Obviously this year is a big questionmark. What with the question of whether the new schemes on defense help the secondary, or greatly put it at risk for exploitation. A lot depends on the corner positions. Can Buddy Jackson finally put it together in the fall, rather than just every spring? Will Antwuan Reed be better? Will guys like K’Wuan Williams, and/or Saheed Imoru move up? Does Lafayette Pitts get out there as a true freshman?

Come 2012, though, there’s more optimism. Pitts and Williams alone would provide that optimism. But the addition of Cullen Christian to the depth chart is a big plus.

It’s not actually official yet — since he hasn’t enrolled at Pitt — but his dad is saying it is so.

“I’m happy he’s coming home,” the elder Christian said. “My wife misses him. I miss him.”

Michigan officials faxed the release to Pitt officials, who had no comment Monday because Christian hasn’t yet applied for admittance.

Christian, 6-foot, 180-pounds, must sit out the upcoming season, according to NCAA transfer rules. He hopes to join former Penn Hills teammate Brandon Ifill, a sophomore safety, in the Panthers’ secondary in 2012.

Christian played in 10 games for Michigan last season as a reserve cornerback, recording six tackles.

He participated in spring football drills at Michigan this year but will leave the school at the end of the current semester, his father said. He will have three seasons of eligibility remaining.

Pitt recruiting coordinator and cornerbacks coach Tony Gibson recruited Christian to Michigan where he was assistant head coach and defensive backs coach the past three seasons.

This makes two Michigan transfers to date. It took a little longer, and not necessarily the players expected, but they will definitely help.

As Bryan at Pitt Script notes, neither was exactly a standout at Michigan as freshmen, but they were tossed in quickly and with an overall horrid D. The year sitting is probably the best thing for them. If for no other reason, to be fumigated to get the stench of GERG off of them.