Big East: Alex Karabin
Nearly every Big East team has broken fall camp. So what are the unanswered questions remaining with less than two weeks before the season begins? Next up in my team-by-team look is Pitt.
1. Offensive line shuffling. The Panthers had quite a bit of movement on their offensive line throughout fall camp as they try to replace center Alex Karabin and left tackle Jason Pinkston. Chris Jacobson had been practicing at center in the spring, but now it appears he is moving back to left guard and Ryan Turnley will be at center. Left tackle will be Juantez Hollins, a redshirt sophomore who has never played in a game. Jordan Gibbs has moved to right tackle and Lucas Nix to right guard. Tackle Greg Gaskins and guard Cory King will still be very much in the mix. But given how much this line was moved around during camp, there could be more tinkering ahead.
2. Inside linebacker up for grabs. Coach Todd Graham maintains that Shane Gordon, Tristan Roberts and Max Gruder are all starters. But only two will be in the lineup each week. It appears Gordon and Roberts may be interchangeable, depending on who the Panthers play. Redshirt freshman Todd Thomas will start at spur linebacker and has impressed the coaches with the way he practiced during fall camp.
3. Is Kevin Harper the real deal? Pitt has to replace Dan Hutchins, who was an All-Big East selection in 2009 before slipping a little in 2010. Harper was one of the top kicking prospects in the country in the class of 2008 -- he made a 61-yard field goal in high school to set a state record. He has handled kickoff duties for the Panthers but has been erratic with his field goal kicking. He had a nice fall camp, and now it is his turn to show that he can be the kicker everyone thought he could be when he signed with Pitt.
1. Offensive line shuffling. The Panthers had quite a bit of movement on their offensive line throughout fall camp as they try to replace center Alex Karabin and left tackle Jason Pinkston. Chris Jacobson had been practicing at center in the spring, but now it appears he is moving back to left guard and Ryan Turnley will be at center. Left tackle will be Juantez Hollins, a redshirt sophomore who has never played in a game. Jordan Gibbs has moved to right tackle and Lucas Nix to right guard. Tackle Greg Gaskins and guard Cory King will still be very much in the mix. But given how much this line was moved around during camp, there could be more tinkering ahead.
2. Inside linebacker up for grabs. Coach Todd Graham maintains that Shane Gordon, Tristan Roberts and Max Gruder are all starters. But only two will be in the lineup each week. It appears Gordon and Roberts may be interchangeable, depending on who the Panthers play. Redshirt freshman Todd Thomas will start at spur linebacker and has impressed the coaches with the way he practiced during fall camp.
3. Is Kevin Harper the real deal? Pitt has to replace Dan Hutchins, who was an All-Big East selection in 2009 before slipping a little in 2010. Harper was one of the top kicking prospects in the country in the class of 2008 -- he made a 61-yard field goal in high school to set a state record. He has handled kickoff duties for the Panthers but has been erratic with his field goal kicking. He had a nice fall camp, and now it is his turn to show that he can be the kicker everyone thought he could be when he signed with Pitt.
Chris Jacobson solidifies Pitt guard spot
August, 25, 2010
8/25/10
10:15
AM ET
By
Brian Bennett | ESPN.com
Pittsburgh is replacing three starting offensive linemen this season, overhauling its entire interior from 2009. There is much hand-wringing about the state of center and right guard for the preseason Big East favorites.
Left guard, however, appears to be in solid hands.
Fourth-year junior Chris Jacobson has only one career start, but it was an impressive one. Filling in for an ailing Joe Thomas at the Meineke Car Care Bowl, Jacobson was part of the line that pushed North Carolina's star-studded defensive front around so Dion Lewis could rush for 159 yards in the Panthers' win. If Jacobson could handle the bevy of potential NFL draft picks on the Tar Heels, he should be fine for whatever comes this season.
"I got to experience what it's like to play in a big game, or just a college game in general," he said. "That definitely helps me confidence wise for this year."
Big things were expected of Jacobson when he arrived at Pitt. He was a U.S. Army All-American and the No. 7 guard in his class, according to ESPN's Scouts Inc. But after redshirting, he hurt his knee and was limited in the 2008 season. Last year, he said, he struggled with the mental part and preparation aspects of the game.
Now he thinks he's ready to fulfill his high school acclaim.
"I feel like I'm in the best shape of my life right now," he said. "I'm ready to go and I feel great. The mental preparation, it's all there now."
The 6-foot-3, 290-pounder looks the part and has the physical tools. He could help make Pitt's left side the dominant run side with Jason Pinkston.
