Football: A Look At The Rockets' Fifth Opponent - Pittsburgh
8/15/2002 12:00:00 PM | Football
Written by Pittsburgh Athletic Media Relations Office.
Aug. 15, 2002
PITTSBURGH, PA - Pittsburgh enters the 2002 season riding a wave of success it has not enjoyed in over two decades.
Last year's Panthers closed the year with a six-game winning streak, climaxed by a 34-19 victory over NC State in the Visit Florida Tangerine Bowl. The six-game winning streak - the second-longest active streak in the nation - gave Pittsburgh its strongest finish to a season since the 1980 edition won its final seven contests. The postseason victory marked the Panthers' first since 1989.
Pittsburgh will be striving to maintain and build upon that momentum as it heads into the 2002 campaign.
Head Coach Walt Harris has been impressively rebuilding the Panthers since 1997. With its Tangerine Bowl berth, Pittsburgh has been to three bowls in his five seasons. In his first year, Harris guided Pittsburgh to the 1997 Liberty Bowl. In 2000, the Panthers advanced to the Insight.com Bowl. The win over North Carolina State in Orlando last season gave Harris his first bowl victory as a head coach.
"Last season our program fought off adversity and achieved what no one - except for us - thought we could," Harris said.
"We played five elimination games down the final stretch of the regular season. Just one loss and we would stay home for the holidays. We all came together instead of pulling apart and that made the reward of winning the Tangerine Bowl all the sweeter.
"In 30 years of coaching, I have had the pleasure of working with some great teams and players. However, I don't think I have ever been prouder of a group of young men than I was of last year's team."
While some star power has been lost from last year's team, the Panthers will still have a seasoned group of returnees who have tasted success. Harris will have 46 lettermen at his disposal, including 17 returning starters.
"Make no mistake about it, winning breeds winning," Harris said. "We have a lot of players who now know what it is like to play in bowls and win a postseason game. That experience and the desire to continue moving this program in an upward direction give us a promising foundation for the future.
"I like the young men we have in this program. They have learned what it takes to be successful, both on and off the field. Having that blueprint for success in your players' minds is what building a program is all about. We want to learn from the past - both our good and bad experiences - and remember those things that helped us turn around the 2001 season."
Offensively, Pittsburgh returns eight starters. The highest profile departure is receiver Antonio Bryant, a consensus All-American, who opted for the NFL Draft a year early. Receiver R.J. English, who started opposite Bryant, and quarterback David Priestley are also gone.
"Our offense is kind of in a reverse situation from last year," Harris said. "Last season our passing game returned the majority of contributors, while our running game was a huge question mark. Now we have all of our running backs and offensive line returning but have inexperience at receiver and quarterback. Certainly the inexperienced positions will be a focus during fall camp."
The defense was also hit by an early departure for the NFL.
Three-time All-Big East free safety Ramon Walker joined Bryant in declaring for the draft. Defensive end Bryan Knight, a pass rushing menace, is also gone, but the unit still boasts a solid nucleus with seven returning starters, including a national-caliber talent in linebacker Gerald Hayes.
The Panthers have emerged as one of the stingiest units in the country the last two years. Last season they ranked in the top 30 in five different categories, finishing sixth in passing defense (165.6 avg.), seventh in total defense (284.6 avg.), 16th in pass efficiency defense (103.8 rating), 26th in rushing defense (118.8 avg.) and 28th in scoring defense (20.5).
Those numbers were even more impressive down the final stretch of the regular season when the Panthers closed with five straight victories to earn a bowl berth. Pittsburgh yielded just 7.4 points and 182.6 yards per game during that span.
"Our defense played so well during our run to the Tangerine Bowl," Harris said. "We are excited about the players coming back on that unit. We know the way great Pittsburgh defenses of the past played - punishing, hard-hitting football - and we are making strides in building that type of unit now. In terms of personnel, we will need to replace both safeties as well as two key defensive line positions. We expect competition to be strong during fall camp."
"We are looking forward to getting back at it," Harris said. "Coming off such a satisfying conclusion to last season, I know our players and coaches are eager to start writing the next chapter."
