It was just a shot to the ribs. It was just a shot to the ribs.

The play Stull got hurt on, however, was exhibit A of what continues to be the Panthers top area of concern – right tackle as junior Joe Thomas was pushed back into Stull by defensive end Jabaal Sheard. Thomas needs to play more consistently than he has and he needs to improve in a hurry or else he could find himself sitting behind either redshirt freshman Jordan Gibbs or freshman Lucas Nix.

Wannstedt said after practice that the right tackle spot is “wide open” which is not where you want to be with such a critical spot less than three weeks from your opener.

At the start of camp, Thomas said all the right things and looked better conditioned. It’s telling, though, when Pinkston was moved to left tackle despite being out of shape and never playing on the left side — admitting that he is struggling with the footwork — seems to have things settled. Thomas is probably more comfortable and has trained on the right most of his HS and college time, but is struggling.

Just about everyone — including me — believes Pat Bostick will be redshirted this year if Stull does not get hurt. It just makes too much sense based on the eligibility of the players at the position and what Bostick needs in terms of development.

That said, while I’m bothered that Greg Cross is not making as much progress, it is very positive to read that Bostick has really come along in camp.

On Pat Bostick possibly getting a redshirt:

“I’m sure that could be an option but our biggest concern right now is what gives this football team the best chance to win. It’s a long season and we’re only in the first week of camp so I haven’t given it much serious thought just yet.”

On the quarterback competition:

“It still is a battle. Pat’s right there but both quarterbacks (Stull and Bostick) are playing well right now. It’s between those two; I think they have separated themselves from the rest. (Greg) Cross has his package of plays and (Kevan) Smith is still learning and working hard. (Tino) Sunseri is a freshman and I have been very pleased with him. He has a chance to be a good player for us.”

Of course, the other explanation is that Wannstedt giving Bostick a little public positive reinforcement. He could be making sure Bostick knows he has a shot not to be redshirted and to stay focused on preparing and learning in camp.

The defense continues to make the strong showing in practices.

Senior nose tackle Rashaad Duncan terrorized offensive linemen during the 5-on-5 rush drills. On one play, the 6-foot-2, 295-pound Duncan enervated senior guard C.J. Davis on the way to the tackling dummy.

Redshirt freshman defensive lineman Myles Caragein continued to be virtually unstoppable during the rush drills. In the 11-on-11, the Keystone Oaks High School product stuffed tailback Kevin Collier behind the line of scrimmage, while freshman Tony Tucker swooped in to force a fumble.

And the linebackers look to be solid.

Middle linebacker Scott McKillop is even better than advertised. Let me say that again — Scott McKillop, the one getting all the accolades, might actually be underrated. He is the smartest football player on the defense — maybe the team. He’s tough, he knows his position and he is a much better athlete than people give him credit for. The other thing is that Adam Gunn has become an excellent linebacker as well and Shane Murray always seems to be in the right place at the right time.

Aliquippa’s Brandon Lindsey is another player who looks like he is getting better and better.

So far in camp, all the defensive attention has been on the D-line and a secondary battle. Very little talk about the linebackers, despite McKillop’s presence and the fact that Pitt is pushing him for national attention.