PREVIEW

This is the inaugural post of this brand new blog....cue the parade and drop the balloons (or just react like this guy http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RlBr2fyqn9g ).  I figured we would kick things off with a short preview of the upcoming team as the start of the 2011 season approaches and Pitt prepares for the University of Buffalo on 9/3.

Head Coach - Todd Graham begins his first season as the Panthers' coach and brings a new energy to the school.  I am very excited and I don't see how anyone cannot be at least some what intrigued.  I was a big Wanny guy and supported him throughout, however, you have to love a guy that comes in and tells the media on day one, that the fans at Pitt games will not want to sit down.

Offense:

QB - Despite many fans' feelings, Tino Sunseri is the man under center again this year. I have always liked Tino and feel like he will manage this offense very well. 

RB - Ray Graham is poised to have a huge year and transfer Zach Brown will bring in a great change of pace as the back up.  Corey Davis appears to have broken away as the third down back as a true freshman and is a player to keep an eye on this year.

WR - This is where the offense gets really fun as they want possibly 6 receivers getting into games and contributing.  The starters are pretty set with Devin Street, Mike Shanahan, and Cam Saddler.  The remaining receivers that are looking to make a push are someone whose name you better get used to....Ronald Jones, as he has turned a ton of heads the last couple of weeks.  He will play and he is battling Saddler for the PR job.

3Back - This is what someone like a Dorin Dickerson type position.  It looks like Hubie Graham and Drew Carswell will split time here and you may possibly see Anthony Gonzalez, once his suspension is up.

OL - Oh yes, the much maligned offensive line.  This is the best part of "High Octane Football".  The offensive line does not have to be great.  The starters from left to right will be Juantez Hollins, Chris Jacobson, Ryan Turnley, Lucas Nix, and Jordan Gibbs.  Despite the question marks, I really feel like they will surprise some people with this unit.

Overall - I always wondered what it must have felt like for Dorothy, in The Wizard of Oz, to open the door from black and white to color....this is the closest I think I will ever come to that.

Defense:

DL - One part that will be like Wanny....the defensive line will remain the strength of this team.  Myles Caragein, "The Donald", and Chas Alecxih will start, but you will also see plenty of KK Mosley-Smith, Tyrone Ezell, Justin Hargrove, and TJ Clemmings.

Inside LBs - It appears that Max Gruder will anchor the inside and Shane Gordon seems to have taken the starting job from Tristan Roberts, but I have a feeling that Roberts will still be on the field plenty.

Spur Linebacker - Todd Thomas will start and Greg Williams will back him up.  This position will be a little bit more like a safety, then a straight up linebacker, requiring more speed then the usual linebacker.

Panther Linebacker - Named after Hugh Green, this will be the highlight of the defense and it is fitting that Quip product, Brandon Lindsey will man the position.  It will be more like a down lineman without the down part....leaving Lindsey standing up.  Lindsey won't be the only one enjoying the benefits that will come from this position, as freshman Ejuan Price will also get some playing time.

CBs - The defensive backs were always the whipping boys of Wanny's defenses, due to playing about 10-15  yards off the receiver.  I don't think people will have that problem, as the defense promises to be very aggressive.  K'Wan Williams, Antwuan Reed, and Buddy Jackson will rotate in two positions and all be on the field a good deal.

Safety - This position is strong with returning starters Jarrod Holley and Jason Hendricks, being backed up by Andrew Taglianetti.  If they have a good year, Pitt will be very tough, as I expect the corners to attempt to jump a lot of routes, and if the Pitt safeties can help out on deep passes, this defense could be scary.

Defense - Pittsburghers love their defense and I think they will like this one....look for lots of route jumping by the defense backs and A LOT more blitzing.

Special Teams - Pine Richland grad Matt Yoklic will man the punting, while Kevin Harper will take over the field goal and extra point duties.  From all accounts, Harper has come into camp and done a great job.

For a look at the freshmen that could see playing time, I highly recommend reading Paul Zeise's preview of the incoming class....it is very detailed and well done (http://blogs.sites.post-gazette.com/index.php/sports/pitt-redshirt-diaries/29262-fresh-faces-a-look-at-the-newcomers-likely-to-play ).

All in all, I have not been this excited for a Pitt Panther season in a very long time.  Not all posts will be this long. I hope you enjoyed this and are not sitting at your computer like this http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N-NrPOMBKnw .