THE OFFENSE
Quarterbacks Last year's starter, David Priestley, is gone after throwing for 2,128 yards and 18 touchdowns. Heading into training camp, junior Rod Rutherford has the early edge for the starting assignment but will be pushed by sophomore Pat Hoderny.
While Priestley garnered the vast majority of playing time in 2001, Rutherford did have a niche as the offense's short-yardage specialist.
Typically called upon in 3rd-and-short or goal-line situations, he scored six touchdowns and rushed for 255 yards in that capacity. Through the air, Rutherford was 19 of 59 for 262 yards with one touchdown and four interceptions.
Last season was Rutherford's first focusing solely on the quarterback position. As a redshirt freshman in 2000, he played a 'Slash' role, contributing at receiver, kick returner as well as quarterback. The diverse experience as well as his game-breaking athletic ability will be assets as he looks to seize the starting signal-caller role in 2002.
Hoderny played in three games during his first active season. While he lacks significant experience (3-of-8 passing for 31 yards in mop-up duty last year), Hoderny boasts a strong arm and excellent size. Standing 6-6 and 230 pounds, he fits the mold of the prototypical pocket passer.
The Panthers will add two highly regarded freshmen quarterback prospects in high school All-American Tyler Palko (Imperial, Pa./West Allegheny High) and All-Pennsylvania honoree Luke Getsy (Munhall, Pa./Steel Valley High).
Wide Receiver Gone is Antonio Bryant, the record-breaking wideout who arguably is Pittsburgh's best ever at the position. Also gone is the dependable R.J. English, who led the Big East in receiving yards per game in 2001. Back are a host of young prospects looking to continue the Panthers' recent string of outstanding receivers.
The elder statesman of the group is senior Lamar Slade, a three-year contributor who is coming off his most productive season. Slade had 27 receptions for 226 yards and a touchdown in a reserve role last year. At 6-4, he provides a big target and has been credited with having the best hands on the team.
Junior walk-on Yogi Roth had 11 catches for 91 yards in earning his first letter last year. Although undersized - he stands 5-10 - Roth emerged as one of the unit's most valuable contributors with dependable hands and exceptional knowledge of the system. He also figures to continue his role as one of the Panthers' top punt returners.
Roosevelt Bynes stepped into the receiver rotation as a true freshman when Bryant was out due to injuries and showed promise. On the very first play of his collegiate career, Bynes blew down the sideline and caught a 56-yard touchdown pass. His role decreased with Bryant's healthy return but the coaching staff is excited about his potential.
Sophomore Marcus Furman was a key contributor at tailback last season. This year he will be utilized in the receiving corps. Furman made the switch during the spring and showed flashes. The 5-8 speedster averaged 20.5 yards per catch in the Blue-Gold Game to close spring drills.
Pittsburgh will look for the continued development of two big targets in 6-4 senior JAY JUNKO and 6-2 sophomore Donny Patrick. Additionally, Joe Stephens enters his first active season after redshirting as a true frosh in 2001. Sophomore Ed Hill is in his second year as a walk-on receiver and will also look to contribute.
Pittsburgh's recruiting class yielded some outstanding receiver prospects. Figuring to provide strong competition will be freshmen Larry Fitzgerald (Minneapolis, Minn./Valley Forge Military Academy) and Billy Gaines (Ijamsville, Md./Urbana High) as well as Princell Brockenbrough, a junior-college transfer out of City College of San Francisco.
Running Backs On the eve of the 2001 season, Pittsburgh's backfield was a major question mark with tailbacks Kevan Barlow and Nick Goings departing to the NFL. Fast forward a year later and the running game figures to be a major strength.
Sophomore Raymond Kirkley played a prominent role as a true freshman last year. A starter in 10 games, Kirkley rushed for a team-high 645 yards, averaging better than four yards per carry, and was named the ECAC Rookie of the Year. He also was a capable receiver out of the backfield with 19 receptions (fourth best on the team).
Kirkley sat out all of spring drills due to wrist surgery. In his absence, two other tailbacks - junior Brandon Miree and redshirt freshman Tim Murphy - impressively stepped to the forefront. Miree (a transfer from Alabama) and Murphy took the bulk of the repetitions during the spring and were considered Pittsburgh's most improved offensive players by the coaching staff.
