[bigboydan]

Wannstedt wants improved defense now
March 29, 2006

PITTSBURGH (AP) - Dave Wannstedt wants to see an improved Pittsburgh defense now - not when the regular season begins.


The Panthers and their second-year coach aren't wasting time, using spring practice to try to improve a defensive unit that ranked last against the run in the Big East conference and allowed an average of 185 yards per game.

``For us to make strides as a football team, that position is critical,'' Wannstedt said. ``I don't care what level or what team you're talking about. Those guys have to perform, and they have to perform at a high level.''

The Panthers had high expectations at the start of last season. They were ranked in the preseason polls and were coming off a winning season.

But Pittsburgh got off to a rough start. The Panthers allowed 502 total yards, including 275 rushing, in a season-opening loss to Notre Dame. Pitt gave up 467 total yards at Louisville, including 220 on the ground, and ended the season by giving up 451 yards rushing and 492 total yards at West Virginia.

``We couldn't stop anybody when we needed to,'' senior linebacker H.B. Blades said. ``And it wasn't just the fault of the defensive line.''

Wannstedt is putting the onus on that unit during spring practice sessions at the UPMC Sports Complex.

``We were very young and inexperienced last year,'' said Wannstedt. ``That was scary, but now we're a year older. And that's going to benefit us this year. We're still young, but a lot of those guys got a lot of playing time last season.

``I told our defensive line, and I was only half kidding them, that the first four guys off the bus will start. It's all up for grabs in a healthy way, but how it unfolds ... we'll see. Guys will separate themselves, but it's going to be real interesting.''

Sophomore Rashaad Duncan had two starts at tackle last season, while redshirt sophomore Corey Davis had another when fifth-year senior Thomas Smith was injured. Phil Tillman, a senior, started on the other side.

Playing time can be earned at those spots this spring.

``We have to improve,'' Davis said. ``We have no choice. There's no way around it. And it certainly can't get any worse.''

After working with the scout team last fall, redshirt freshman Craig Bokor should get a lot of playing time at defensive tackle this season. And, he's got as good a chance to start as any other player.

``We all want to get better to help this football team,'' Bokor said. ``It all starts up front, and I think we're good enough across the board on defense to handle the situation this season.''

Gus Mustakas made an impact at defensive end last season and will get a chance to play inside this fall. But he's missing spring practice because of offseason shoulder surgery. Senior Charles Sallet, redshirt junior Chris McKillop, fifth-year senior Vernon Botts and redshirt junior Joe Clermond are the top defensive ends.

There's also a crop of seven incoming defensive linemen.

``We're looking at all the possibilities,'' Wannstedt said. ``Whoever can make a tackle - we'll get them on the field.''



AP NEWS

[moses millsap]

[Illusion]

That worthless piece of shit needs to be shot. He brings down everything he touches.

[bigboydan]

that might be true ILL, but lets not forget the money we both made at his expense

[Illusion]

Pittsburgh was a cash cow last year.