Pitt might be in the running to secure an experienced successor to Tyler Palko for the 2007 season.

Tennessee Tech Coach Mike Hennigan said yesterday that he was unaware of anyone from his staff inquiring about the possibility of recruiting former University of Tennessee quarterback Brent Schaeffer.

There were two radio reports Tuesday, one on WLAC-AM 1510’s PrimeTime Sports, saying Tennessee Tech was one of three schools that had asked UT officials for permission to contact Schaeffer. The other two schools were Kansas and Pitt.

Schaeffer actually started the 2004 season as the starter, but found himself co-starter with the other freshman QB Eric Ainge. Schaeffer broke his collarbone in the 8th game. He was considered the better athlete of the two. Ainge, though, looks to be the starter this year, and Schaeffer is looking to transfer. If he transferred to Pitt, he’d have to sit for a year.

The problem is, Schaeffer may have to resolve his legal issues first.

Tennessee quarterback Brent Schaeffer and receiver Bret Smith were suspended indefinitely from the team Monday, a day after they were charged with hitting a student who was arguing with Schaeffer’s girlfriend in a dormitory.

The players were arrested at a dorm where many athletes live. They were charged with misdemeanor assault and released on their own recognizance Sunday after the early morning fight at another dorm. Their arraignments are set for April 18.
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Part of Schaeffer’s actions was caught on tape by a video camera in the dorm lobby, University of Tennessee police said.

According to an affidavit campus police filed in court, student Quantavios Emerson was arguing with Schaeffer’s girlfriend about her cell phone Sunday when Schaeffer hit Emerson in the neck.

The affidavit also said Schaeffer and Emerson grabbed bats but dropped them before hitting anyone and Schaeffer then picked up Emerson from behind and threw him down. Emerson struck his head on the floor and was then hit by Smith, the report said. Emerson needed four staples to close a cut on his head, authorities said.

Yes, Schaeffer is one of the many players from the wild Tennessee team in trouble with the law.

I’m having some very mixed feelings right now.