Top Five Pittsburgh Panthers Camp Battles

As the Pitt Panthers get set for their first scrimmage of the 2010 season, most starting jobs are already locked up.  However, there are a few open competitions worth keeping an eye on.

The outcome of these competitions may very well determine what kind of run the Panthers will have in the Big East.

Everyone will get around 25 snaps in the first scrimmage that is set to last around 75 plays.  This is the first real opportunity for some young players to catch head coach Dave Wannstedt's eye.

With that being said, let's take a look at the top five position battles in camp.

5. Defensive Line

The starting unit is set, but throughout the game Wannstedt will rotate as many as eight guys up front.  Returning 2009 Big East Defensive Player of the Year Greg Romeus is banged up at the moment as well, so it will give someone an opportunity to step in and show what they can do.

Romeus and Jabaal Sheard will anchor the line as defensive ends, while Myles Caragein and Chas Alecxih are the two new starting defensive tackles.

The Panthers led the nation in sacks a year ago and will look to do so again.  The guys filling in depth roles on the defensive line become very important.

Someone will have to step up and earn playing time.  Keep an eye on sophomore Shayne Hale, who has done some good things so far in camp.  Freshmen Tyrone Ezell and Aaron Donald are also making cases to be in the regular rotation.

4. Quarterback

The quarterback position isn't a battle for playing time, but is still worth keeping an eye on.  Tino Sunseri is the starter, but there are questions about how good he can be.

Sunseri has been good at times in camp, but also very inconsistent.  With a veteran team coming back, the Panthers can't afford to have Sunseri struggle early on.

He needs to step up and show he can be a leader of the offense.  Becoming more consistent the rest of camp will go a long way in that process.

Pat Bostick will backup Sunseri, while there is a heated competition for the third spot between freshmen Mark Myers and Anthony Gonzalez.

3. Weakside Linebacker

Two of the linebacker spots will be filled by Max Gruder and Dan Mason, who should have big seasons.  The competition for the job on the weak side will likely go down to the final days of camp.

Juniors Greg Williams and Tristan Roberts are neck and neck in the battle for the starting spot.  Williams may have the slight edge, but a strong performance in the next week by either will give one the leg up.

The Panthers are also looking for depth at each linebacker spot, as none of the linebackers in camp have done anything to stand out.

2. Cornerback

If there is a weakness on the Panthers defense, it is in the secondary.  But with the pressure the defense should be able to generate on opposing quarterbacks, the defensive backs shouldn't have that hard of a job this year.

One starting spot at cornerback is open in the secondary.  Senior Ricky Gary is the odds on favorite to claim it, but there are also spots to be claimed in the Nickle and Dime packages.

Keep an eye on true freshman K'Waun Williams, who has done well up to this point and may push his way up the depth chart.

1. Offensive Line

Choosing players to fill the two open spots on the offensive line is the most important decision Wannstedt will have to make.

The tackle spots are set with Lucas Nix on the right side and Jason Pinkston on the left. Chris Jacobson will start at left guard, leaving tough decisions to be made at center and right guard.

With an offense committed to Dion Lewis and the running game, it becomes vital that the Panthers have a well-oiled machine up front.

Alex Karabin and Greg Gaskins have been running with the first unit, but their jobs are far from safe.  Several guys will get reps in the next few weeks, with a golden opportunity to impress coaches and claim a job.