"When he comes off that ball, he comes off low and hard," said defensive tackle Myles Caragein, who was Jacobson's high school teammate. "When you line up against him, it's not a walk in the park. It's a brawl every time."
As for the rest of the line, Jacobson said he feels confident in center Alex Karabin and right guard Greg Gaskins. The three new starters, he said, "are going out there every day and proving ourselves."
Jacobson started that process in December. And that's allowing Pitt to feel confident in at least one of its three new starting interior linemen.
Left guard, however, appears to be in solid hands.
Fourth-year junior Chris Jacobson has only one career start, but it was an impressive one. Filling in for an ailing Joe Thomas at the Meineke Car Care Bowl, Jacobson was part of the line that pushed North Carolina's star-studded defensive front around so Dion Lewis could rush for 159 yards in the Panthers' win. If Jacobson could handle the bevy of potential NFL draft picks on the Tar Heels, he should be fine for whatever comes this season.
"I got to experience what it's like to play in a big game, or just a college game in general," he said. "That definitely helps me confidence wise for this year."
Big things were expected of Jacobson when he arrived at Pitt. He was a U.S. Army All-American and the No. 7 guard in his class, according to ESPN's Scouts Inc. But after redshirting, he hurt his knee and was limited in the 2008 season. Last year, he said, he struggled with the mental part and preparation aspects of the game.
Now he thinks he's ready to fulfill his high school acclaim.
"I feel like I'm in the best shape of my life right now," he said. "I'm ready to go and I feel great. The mental preparation, it's all there now."
The 6-foot-3, 290-pounder looks the part and has the physical tools. He could help make Pitt's left side the dominant run side with Jason Pinkston.
"When he comes off that ball, he comes off low and hard," said defensive tackle Myles Caragein, who was Jacobson's high school teammate. "When you line up against him, it's not a walk in the park. It's a brawl every time."
As for the rest of the line, Jacobson said he feels confident in center Alex Karabin and right guard Greg Gaskins. The three new starters, he said, "are going out there every day and proving ourselves."
Jacobson started that process in December. And that's allowing Pitt to feel confident in at least one of its three new starting interior linemen.
Alex Karabin, Joel Miller earn scholarships
August, 23, 2010
8/23/10
10:00
AM ET
By
Brian Bennett | ESPN.com
Two interesting scholarship decisions were made over the weekend that I thought were worth noting.
First, Pittsburgh awarded Alex Karabin with a scholarship. Karabin, whom I wrote about last month, is a fifth-year senior who has earned the starting center job. There was some skepticism about his ability to fill the role throughout the spring and summer, and Dave Wannstedt wasn't sure he would keep Karabin as his starter.
But Karabin has played well during fall camp and by all accounts is one of the team's hardest workers. So it's a nice story. (Though one has to wonder why Pitt, which dipped into the junior college ranks for its starting center -- Robb Houser -- two years ago, still hasn't been able to recruit someone for that position out of high school. When you consider the Panthers' overall recruiting success, it's even more strange).
The other scholarship awarded this weekend that caught my eye was the one given to South Florida's Joel Miller.
If the name sounds familiar, it's because Miller was the player at the center of the Jim Leavitt controversy. Leavitt was accused of slapping Miller at halftime of last year's Louisville game, then trying to cover it up. That led to USF firing its first-ever head football coach in January. Leavitt has disputed those claims and is suing the school.
You had to wonder what Miller's life would be like with the Bulls after that situation. But apparently all is good. He was recently moved to receiver and showed some promise there, and he's also a special teams ace.
"He's a young man who has busted his rear end, played on special teams here," Skip Holtz told the St. Petersburg Times. "He's earned it. He's deserving."
First, Pittsburgh awarded Alex Karabin with a scholarship. Karabin, whom I wrote about last month, is a fifth-year senior who has earned the starting center job. There was some skepticism about his ability to fill the role throughout the spring and summer, and Dave Wannstedt wasn't sure he would keep Karabin as his starter.
But Karabin has played well during fall camp and by all accounts is one of the team's hardest workers. So it's a nice story. (Though one has to wonder why Pitt, which dipped into the junior college ranks for its starting center -- Robb Houser -- two years ago, still hasn't been able to recruit someone for that position out of high school. When you consider the Panthers' overall recruiting success, it's even more strange).
The other scholarship awarded this weekend that caught my eye was the one given to South Florida's Joel Miller.
If the name sounds familiar, it's because Miller was the player at the center of the Jim Leavitt controversy. Leavitt was accused of slapping Miller at halftime of last year's Louisville game, then trying to cover it up. That led to USF firing its first-ever head football coach in January. Leavitt has disputed those claims and is suing the school.
