Pitt Football 2012: Predicting the Pre-Spring Two-Deep Depth Chart

With new Pitt head coach Paul Chryst about to launch his first spring practice, it's a big time for some young Panthers to open some eyes and move up the current depth chart.

It's also a time for some veteran Panthers players to hold on and solidify their spots in the lineup.

Chryst has a nice class of freshmen coming to camp in August, but for now, there's a chance for the guys returning to get the first opportunity to open up the new coaching staff's eyes.

We're going to take a look at what the two-deep depth chart looks like as the Panthers head into spring practice. Keep in mind that this is going to change after spring practice, after Chryst gets a look at what he really has for the first time.

Also keep in mind that the depth chart is going to change before the season as well.

But as we head into spring practice, here's what Chryst is probably looking at.

Quarterback

Starter: Tino Sunseri, SR.

Backup: Mark Myers, SO.

Unfortunately for Pitt fans, this is still Sunseri's job to lose. He's likely to be better now that he's out of Todd Graham's "low-octane," system and back in a traditional offense.

The heated competition will be for the backup job between Myers and sophomore Trey Anderson, but we're giving Myers the leg up right now.

None of that may matter though as eventually true freshman Chad Voytik is going to get a long look in the summer. He will put pressure on both backups, and maybe before long, even challenge Sunseri for snaps with the first unit.

Running Back

Starter: Isaac Bennett, SO.

Backup: Corey Davis, SO.

Fullback

Starter: Mark Giubilato, SO.

Backup: Chris Mike, SR.

Senior Ray Graham won't be ready to compete in spring practice, but all signs indicate that he is on pace to be able to start the season.

Then there's incoming 5-star recruit Rushel Shell who will play a major role in the rushing attack come summer.

Heading into spring, Bennett will be the primary ball-carrier, but expect the two-deep here to change dramatically before the season begins.

Wide Receiver

Starters: Mike Shanahan, SR., Devin Street, JR.

Backups: Cameron Saddler, SR., Ronald Jones, SO.

The Panthers receiving core severely needs an upgrade or someone in this group to finally step up and make plays on a consistent basis.

They may benefit as a group being out of Graham's offense as well, and I would hope so as there's not much else on the roster to challenge them for playing time.

Incoming freshmen Chris and Demitrious Davis aren't likely to crack the rotation right away, and that leaves guys, like Drew Carswell, Ed Tinker and Darius Patton coming back, who gave no indication that they're ready to step up and contribute.

Tight End

Starter: Hubie Graham, SR

Backup: Brendan Carozzoni, SO.

Graham is one guy who could have a big season if used properly and in a system that runs the football a lot; the tight end could become a large part of the passing game.

The backup spot could be up for grabs between a lot of youngsters including Carozzoni and even Anthony Gonzalez, who impressed at quarterback last spring.

There's also 4-star tight end J.P. Holtz coming in this summer who's a very talented player and could force his way onto the field.

Offensive Line

Tackles

Starters: Juantez Hollins, JR., Matt Rotheram, SO.

Backups: Zenel Demhasaj, SR., Arthur Doakes, SO.

Guards

Starters: Chris Jacobson, SR., Ryan Schlieper, JR.

Backups: Corey King, JR., Shane Johnson SO.

Center

Starter: Ryan Turnley, SR.

Backup: Artie Rowell, FR.

The Pitt offensive line needs a big upgrade, but there are some guys with experience which could turn into a big plus.

Just like the quarterback and wide receivers, I wouldn't expect the offensive line to be as bad as it was last season, now that Graham's system is gone.

While that's one reason, it doesn't entirely excuse the fact that the panthers were really awful up front a season ago.

Getting Jacobson back for a sixth year is a plus, and many of these guys can switch between tackle and guard, so there are many positions up for grabs.

Defensive Line

Ends

Starters: Aaron Donald, JR., LaQuentin Smith, SO.

Backups: Bryan Murphy SO., T.J. Clemmings, SO.

Tackles

Starters: Khaynin Moseley-Smith, SO., Tyrone Ezell, JR.

Backups: Jack Lippert JR., Shayne Hale, SR.

The Panthers are paper thin up front, so expect all of the incoming freshmen, which include Terrell Jackson and Darryl Render, to get a serious look come summer time.

As it stands now, Donald is staying on the outside after a sophomore season that saw him record 11 sacks, and I bumped Smith up to defensive end as I can see him getting a long look there this spring.

Linebackers

WLB

Starter: Todd Thomas, SO.

Backup: Carl Flemming, JR.

MLB

Starter: Shane Gordon, JR.

Backup: Nicholas Grigsby, FR.

SLB

Starter: Ejuan Price, SO.

Backup: Eric Williams, SO.

Pitt has more depth at linebacker than they do up front, but it's still a very young unit overall.

Most of the competition could be for the backup roles as the starters could be set, but that's up in the air depending on whether or not Smith plays defensive end or stays at linebacker.

If he stays at linebacker, he will likely be competing with Price for the starting job on the strong side.

Secondary

Corners

Starters: K'waun Williams, JR., Llyod Carrington SO.

Backups: Cullen Christian So., Brandon Ifill, SO.

Free Safety

Starter: Jarred Holley, SR.

Backup: Ray Vinopal, SO.

Strong Safety

Starter: Andrew Taglianetti, SR.

Backup: Jason Hendricks, JR.

The secondary has decent depth, and not many starting spots should be up for grabs, although Christian could challenge Carrington for the cornerback spot opposite Williams.

Although Taglianetti is a senior, he could face some tough competition from Hendricks as well.

The rest of the jobs are just competition for backup roles, and the current group could face some stiff competition from a group of talented freshmen that includes: Deaysean Rippy, Bam Bradley, Jahmahl Pardner, Trento Coles and Ryan Lewis.

Specialists

Kicker: Kevin Harper, SR.

Punter: Matt Yoklic, JR.

No competition here for jobs as both Harper and Yoklic return and should face very little challenges to keep their jobs.