Pitt defensive coaches are working hard to get the two fastest players, Tommie Campbell and Elijah Fields, uh, up to speed at new positions.

“Tommie is scary fast,” Rhoads said. “Scary because you watch how effortlessly he runs and how athletic he is, and it is as pretty to watch as a deer. Elijah does so many things that you can’t coach someone to do because of his natural ability that his potential is unlimited.”

Despite their athletic talent, neither is ready for a big-time role because they are learning new positions, a process that can be slow. Campbell was a safety last year, but he was moved to linebacker in the spring and is trying to unseat Derron Thomas at weakside linebacker. Fields was recruited as a receiver, but was moved to safety the first day of camp and has played catch-up since.

Both are potential difference-makers, big-time playmakers Pitt’s defense has lacked in recent seasons. That’s why coaches are pushing them so hard.

Speed is so vital for a Wannstedt defense.

In other notes, Zeise says that Brandon Mason not being at practice has something to do with his unhappiness with where he is on the depth chart. Zeise has been a big supporter of Mason, but Mason’s biggest problem has been an inability to stay healthy for longer than two weeks.

Pitt will help Tipton find another school. I’m guessing Tipton is looking for a Div 1-AA school. He is a redshirt sophomore, and I doubt he really wants to sit out another year.

Lowell Robinson had a very good practice at WR, and RB Kevin Collier has excelled when playing with the second team.