You had to wonder what Miller's life would be like with the Bulls after that situation. But apparently all is good. He was recently moved to receiver and showed some promise there, and he's also a special teams ace.
"He's a young man who has busted his rear end, played on special teams here," Skip Holtz told the St. Petersburg Times. "He's earned it. He's deserving."
The ol' mailbag is curiously light this week despite the rapidly approaching start to the season. So come on, Big East fans. Time to step up your game.
Anyway, here's a sampling of what's on your mind this week:
John from Morgantown, W.Va., writes: I know you've discussed the ongoing battle between Dion Lewis and Noel Devine. But, I don't think you've reached a conclusion. If you had to put a team together and pick only one of them, who would you choose? Personally, and though it may be biased, I'd pick Devine. Lewis is a great back, but any time Devine touches the ball it could be six points. That's my argument. Thoughts?
Brian Bennett: This may sound like a cop-out, but I really think it depends on what type of offense you want to run. Devine is perfect as the home run hitter in a spread system. Lewis is more of a grind-it-out guy, though he has explosiveness as well. I don't think, for example, you'd necessarily want to run Devine 45 times as Pitt did with Lewis against Cincinnati last year. All that said, if Lewis can repeat his freshman performance, I'll take him for his all-around consistency.
Jake from Endicott, N.Y., writes: I know you probably get a thousand of these type emails a day -- but I need to go "on the record." Syracuse will finish in the middle-to-top of the Big East this year. I know, I know -- all prognosticators pick them last or just above last place. The offense is largely unproven. The defense is OK, but gave up a lot of big plays. ... Here's why they will win more games than almost everyone thinks: Doug Marrone working with the Offensive line + Delone Carter + Ryan Nassib's improvement. They will be able to run the ball better than anytime during the last 5 years and that will create some big pass plays.
Looking forward to all of the Orange love on the blog over the next few months. Remember me when, OK?
Brian Bennett: Jake, you are officially on the record and on the blog. If Syracuse makes a bowl, feel free to come back here and crow about it. If not, come back and eat a little crow.
Chris W. from Pittsburgh writes: Pitt plays a very tough schedule this year, especially early. With Pitt's offensive line having two big holes, at center and guard, is there anyway Dion Lewis and Jon Baldwin can improve or repeat their success from last year?
Brian Bennett: That's an excellent question. Pitt's coaches seem to be happy with the way Alex Karabin is playing at center so far. If he can lock that down, it still leaves a problem at right guard that's troublesome. With all the great recruiting the Panthers have done, it's odd that the one position they're not deep in is offensive line. Anyway, another thing to remember about Lewis and Baldwin is that Ray Graham may take more carries this year and there's a new starting quarterback. Add that to the schedule and their numbers very well may go down. I bet they'd trade stats for a Big East title, though.
Zack M. from Sana'a, Yemen, writes: Thanks for the excellent coverage of the Big East conference! I wonder if you can tell me how it happens that WVU schedules a team like Coastal Carolina? Is it deliberately to jump-start the season with an easy victory over a cupcake? Is it a matter of not being able to facilitate a game with a stronger team? Or something else? To me it's a blight on an otherwise decent schedule. I fail to see the upside outweighing the negatives -- among others, the impact on strength of schedule.
Brian Bennett: Yemen? Wow, that's a new one. The blog's reach knows no borders. As to your question, well, everybody does it. Adding the permanent 12th game to the schedule a few years ago basically meant that schools could throw in one guaranteed home game, and every school goes looking for an "easy" win. Each Big East school has an FCS team on its slate this year (Syracuse has two). Just consider it a warm-up, and with Marshall, Maryland and LSU to follow, West Virginia can't be blamed for opening the way it is.
Bennett from West Virginia writes: Love the blog, check in every day, but that's beside the point. You asked what player we would take for an NFL team ... well, I would take Robert "The Sandman/Predator" Sands, and here is why: 6'5", big hitter, ball hawk, and recently in an interview Tavon Austin stated that Sands runs almost identical times as he does in the 40.
Brian Bennett: Love your name, use it every day, but that's beside the point. Good call on Sands. I can't wait to see what he does this year, which should be his final college season if he produces as expected. Someone needs to settle on just one nickname for him, though.
John from Louisville writes: I feel like Louisville has a real sharpshooter in Coach Charlie Strong. My concern is that he may not have enough bullets in his holster just yet. My question is what needs to go right for Louisville to make any bowl this year?