The trio figures to provide a combination of speed, strength and depth in the backfield that the Panthers have not enjoyed in awhile. Also adding to the promising outlook is redshirt freshman Abdur Abdullah, a big, bruising runner who stands 6-0 and 235 pounds, and incoming frosh Jawan Walker, who earned All-Pennsylvania honors at Erie Cathedral Prep.
Pittsburgh enjoys quality depth at fullback as well. Junior Lousaka Polite boasts two years of starting experience. The solid and steady Polite has rarely been out of the lineup since the beginning of the 2000 season. While primarily used as a blocking back, he has proven himself capable of churning out the tough rushing yards.
Third-year sophomore Dustin Picciotti returns to active duty after redshirting last year due to a preseason concussion. Picciotti enjoyed a productive spring, showing no adverse effects from the injury. He lettered in 2000 as a special teams player and reserve fullback.
Redshirt freshman walk-on Justin Acierno will contribute at fullback this season after working at linebacker in 2001. Additionally, freshman A.J. Schneider joins Pittsburgh after a standout career at Jesuit High in Tampa, Fla.
Offensive Line Pittsburgh's running backs will have the luxury of a starting offensive line that returns fully intact for the 2002 season. Last year's unit went through a season-long growth process that reaped major dividends by year's end.
At center, senior Chad Reed enters his second full season as a starter. Heady and tenacious, he has been a contributor since his freshman year. Sophomore Justin Belarski lettered in a reserve role last season. Sophomore Darryl Weston, a former tight end, will provide depth.
For the fourth straight season Bryan Anderson will man the right guard spot. Anderson boasts 34 career starts at that position and will have his sights set on an All-Big East caliber senior year. Dan Lacarte seized the starting left guard spot five games into last season and made significant strides. LaCarte's development was particularly impressive considering it was just his first year working on the offensive front.
Providing quality competition at guard will be juniors Jon Schall and Penny Semaia and sophomore Matt Maiers. Schall was a starter during the 2000 campaign before being supplanted by LaCarte in 2001. Semaia enters his second active season at guard after lettering on the defensive front as a redshirt frosh. Maiers transferred from Iowa's Waldorf College last year and will be in his first active season at Pittsburgh.
Sophomore Rob Petitti earned the starting left tackle job in camp last year and emerged as one of Pittsburgh's most promising underclassmen. Petitti was lauded as a Freshman All-American by The Sporting News and Football News in 2001 and could be capable of more honors this year. Junior Matt Morgan has two years of starting experience at right tackle and should be primed for his best season yet.
Redshirt freshman tackle Dale Williams enters his first active season full of promise. Williams enjoyed an exceptional high school career at Erie (Pa.) Cathedral Prep and has been lauded by offensive line coach Tom Freeman as "the smartest offensive lineman I ever coached."
Jason Caprizzi joined Pittsburgh as a mid-year signee this January and will have true freshman eligibility. Standing 6-9 and 300 pounds, Capizzi boasts outstanding potential at the tackle position. Junior tackle Nick Pietracatello enters his fourth season as a walk-on member of the Panthers.
Incoming freshman offensive line prospects include Zach Schlundt, a first-team All-Florida honoree out of Punta Gorda Charlotte High, and John Simonitis, who twice earned All-State at Pennsylvania's Dallas High.
Tight Ends Junior KRIS WILSON is an emerging talent for the Pittsburgh offense. Last year he finished fourth on the team with 19 receptions for 272 yards (14.3 avg.) and two touchdowns. His excellent receiving skills and athleticism will help a passing game loaded with untested performers.
Wilson's chief backup from a year ago, Brennan Carroll, has graduated. Looking to fill the void will be redshirt freshman ERIK GILL and junior MATT MEFFORD. Gill, who stands 6-5 and 255 pounds, was a highly regarded recruit a year ago and could be a major factor this season. Mefford has lettered each of the last two years in a special teams capacity.
Joining the tight end mix will be freshman STEVE BUCHES, who was one of Western Pennsylvania's top tight ends during his career at nearby Central Catholic High.
