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August 23, 2006

What the rest of the media horde saw at practice.

The offense showing up was the big thing.

After encountering Pitt coach Dave Wannstedt’s wrath Monday, the offense “showed a little bit of character” Tuesday by responding with an inspired practice.

“That’s what it’s going to take,” Wannstedt said. “It’s a team effort. We’re not good enough to go out and beat anybody with one phase.”

Dale Grndic agrees that the offense looked much better. Helps when the O-line shows up to give running room and time to throw.

TB LaRod Stephens-Howling had several runs for first downs on sweeps, as well as between the tackles to show his versatility. With Brooks having another good day, freshman Kevin Collier looking better all the time and Dorin Dickerson working his way into the lineup Pitt’s RB situation appears to be better than it was last season.

RB Shane Brooks had several big runs Tuesday, including some between the tackles, but he also bolted around right end for a 20-yard gain as right guard John Simonitis and right tackle Mike McGlynn caved in the defense on that side.

The line battles continue.

McGlynn straightened up DE Joe Clermond. Simonitis got the better of DT Corey Davis. NT Rashaad Duncan, who moved up to the first group Tuesday, beat C Joe Villani. DT Gus Mustakas slipped past OG C.J. Davis, but LT John Bachman held off DE Doug Fulmer for a while until his speed paid off.

Aaron Berry had a good day that everyone took note of.

Freshman cornerback Aaron Berry had an outstanding practice. He read a pass play and intercepted Bill Stull, then partially blocked a Dan Hutchins field goal attempt, causing it to bounce off the left upright.

Mick Williams has been a big question mark after his concussion. Which was initially missed, and thought only to be having some migraines. This article suggests his problems are not to be taken lightly.

Sometime during the opening two practice sessions, or maybe even during pre-camp workouts, he apparently suffered a concussion. He has been debilitated by migraines and vomiting ever since and has not been able to get back on the field or do conditioning work on the side.

Tuesday, Wannstedt said an MRI to determine if Williams has more severe head trauma was negative.

So far, it’s been a mystery to everyone.

Everyone is hoping for some big things from Williams this year. He  was redshirted and spent the past year working very hard at his conditioning and learning.

“I was kind of a slow learner when I got here, and a guy like Rashaad jumped on it a lot quicker than I did,” Williams said. “So, he got a chance to play a lot quicker. But I don’t have any regrets about that or any hard feelings. I’m happy that I took the redshirt, because I’m a better player now.

“I think I improved in a lot of areas. My overall technique, I’m stronger and faster, and I don’t second-guess myself now. I don’t have to think so much when I’m out there. I can just go out and make plays now, and that’s what we need to do on the defensive line.”

Williams improved his bench press to a maximum of 370 pounds, and he can squat 565 pounds. So, his strength has increased a great deal as well, but he also is much quicker. He gives the line an added dimension, along with Mustakas, of speed. Duncan and Davis are more stout. The same holds true for newcomers Jason Pinkston, John Malecki and Mackenzie Mathews.

As much as he and the coaching staff want him out there, he needs to be held out until he is all the way back. Concussions are scary, and if they happen too close together, that can just be it for good with playing.





Here’s a PITT alumni speaking his mind (don’t mess with the Peabody grads)…

link to sports.espn.go.com

Comment by Reed Kohberger 08.23.06 @ 1:54 pm

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