Brian Bennett: I agree wholeheartedly, but a little better coaching can go a long way. Remember the Cardinals could have won at Kentucky and at West Virginia last year simply by making fewer mistakes in the red zone, and I think this team will be more prepared and better conditioned this year. What has to happen is that Strong and Vance Bedford need to work some magic on the defense, which lacks size and elite-level talent. And then Louisville needs to win all of its swing games -- Kentucky, Memphis, USF at home, Syracuse on the road -- to get to at least six wins. It's possible, but it won't be easy.
Anyway, here's a sampling of what's on your mind this week:
John from Morgantown, W.Va., writes: I know you've discussed the ongoing battle between Dion Lewis and Noel Devine. But, I don't think you've reached a conclusion. If you had to put a team together and pick only one of them, who would you choose? Personally, and though it may be biased, I'd pick Devine. Lewis is a great back, but any time Devine touches the ball it could be six points. That's my argument. Thoughts?
Brian Bennett: This may sound like a cop-out, but I really think it depends on what type of offense you want to run. Devine is perfect as the home run hitter in a spread system. Lewis is more of a grind-it-out guy, though he has explosiveness as well. I don't think, for example, you'd necessarily want to run Devine 45 times as Pitt did with Lewis against Cincinnati last year. All that said, if Lewis can repeat his freshman performance, I'll take him for his all-around consistency.
Jake from Endicott, N.Y., writes: I know you probably get a thousand of these type emails a day -- but I need to go "on the record." Syracuse will finish in the middle-to-top of the Big East this year. I know, I know -- all prognosticators pick them last or just above last place. The offense is largely unproven. The defense is OK, but gave up a lot of big plays. ... Here's why they will win more games than almost everyone thinks: Doug Marrone working with the Offensive line + Delone Carter + Ryan Nassib's improvement. They will be able to run the ball better than anytime during the last 5 years and that will create some big pass plays.
Looking forward to all of the Orange love on the blog over the next few months. Remember me when, OK?
Brian Bennett: Jake, you are officially on the record and on the blog. If Syracuse makes a bowl, feel free to come back here and crow about it. If not, come back and eat a little crow.
Chris W. from Pittsburgh writes: Pitt plays a very tough schedule this year, especially early. With Pitt's offensive line having two big holes, at center and guard, is there anyway Dion Lewis and Jon Baldwin can improve or repeat their success from last year?
Brian Bennett: That's an excellent question. Pitt's coaches seem to be happy with the way Alex Karabin is playing at center so far. If he can lock that down, it still leaves a problem at right guard that's troublesome. With all the great recruiting the Panthers have done, it's odd that the one position they're not deep in is offensive line. Anyway, another thing to remember about Lewis and Baldwin is that Ray Graham may take more carries this year and there's a new starting quarterback. Add that to the schedule and their numbers very well may go down. I bet they'd trade stats for a Big East title, though.
Zack M. from Sana'a, Yemen, writes: Thanks for the excellent coverage of the Big East conference! I wonder if you can tell me how it happens that WVU schedules a team like Coastal Carolina? Is it deliberately to jump-start the season with an easy victory over a cupcake? Is it a matter of not being able to facilitate a game with a stronger team? Or something else? To me it's a blight on an otherwise decent schedule. I fail to see the upside outweighing the negatives -- among others, the impact on strength of schedule.
Brian Bennett: Yemen? Wow, that's a new one. The blog's reach knows no borders. As to your question, well, everybody does it. Adding the permanent 12th game to the schedule a few years ago basically meant that schools could throw in one guaranteed home game, and every school goes looking for an "easy" win. Each Big East school has an FCS team on its slate this year (Syracuse has two). Just consider it a warm-up, and with Marshall, Maryland and LSU to follow, West Virginia can't be blamed for opening the way it is.
Bennett from West Virginia writes: Love the blog, check in every day, but that's beside the point. You asked what player we would take for an NFL team ... well, I would take Robert "The Sandman/Predator" Sands, and here is why: 6'5", big hitter, ball hawk, and recently in an interview Tavon Austin stated that Sands runs almost identical times as he does in the 40.
Brian Bennett: Love your name, use it every day, but that's beside the point. Good call on Sands. I can't wait to see what he does this year, which should be his final college season if he produces as expected. Someone needs to settle on just one nickname for him, though.
John from Louisville writes: I feel like Louisville has a real sharpshooter in Coach Charlie Strong. My concern is that he may not have enough bullets in his holster just yet. My question is what needs to go right for Louisville to make any bowl this year?
Brian Bennett: I agree wholeheartedly, but a little better coaching can go a long way. Remember the Cardinals could have won at Kentucky and at West Virginia last year simply by making fewer mistakes in the red zone, and I think this team will be more prepared and better conditioned this year. What has to happen is that Strong and Vance Bedford need to work some magic on the defense, which lacks size and elite-level talent. And then Louisville needs to win all of its swing games -- Kentucky, Memphis, USF at home, Syracuse on the road -- to get to at least six wins. It's possible, but it won't be easy.