THE DEFENSE
Linebackers Pittsburgh's linebackers should rank among the nation's best in 2002. Starters return at all three positions, led by senior GERALD HAYES, who will man the middle again this year. A two-time All-Big East selection, Hayes is poised for national attention this season. He logged over 200 tackles the last two years and should receive consideration for All-America honors as well as the Butkus Award.
Experienced and talented performers also man the Sam and Will linebacker positions. Junior LEWIS MOORE capped his first year as a starter at the Sam by earning Defensive Most Valuable Player honors at the Tangerine Bowl. Moore ranked fourth on the team with 67 tackles as a sophomore. BRIAN BEINECKE enters his third season in a starting role. He shared the duties with the graduated Brandon Williams the last two years but is ready to assume the full-time role as a senior.
The Panthers lost valuable depth to graduation. In addition to Williams, Pittsburgh lost four-year contributors in Ryan Gonsales and Amir Purifoy. Spring drills yielded some pleasant developments, though, in sophomores MALCOLM POSTELL and MIKE JEMISON, a pair of former tailbacks. Postell, who is slated to backup Beinecke at the Will, was lauded by the coaching staff as one of the team's most improved players during the spring. Jemison will provide speed and good cover ability at the Sam.
Senior SCOTT McCURLEY will be the chief reserve behind Hayes in the middle. A three-year letterman, McCurley's veteran experience and versatility will be valuable assets. A part-time starter in 1999, he is ready to resume a major role after largely contributing on the special teams the last two seasons.
Also in the linebacker mix is redshirt freshman J.J. HORNE, who moved to the Will after working at safety last year. Additional competition will come from a quartet of walk-ons. Sophomore KEN PRYKE and redshirt frosh KELLEN CAMPBELL will work at the Will, while junior MALCOLM PINDER (a transfer from Connecticut) and redshirt freshman DOUG ROSEBERRY will compete at the Sam.
Three incoming freshmen join the linebacker corps, including AZZIE BEAGNYAM (Seabrook, Texas/Clear Lake), BRIAN BENNETT (Delanco, N.J./Holy Cross) and CHARLES SALLET (Tampa, Fla./Armwood).
Defensive Line A total of 10 lettermen return on the defensive front. However, a pair of productive starters need to be replaced in Bryan Knight, a two-time All-Big East defensive end, and Joe Conlin, a four-year letterman at tackle.
At defensive end, seniors BRIAN GUZEK and RYAN SMITH shared the starting role opposite Knight last season. Smith struggled in the latter part of 2001 with a shoulder injury but is a productive defender when healthy. Guzek established himself as a big-play performer during Pittsburgh's run to the postseason. Both players have All-Big East potential.
Looking to step into Knight's role will be junior CLAUDE HARRIOTT. The 6-4 Harriott was solid in relief the past two seasons but will be expected to elevate his performance in a more prominent role this year.
KEVIN HARRIS and THOMAS SMITH will vie for time at the end spots following redshirt seasons as freshmen last year. Incoming freshmen prospects at defensive end include ANDY ALLEMAN (Greentown, Ohio/Massillon Washington) and VERNON BOTTS (Eastampton, N.J./Rancocas Valley Regional).
On the interior defensive front, sophomore nose tackle TYRE YOUNG returns after seizing a starting role as a true freshman last year. Earmarked for a redshirt at the beginning of the season, Young was moved from linebacker to nose tackle when injuries struck Pittsburgh's depth. He emerged as a tenacious force up front and went on to start the final seven games of the season.
Also vying for time at the nose will be sophomores VINCE CROCHUNIS, JAKE HOLTHAUS and TROY BANNER. All three players lettered in reserve roles last season.
At the other tackle, sophomore DAN STEPHENS enters training camp as the favorite for the starting nod. Stephens lettered last season and made five starts despite being hindered by a midseason ankle injury. Pushing him will be junior DARRELL McMURRAY, a two-year letterman, and redshirt freshman CHARLES SPENCER, a physically imposing prospect (6-5, 320 pounds) who also is very athletic.
