1st team. Specifically, the attention falls on Tackles Charles Spencer and Mike McGlynn.
After what turned into a spirited afternoon practice that had some Pitt players gasping at the conclusion, McGlynn praised his teammates and Wannstedt’s staff for the intense atmosphere.
“Coach Wannstedt has brought a lot of excitement to the offensive lineman, and he knows a lot about that position,” McGlynn said. “Coach Wannstedt is a great coach. He takes us toward that goal we want to achieve, and that’s to have a great season.”
McGlynn didn’t stop there.
“There’s a different view on our season this year, a different goal,” he said. “This year, we’re all striving for that same goal. I’m not saying anything bad about last year’s team, but I’m just looking at the future.
“I’m just really excited about this year and this group and how we’ve been working.”
Now all they have to do is actually open holes to give the running backs a chance and still protect Palko.
Freshman Gus Mustakas gets a nice piece today.
Wannstedt was impressed by Mustakas’ athleticism enough to consider moving him to center. Defensive tackle was another possibility. The coach also thought Mustakas might make a good linebacker if he didn’t put on enough weight to be a lineman.
“It was one of those deals where you say, ‘Geez, we’ll find a place for him,’ ” Wannstedt said. “Finally, we put him at defensive end because we needed a little bit of help there, and I think he’s found his spot.”
He has found some playing time, too. Mustakas, a freshman, has gotten plenty of reps with the first- and second-team lines during preseason camp.
He’ll probably start out at best 2nd on the depth chart. Considering the defensive end position has some question marks and is one of the weaker places for Pitt, though, he could be starting before the season is at the halfway point.
Other notes say that Coach Wannstedt will wait to decide who to move from tailback to fullback — Conredge Collins or Shane Brooks. Today is the final scrimmage for the team.