Pittsburgh
Schedule: Practice starts Saturday at 8:30 a.m. First day in full pads is Aug. 11.
What’s new: Tino Sunseri steps in under center, replacing two-year starter Bill Stull. The Panthers also break in new starters at center, right guard and cornerback.
Key battle: Center. Walk-on senior Alex Karabin handled snapping duties in the spring, but he'll have to fight to keep his first-string role this fall. Right guard is also up for grabs. Also watch the weakside linebacker duel between incumbent Greg Williams and Tristan Roberts.
New on the scene: Junior college transfer Saheed Imoru has a good chance to start at one of the cornerback spots. Redshirt freshman Devin Street ought to make an impact at receiver.
Breaking out: Middle linebacker at Pitt has been a breeding ground for stars. Dan Mason could be the next one. He's got all the skills and just needs to put it all together.
Don’t forget about: Greg Cross. Little used as a quarterback two years ago, he redshirted last season and now could contribute at receiver this fall in his last college season.
All eyes on: The interior offensive line. Pitt has as much, or more, offensive talent than anybody, but if the Panthers can't block people up the middle, it won't matter.
Quoting: "We still have some holes to fill. The challenge will be in putting a team together." -- Pitt head coach Dave Wannstedt.
Schedule: Practice starts Saturday at 8:30 a.m. First day in full pads is Aug. 11.
What’s new: Tino Sunseri steps in under center, replacing two-year starter Bill Stull. The Panthers also break in new starters at center, right guard and cornerback.
Key battle: Center. Walk-on senior Alex Karabin handled snapping duties in the spring, but he'll have to fight to keep his first-string role this fall. Right guard is also up for grabs. Also watch the weakside linebacker duel between incumbent Greg Williams and Tristan Roberts.
New on the scene: Junior college transfer Saheed Imoru has a good chance to start at one of the cornerback spots. Redshirt freshman Devin Street ought to make an impact at receiver.
Breaking out: Middle linebacker at Pitt has been a breeding ground for stars. Dan Mason could be the next one. He's got all the skills and just needs to put it all together.
Don’t forget about: Greg Cross. Little used as a quarterback two years ago, he redshirted last season and now could contribute at receiver this fall in his last college season.
All eyes on: The interior offensive line. Pitt has as much, or more, offensive talent than anybody, but if the Panthers can't block people up the middle, it won't matter.
Quoting: "We still have some holes to fill. The challenge will be in putting a team together." -- Pitt head coach Dave Wannstedt.
Karabin now center of attention for Pitt
July, 13, 2010
7/13/10
10:50
AM ET
By
Brian Bennett | ESPN.com
Pittsburgh is a team with BCS aspirations that's also loaded with individual talent. But the guy who will be putting the ball in play every snap will likely be a non-scholarship player.
Fifth-year senior Alex Karabin exited the spring as the first-team center, looking to replace Robb Houser as the captain of the offensive line. Karabin knows people are looking at him as a question mark, but he's determined to provide an emphatic answer.
"You don't want to be the one that has the drop-off," he said. "You want to be the one who keeps raising the bar for the next group of kids and continue to get better."
Karabin thought he might be flying planes right now instead of leading one of the Big East's preseason favorites. He was all set to play college football at Air Force and attended Air Force Prep School in Colorado at the urging of the service academy's coaching staff, which can't redshirt players. Karabin planned to become a cargo pilot since he figured his 6-foot-1, 290-pound frame wouldn't fit well crammed inside a fighter jet.
But while he started at guard during his season at prep school, he began to have second thoughts about the long-term commitment required by the Air Force. He didn't think he should take a spot in the academy if his heart truly wasn't into it.
So the Ruffs Dale, Penn., resident had his high school coach call around to other schools. Pitt -- which didn't really recruit Karabin -- offered him a chance to walk on.
During his college career, Karabin has played mostly on field goal units and as a backup. Coaches say he's one of the hardest workers on the team, a discipline he formed during his year at the Air Force prep.
"We were waking up every day at 5:45 a.m., marching to breakfast and to lunch and to dinner," Karabin said. "It was so regimented that it helps you budget your time a lot more effectively when you go to a regular school."
Karabin worked with quarterback Tino Sunseri last year on the second team and has a natural chemistry with this year's starting signal-caller.
"We kind of know what the other one's going to say before he says it," he said.
