The last Q&A from Paul Zeise for a few months. Topics include the defensive line, the size of the d-line, potentially redshirting John Pelusi, a question from RKohlberger (who just happened to e-mail me the link today) and this question.
Q: What is your take on the receivers and running backs?
Zeise: The fullback position is in great shape with Conredge Collins, but the tailback position to me is still a big question. LaRod Stephens-Howling is a great player, but I’m still not convinced he is an every down back. Shane Brooks showed some skills, but I’m not sure how fast he is as compared to the defensive players he’ll face. And Kevin Collier might be the second coming of Barry Sanders, but he’ll still be a freshman.
The receivers are a good group and I think by the time it all shakes out, could be a strength of the team. Oderick Turner can be very good, Kinder and Delsardo are consistent and the freshman class is loaded. Here is one name to remember from this recruiting class — Tamarcus Porter. From everything I know about him, he could be a big-time player.
The other part of the running game is still how the O-line does. If the offensive line can’t open a hole or even a crack, no back is going to do much.
There was also a question on how backup QB Bill Stull looked. Zeise called him inconsistent, which as he notes is not unexpected. It does segue nicely to this article from earlier in the week on Stull.
“This isn’t a story, it is a fact; I feel better right now about our quarterback position than at any point that I did last year,” Pitt coach Dave Wannstedt said. “Tyler and Billy Stull both have a firm grasp on what we’re trying to do as an offense and, anytime you have guys like that, it will give you a better chance to score points
“[Stull] has gotten bigger, he’s gotten stronger and he has progressed physically and mentally since last year and that is a good sign. It is always nice to see a kid work hard to get better. Billy has, no question.”
…
“I think there is a different pressure,” Stull said. “I have always wanted to play in my hometown. I have the chance now and I think there is some more pressure because people recognize your name.“When you have some success in high school around here, people always say, ‘OK, now what are you going to do in college?’ I feel that now and I understand that. It seems like that is the way it is playing football around here, you know, with the pressure and everything. But, I like that; I like that people want to push you to succeed.”
It will be something to keep an eye on in the fall, how much time Stull gets to play in games.
