LaRod Stephens-Howling, the subject of an early puff-piece last week, has received a couple more. A follow-up in his hometown paper about how he is considered the starter at this point — though everyone is just waiting until the fall when Kevin Collier arrives to challenge him for it.

“He tells me, so this is according to him, that he’s every bit of 10 pounds bigger and stronger this year,” Pitt coach Dave Wannstedt said. “He said he came in at 158-160, and he’s 170 now. It’s 10 pounds of good weight, and from what I’ve seen out here, it doesn’t look like he’s lost any quickness.”

Wannstedt acknowledged that Stephens-Howling might have difficulty being Pitt’s primary back, but he’s the leading candidate to start right now.

“There’s nobody tougher,” Wannstedt said. “I think any great running back would be insulted if you said he was just a third-down back. That’s what they don’t want to hear. Or you say that they’re just a situation guy.

“But I’m going to give LaRod the benefit of the doubt. I think he’s a guy that can get in there and carry the ball 25 times a game, and until he proves that he can’t, then that’s the way we’ve got to approach it.”

Stephens knows that he is facing competition now and come the fall.

“I wanted to get bigger and improve my power,” he said. “I’m ready for the challenge. We have a lot of competition.”

Others in competition for playing time include sophomore Brandon Mason and redshirt freshman Shane Brooks.

“Experience is lacking,” Wannstedt said. “Desire is abundant. That’s OK. As long as a guy’s got ability and is willing to learn, you can make progress.”

No matter what, Stephens will be taking getting chances. He’s got too much speed and the potential to bust one outside — if the line gives him time to turn the corner — for big gains.