And Karabin is the team's greybeard, thanks to his year in prep school and a redshirt season. He'll turn 24 this fall.
"I'm pretty sure I'm the oldest guy on the team," he said. "I'm always telling the freshmen and the young guys on the line what they have to do and what's expected."
Karabin is expected to make all the calls and anchor an O-line that was arguably the best in the Big East last year. And to do so while still paying his own tuition. He said earning a scholarship would be great "but that it's more important to win games."
Whether Pitt can win as many games as people expect this year may depend a lot on how their walk-on center performs. Karabin knows one thing: after all this time waiting for a shot to play, he's going to give his best effort.
"I definitely don't want to give it up now," he said. "I will lay it all out on the line to keep my job."
Fifth-year senior Alex Karabin exited the spring as the first-team center, looking to replace Robb Houser as the captain of the offensive line. Karabin knows people are looking at him as a question mark, but he's determined to provide an emphatic answer.
"You don't want to be the one that has the drop-off," he said. "You want to be the one who keeps raising the bar for the next group of kids and continue to get better."
Karabin thought he might be flying planes right now instead of leading one of the Big East's preseason favorites. He was all set to play college football at Air Force and attended Air Force Prep School in Colorado at the urging of the service academy's coaching staff, which can't redshirt players. Karabin planned to become a cargo pilot since he figured his 6-foot-1, 290-pound frame wouldn't fit well crammed inside a fighter jet.
But while he started at guard during his season at prep school, he began to have second thoughts about the long-term commitment required by the Air Force. He didn't think he should take a spot in the academy if his heart truly wasn't into it.
So the Ruffs Dale, Penn., resident had his high school coach call around to other schools. Pitt -- which didn't really recruit Karabin -- offered him a chance to walk on.
During his college career, Karabin has played mostly on field goal units and as a backup. Coaches say he's one of the hardest workers on the team, a discipline he formed during his year at the Air Force prep.
"We were waking up every day at 5:45 a.m., marching to breakfast and to lunch and to dinner," Karabin said. "It was so regimented that it helps you budget your time a lot more effectively when you go to a regular school."
Karabin worked with quarterback Tino Sunseri last year on the second team and has a natural chemistry with this year's starting signal-caller.
"We kind of know what the other one's going to say before he says it," he said.
And Karabin is the team's greybeard, thanks to his year in prep school and a redshirt season. He'll turn 24 this fall.
"I'm pretty sure I'm the oldest guy on the team," he said. "I'm always telling the freshmen and the young guys on the line what they have to do and what's expected."
Karabin is expected to make all the calls and anchor an O-line that was arguably the best in the Big East last year. And to do so while still paying his own tuition. He said earning a scholarship would be great "but that it's more important to win games."
Whether Pitt can win as many games as people expect this year may depend a lot on how their walk-on center performs. Karabin knows one thing: after all this time waiting for a shot to play, he's going to give his best effort.
"I definitely don't want to give it up now," he said. "I will lay it all out on the line to keep my job."
2009 overall record: 10-3
2009 conference record: 5-2, T-2nd in Big East
Returning starters
Offense: 5. Defense: 6. Punter/kicker: 2
Top returners
RB Dion Lewis, WR Jonathan Baldwin, OT Jason Pinkston, DE Greg Romeus, DE Jabaal Sheard, LB Max Gruder, WR Mike Shanahan, LB Dan Mason
Key losses
QB Bill Stull, DT Mick Williams, TE Dorin Dickerson, TE Nate Byham, LB Adam Gunn, CB Aaron Berry, S Elijah Fields
2009 statistical leaders (* returners)
Rushing: Dion Lewis* (1,799 yards)
Passing: Bill Stull (2,633 yards)
Receiving: Jonathan Baldwin* (1,111 yards)
Tackles: Max Gruder* (91)
Sacks: Greg Romeus* (8)
Interceptions: Dom DeCicco*, Jarred Holley* and Elijah Fields (3)
Spring answers
1. Tino time: This spring ostensibly brought a quarterback competition, but Tino Sunseri began it as the No. 1 guy and held off a challenge from Pat Bostick to remain in that role. The sophomore has a good arm, solid mobility and a strong understanding of the game. Even though he's never had much significant college experience, Pitt feels comfortable with him under center.
2. Reed and react: The Panthers were looking for someone to step up at cornerback, and Antwuan Reed did just that. The junior had been confined mostly to a special teams and backup role his first two years but shined in his chance to run with the first team. He should be a starter in the fall.
