So, I watched the opening press conference on the All-Access. Here’s what I took note of.

Asst. AD E.J. Borghetti’s reminder to the media to “eat, eat, eat.” Not to mention making note that Joe Bendel showed up. He now works for Clear Channel/Fox Sports Radio 970 not the Trib (he’s still listed, though).

Next AD Long spoke. Welcomed everyone including net denizens watching on All-Access to year 117 of Pitt Football. This year being the anniversary years for Pitt championships from 1916 (90 years), 1936 (70 years) and 1976 (30 years). The 1976 championship will be honored at halftime of the opening game against UVa.

To commemorate the 30th anniversary of that monumental season, the University of Pittsburgh will honor its 1976 national title team during halftime of the Panthers’ season-opening contest with Virginia on Sept. 2. Kickoff is set for 7 p.m.

Members of the ’76 squad will appear at Panthers FanFest on Art Rooney Avenue for autographs from 3 to 4 p.m. They will also take part in Pitt’s “March to Victory” at 6 p.m., on General Robinson Street.

Another new feature will be for the students only. A “Panther Zone” for pregame. Featuring entertainment and activities. Twofold purpose would be my guess. Try and get more student involvement, and try to keep booze out of it.

Finally he pimps the new elite seating in the North End. The Endzone Club seats. Can’t find a working link for it, but  nothing like having a billiards table in your seating area along with the TVs.

Then it’s the main event with Coach Wannstedt.

*From the opening remarks.

Talking about leadership on the team, he said the seniors are the leaders. There are only 12 scholarship seniors, so they all play a major part.

On injuries, Kicker David Abdul has not and will not be medically cleared to practice for the duration of training camp. He might be cleared to play and practice by the start of the season itself.

TE John Pelusi is coming off his knee surgery, but will be in camp. He will practice but not any contact drills. DL Mick Williams and OL Dave Weber both have injuries that will delay their camp.

Regarding the NCAA Clearinghouse, Freshmen Aaron Smith and Jason Pinkston haven’t gotten it yet. Coach Wannstedt minimized it as a paperwork issue, that should be resolved very soon — possibly tomorrow.

*Q&A Time

On the split practices, he admitted that it will be a grind for the coaches that first week (5 practices). Looking at starting practice at 6 am and not getting to the coaches meetings until 10 pm.

On how they will work is that with the WR, one day a freshman will practice with the upperclassmen and one upperclassman will be with the freshmen. It will be a rotation that changes daily. Not to single out anyone.

The Offensive line will be better, but the lack of depth there is the biggest problem.

The Defensive line has to be significantly better for the defense and the whole team to take another step.

Big question marks for starters appears to be at WR, RB and the Kicker.

On the subject of the freshment, Defensive End Greg Romeus was singled out by Wannstedt as a very exciting player. The sleeper of training camp it would seem.

At the end of the press conference after Coach Wannstedt left, it was amusing to watch all the reporters go up to the podium to get their recorders. Many of them looked surly and downright dour. I guess the free grub just wasn’t up to snuff or something. No word as to whether Smizik was counting the minutes to see how long he was inconvenienced between the scheduled time and actual starting time.