It’s probably a real sign of age, that the line is likely more familiar from some derivative use than the original. I saw the line used the other day while watching Jimmy Neutron with my daughter.
Still, I’m betting Pitt is the only Div. 1-A team in the country with two Shanes. Definitely two that are both redshirt freshmen. Any how, the two Shanes of Pitt have been doing some hitting after switching positions.
Shane Murray and Shane Brooks never expected to become heavy hitters at Pitt. But with the second week of spring drills under way, it is clear that the two redshirt freshmen know how to put a good lick on somebody.
Murray (Pittsburgh Central Catholic) is rediscovering the joys of tackling after being switched from quarterback to safety, a position he dabbled at in high school.
“It’s a transition, going from taking the hits to delivering the hits, but it’s not so difficult,” Murray said. “In our first practice, I got a little sting, but it was nothing serious. I was able to pick up on it quickly and be physical again.”
By lowering his shoulder and plowing straight ahead, Brooks (Duquesne High School) has thrust himself into the mix for the starting tailback job.
“Some guys, even after one week, have separated themselves a little bit,” coach Dave Wannstedt said. “Shane Brooks has got the toughness that we’re looking for. He’s got more run-after-contact (ability) than any back we’ve got.”
Brooks was only moved slightly from fullback to tailback, but given his toughness, he can probably be expected to be used in either position. Especially if Pitt uses the fullback for more than just blocking as expected with Conredge Collins. Unless someone really distinguishes himself or most of the running backs go down to injury (always a possibility with the O-line), I expect that Coach Wannstedt will use a wide variety of backs this season.
Brooks said he dropped about 10 pounds in order to get a little quicker. He is 5 feet 10, 215 pounds and a bruising runner who fits in the power-run formations the Panthers like to utilize.
Stephens-Howling said he gained about 10 pounds in the offseason in order to make himself more durable, stronger and more capable of handling the pounding he’ll take once the season begins.
Wannstedt said the competition has been good, but he cautioned that the starting tailback might not have reached campus yet.
“Because of our youth, it is a real strong possibility that we’ll go into the season by committee,” Wannstedt said. “Right now, there is no question that LaRod is our best back. But Shane Brooks is coming on, and we still have Brandon Mason. But [incoming freshman] Kevin Collier brings a lot to the table, and I haven’t ruled out putting [incoming freshman] Dorin Dickerson back there and pitching him the ball.”
Players have been switching positions a bit as the coaching staff tries to find the right mix.
Coach Dave Wannstedt moved a few players around for Tuesday’s practice. Derrell Jones switched from defensive to offensive line.
Rashaad Duncan got a tryout at nose guard. Vernon Botts went from defensive end to tackle.
“With us, there are a lot of uncertain positions,” Wannstedt said. “That’s healthy, if handled in the right way.”
Running backs coach David Walker said sophomore fullback Conredge Collins won’t be limited to strictly blocking duties this fall.
“The reason he was recruited so highly and the reason we brought him here is because of his running ability, not necessarily because of what he did without the football. So, we have to create opportunities where he handles the ball — whether he’s a one-back, whether he’s at the top of the ‘I,’ or whether we’re throwing him the ball. We have to give him touches, and that’s what we’re going to do.”
Part of the reason for shifting players around, especially on the defensive line, is the glaringly obvious need to improve from last year.
“We couldn’t stop anybody when we needed to,” senior linebacker H.B. Blades said. “And it wasn’t just the fault of the defensive line.”
Wannstedt is putting the onus on that unit during spring practice sessions at the UPMC Sports Complex.
“We were very young and inexperienced last year,” said Wannstedt. “That was scary, but now we’re a year older. And that’s going to benefit us this year. We’re still young, but a lot of those guys got a lot of playing time last season.
“I told our defensive line, and I was only half kidding them, that the first four guys off the bus will start. It’s all up for grabs in a healthy way, but how it unfolds … we’ll see. Guys will separate themselves, but it’s going to be real interesting.”
Sophomore Rashaad Duncan had two starts at tackle last season, while redshirt sophomore Corey Davis had another when fifth-year senior Thomas Smith was injured. Phil Tillman, a senior, started on the other side.
Playing time can be earned at those spots this spring.
For some reason, I wouldn’t be putting a lot of stock in what the depth chart says in the Media Guide this season.