3. More playmakers: Pitt was already blessed to have Dion Lewis, Jonathan Baldwin and Mike Shanahan. This spring saw Ray Graham excel alongside Lewis at tailback and former quarterback Greg Cross push for playing time at receiver. Add in impressive young wideout Devin Street, and offensive coordinator Frank Cignetti Jr. has a lot of options and flexibility.
Fall questions
1. Department of the interior: The offensive line is solid at the tackle spots, but Pittsburgh left the spring with lingering questions at center and right guard. Alex Karabin is trying to hold onto the job at center, but he's been a four-year walk-on for a reason. The Panthers will either have to explore some shuffling around or hope their current players improve this summer to keep the interior stout. The backups on the O-line need work, too.
2. Tight end turnover: Arguably the two best tight ends in the Big East called Heinz Field home last year as both Dorin Dickerson and Nate Byham got drafted last month. Replacing them and what each did so well -- Dickerson a versatile and speedy pass catcher, Byham a tough-nosed blocker -- won't be easy. Mike Cruz appeared to be the best all-around option on the roster this spring.
3. Weakside linebacker strength: Two-year starter Greg Williams held onto his job in the spring, but just barely. Tristan Roberts made a strong charge for the role and earned coach Dave Wannstedt's praise, while Williams has struggled to play up to his physical talent. This is a competition worth watching in the fall.
2009 conference record: 5-2, T-2nd in Big East
Returning starters
Offense: 5. Defense: 6. Punter/kicker: 2
Top returners
RB Dion Lewis, WR Jonathan Baldwin, OT Jason Pinkston, DE Greg Romeus, DE Jabaal Sheard, LB Max Gruder, WR Mike Shanahan, LB Dan Mason
Key losses
QB Bill Stull, DT Mick Williams, TE Dorin Dickerson, TE Nate Byham, LB Adam Gunn, CB Aaron Berry, S Elijah Fields
2009 statistical leaders (* returners)
Rushing: Dion Lewis* (1,799 yards)
Passing: Bill Stull (2,633 yards)
Receiving: Jonathan Baldwin* (1,111 yards)
Tackles: Max Gruder* (91)
Sacks: Greg Romeus* (8)
Interceptions: Dom DeCicco*, Jarred Holley* and Elijah Fields (3)
Spring answers
1. Tino time: This spring ostensibly brought a quarterback competition, but Tino Sunseri began it as the No. 1 guy and held off a challenge from Pat Bostick to remain in that role. The sophomore has a good arm, solid mobility and a strong understanding of the game. Even though he's never had much significant college experience, Pitt feels comfortable with him under center.
2. Reed and react: The Panthers were looking for someone to step up at cornerback, and Antwuan Reed did just that. The junior had been confined mostly to a special teams and backup role his first two years but shined in his chance to run with the first team. He should be a starter in the fall.
3. More playmakers: Pitt was already blessed to have Dion Lewis, Jonathan Baldwin and Mike Shanahan. This spring saw Ray Graham excel alongside Lewis at tailback and former quarterback Greg Cross push for playing time at receiver. Add in impressive young wideout Devin Street, and offensive coordinator Frank Cignetti Jr. has a lot of options and flexibility.
Fall questions
1. Department of the interior: The offensive line is solid at the tackle spots, but Pittsburgh left the spring with lingering questions at center and right guard. Alex Karabin is trying to hold onto the job at center, but he's been a four-year walk-on for a reason. The Panthers will either have to explore some shuffling around or hope their current players improve this summer to keep the interior stout. The backups on the O-line need work, too.
2. Tight end turnover: Arguably the two best tight ends in the Big East called Heinz Field home last year as both Dorin Dickerson and Nate Byham got drafted last month. Replacing them and what each did so well -- Dickerson a versatile and speedy pass catcher, Byham a tough-nosed blocker -- won't be easy. Mike Cruz appeared to be the best all-around option on the roster this spring.
3. Weakside linebacker strength: Two-year starter Greg Williams held onto his job in the spring, but just barely. Tristan Roberts made a strong charge for the role and earned coach Dave Wannstedt's praise, while Williams has struggled to play up to his physical talent. This is a competition worth watching in the fall.
PITTSBURGH -- I'll have plenty of coverage from my two-part visit to Pittsburgh, but here are some early thoughts and tidbits:
- As usual, this is what Dick Vitale would call an All-Airport Team. Meaning, the Panthers sure look good in person, like a football team ought to look. I've been to several spring camps now, and there just aren't many physical specimens like Greg Romeus and Jonathan Baldwin to be found anywhere in the Big East -- or many other places, for that matter.