Senior walk-on CHARLES STEFFY is capable of providing depth at either the tackle or the nose. Incoming freshman ERIC FRITZ (Dublin, Ohio/Dublin Coffman) will also work on the interior front.
Secondary Pittsburgh might boast the best complement of cornerbacks in the Big East this season. Four lettermen - including three with extensive starting experience - return at the corners giving the Panther pass defense a strong foundation. In contrast, both safety positions need to be filled following the loss of three-year starters Ramon Walker (free) and Mark Ponko (strong).
The Panthers have two All-Big East candidates in starting cornerbacks TORRIE COX and SHAWNTAE SPENCER. Cox, a senior, is an aggressive defender who excels in pass coverage and against the run. A two-time special teams MVP for Pittsburgh, he capped his junior campaign with an outstanding performance in the Tangerine Bowl. Spencer, much like the Panther defense as a whole, finished his sophomore season in 2001 strongly. At 6-2, he has outstanding size for a corner and led the Big East last season with 18 passes defended.
Quality depth will push Cox and Spencer. Senior SHAWN ROBINSON, at 6-1, is another big corner who can be a highly effective coverman. Robinson will be looking to recapture the form he displayed in 2000 when he had six interceptions and 18 passes defended as a starter.
Senior TARON GRAY is a three-year letterman who could be ready to make the biggest contributions of his career in 2002. Additionally, promising freshman BERNARD "JOSH" LAY will look to be a factor after joining the Panthers in mid-year from Valley Forge Military Academy (Pa.). Lay was a 2000 All-Pennsylvania honoree out of nearby Aliquippa High before attending Valley Forge. Also working at cornerback will be junior walk-on TUAZAMA EDWARDS.
Pittsburgh's safety positions received blows when senior GARY URSCHLER and junior COREY HUMPHRIES - the anticipated starters at the strong and free, respectively - sustained knee injuries during the spring. Both underwent surgery and the date of their return was unknown at press time.
Sophomore TYRONE GILLIARD emerged from spring as the No. 1 strong safety. Gilliard distinguished himself on special teams last year as a true frosh. He will be pushed by senior walk-on SHANE LEICHTY, who emerged as a candidate for playing time with a strong spring.
Redshirt freshman TEZ MORRIS stepped to the forefront at the free spot after excelling during the spring. Junior WILLIAM "TUTU" FERGUSON will also push hard for the starting nod. Ferguson lettered at corner each of his first two seasons but was hampered by an ankle injury during the final stretch of 2001. His active ball skills should serve him well at his new position. Other candidates at the free include redshirt freshman DARREN McCRAY and junior CHRIS CURD, a two-year special teams letterman who worked at tight end last year.
The Panthers will welcome three newcomers to the defensive backfield in freshmen SAM BRYANT (Reading, Pa./Reading), REGGIE CARTER (Naples, Fla./Naples) and LARRY MOORE (Gahanna, Ohio/Gahanna)
SPECIAL TEAMS Pittsburgh welcomes back junior punter ANDY LEE, who averaged 41.1 yards per punt last season. Lee, who enters his third season as a starter, finished the year with an outstanding game in the Tangerine Bowl, averaging 44.2 per attempt versus NC State. Senior JAY JUNKO, the starter for most of the 2000 season, will provide depth.
The Panthers will be auditioning placekickers for the first time in four years. Nick Lotz closed his career in 2001 as the fourth all-time leading scorer in school history with 214 points. Competition will revolve around sophomore walk-on J.B. GIBBONEY and incoming freshman DAVID ABDUL. Abdul (Hartville, Ohio/Massillon Washington High) was considered one of the top high school kickers in the country last year and finished as Ohio's all-time leading kick scorer.
TORRIE COX and SHAWNTAE SPENCER are back to handle the kick return duties. Cox led the Panthers in that capacity with an average of 24.0 yards per return (third in the Big East). Pittsburgh lost its top punt returner with the departure of Antonio Bryant. Junior YOGI ROTH was last year's top reserve, averaging 7.7 per return.
Junior KURT JOHNSON will look to hold the starting long snapping duties for the third straight season. He will be pushed by junior JONATHAN SITTER.
