I’m sure a lot of important things are accomplished in the spring practices, especially with a new head coach and new coaches on offense: setting the depth chart, seeing the players in action, figuring out what needs work, and so on. But at the same time, I’d say the most important thing accomplished in Pitt’s 2005 Spring Practice is purely publicity. And it worked. While the practice wasn’t open to the public, it was open to the press and some others.
Among those who watched practice were Pitt chancellor Mark Nordenberg, athletic director Jeff Long, former coach Johnny Majors and a large group of high school coaches, prospective recruits and parents.
And they got a show from Coach Wannstedt.
The first drill of the first spring practice of the Dave Wannstedt era was field-goal kicking. There was the new Pitt football coach, jumping in, demonstrating, instructing.
A few minutes later, Wannstedt was doing the same with another special-teams group. Then, it was the running backs. He made his way to the far corner of the field to visit the offensive linemen, then worked his way back down the other side.
When the team broke from individual position drills and ran live plays, Wannstedt continued to be involved. He gave various players pointers. He halted plays when the Panthers weren’t lined up properly. He stood on the edge of the huddles — offensive and defensive — and listened.
At the end of the two-hour session at the indoor practice facility on the South Side, Wannstedt’s eyes shone, and he looked fresh enough to do it all over again.
Pardon any unintended cynicism on my part. I believe Wannstedt to be sincere. I’m duly impressed, and quite happy by his enthusiasm. His energy seemed quite infectious.
The energy surrounding Pitt’s first spring practice was unmistakable, especially to junior Tyler Palko, who is working on learning a new offense as he prepares for his second season as the starting quarterback.
“Sometimes, change rejuvenates people,” Palko said. “The guys have come in and they have a little bit extra pep to their steps. They’re really enthusiastic. The coaching staff has done a great job of keeping the players enthusiastic about the change.”
Added Spencer: “Since I’ve been here, this is the most intense (practice) that I can remember. Guys want to win coming off that Fiesta Bowl loss. We still have a sour taste in our mouth.”
Even the AP report seemed upbeat.
Despite the way they ended last season — with a blowout loss to Utah in the Fiesta Bowl to finish 8-4 and controversy surrounding Harris and his eventual move to Stanford — the Panthers had an inspiring first workout in front of a large media group, high school recruits and boosters.
“We knew it would be very spirited, but the only negative was that we didn’t have pads on,” Wannstedt said. “You’ve got to come out here with these shorts on, and here we are on our first day.
“We’d love to have a scrimmage and bring officials in. But we have to go two days in shorts. Then, on Tuesday, we can wear pads. The enthusiasm will still be there, but it’ll be a little different.”
A lot of attention was paid to the change to the offense and how Palko is dealing with new offensive coordinator, Matt Cavanaugh.
“We were 105th in rushing last year,” Palko said. “I’m not saying we need to be No. 1 in rushing, but we need to get a little better.”
Palko had an eight-year relationship with Harris that ended after last season when the veteran coach could not get a contract extension at Pitt and made a lateral move to Stanford near his hometown. So, it will be interesting to see how the quarterback works with Cavanaugh. If first impressions and comments are an indication, the two should do just fine.
“I love him to death, and he’s really helped me a lot,” Palko said. “He’s played the position in college. He played here under all that pressure and won a national championship. … He’s really helped me out so far, and I’m really excited about how we’ve gotten along and progressed as a player and coach.
Cavanaugh was just as effusive in praising Palko.
“(Palko) has been excellent,” Cavanaugh said. “He’s someone who has a great work ethic, and he has one goal in mind: he wants to win a national championship, and he’s sincere about it. You hear some players talk like that, but I get a sense that he really means it.”
‘I think we’re off to a good start. … And that’s all you can ask for at this point.”
What? Was anyone expecting them not to be speaking lovingly about their relationship at this point? It’s no secret that Pitt will be seeking a more balanced offensive attack.
One other thing, Pitt put up video of Coach Wannstedt’s press conference from Thursday. Here’s hoping they do more of that.