- This is a team that has a lot of answers. But the No. 1 pressing concern is the interior of the offensive line, which is all new. Chris Jacobson was a big-time recruit and should be fine at left guard. Questions remain about center Alex Karabin and right guard Greg Gaskins. The tackle spots are in good shape, but you don't want to be weak up the middle, especially a team that likes to run as much as Pitt."It's going to be probably an ongoing process throughout training camp and throughout the season," Dave Wannstedt said. "Those guys will probably be playing their best football in December. It's one of those positions where it will take some time to bring those guys along."
- Wannstedt had glowing words for linebacker Tristan Roberts, who missed all of last year with an injury. Roberts is pushing two-year starter Greg Williams for that outside linebacker job and may win it."He looks like a different player than before he got hurt," Wannstedt said. "He's more physical, smart and he's moving around confidently."
- Dion Lewis and Ray Graham? Unfair. Graham caused oohs and aahs at practice with some of his moves Tuesday. I spent some time with Graham and he's an engaging guy. Look for that story soon.
- I'll have a story later today on the secondary, which is working in a lot of new pieces, especially at safety. That group will look a lot different in the fall when healthy, but the DBs played pretty well against Pitt's talented receiving group on Tuesday.
- Mike Cruz looks like he can be a solid tight end, but the Panthers will really miss Nate Byham and Dorin Dickerson as playmakers at that spot.
- Tino Sunseri throws a great-looking ball. It's got zip and a tight spiral. I'll be stunned if he's not the starting quarterback, and I think he could have a really good year. Wannstedt praised him for not turning the ball over this spring, which of course is one of Wannstedt's cardinal rules for his quarterbacks.
- Mick Williams and Gus Mustakas are gone, but Pitt just plugs in new defensive linemen. Keep an eye on Tyrone Ezell. Dude looks like a beast.
- Favorite line of the day: Kicker Dan Hutchins walked by me on the sidelines and said, "Hey, I know you. You used to play here." Yep. Though I've changed a bit since then.
- I still need to see West Virginia, and there's a whole summer to deal with. But you'd have to really talk me out of making Pitt the Big East favorite at this point.
- Injured or not, Geno Smith is taking charge at West Virginia, Mike Casazza writes in the Charleston Daily Mail.
- Walk-on Alex Karabin is in line to start at center for Pitt, Ray Fittipaldo writes in the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.
- Van Chew has gotten bigger -- does that make him big-league Chew? -- and hopes that helps him have more of an impact for Syracuse, Nolan Weidner writes in the Syracuse Post-Standard.
- Zach Frazer and Cody Endres understand their roles for UConn, Desmond Conner says in the Hartford Courant.
Healthy Houser at center of Pitt O-line success
November, 20, 2009
11/20/09
3:30
PM ET
By
Brian Bennett | ESPN.com
Few Pittsburgh players were as excited about the Notre Dame win last week as Robb Houser.
That's because Houser had to watch last year's victory in South Bend on TV from his couch. The center had suffered an ugly-looking broken ankle in the previous game against Rutgers and missed the final five games of the season.
"That made me want to come back strong," Houser said. "And I have."
That wasn't a guarantee during the spring, however. Houser still hadn't made it all the way back with his ankle and lost snaps at center to walk-on Alex Karabin. There was talk that another offensive lineman might move over to center if the situation didn't improve.
Houser heard that talk.
"There were a lot of good offensive linemen that could have switched over to center and done a good job, because our team is really good depth-wise," he said. "I knew I had to come back full force and work as hard as I could to show the coaches I could win that job back."
Houser recovered his full mobility by the end of the summer, and he won back his spot. He has been an anchor on arguably the Big East's best offensive line; Pitt has allowed only nine sacks all season, which is tied for eighth nationally, and the line has paved the way for Dion Lewis's 1,200-yard season.
Houser transferred from junior college last year and says he's grown with experience.
"I'm a lot better, just with my technique and having a full year with (offensive line) coach (Tony) Wise," he said. "I've been exposed so much to all the material centers need to be exposed to, and it has become second nature almost."
His next challenge will be to take on West Virginia next Friday, when he will face the Mountaineers' burly nose guard Chris Neild. Houser's pretty excited for this one, too, because he missed last year's Backyard Brawl with that injury.
"We're so pumped for West Virginia," he said.
That's because Houser had to watch last year's victory in South Bend on TV from his couch. The center had suffered an ugly-looking broken ankle in the previous game against Rutgers and missed the final five games of the season.
"That made me want to come back strong," Houser said. "And I have."
That wasn't a guarantee during the spring, however. Houser still hadn't made it all the way back with his ankle and lost snaps at center to walk-on Alex Karabin. There was talk that another offensive lineman might move over to center if the situation didn't improve.
Houser heard that talk.
"There were a lot of good offensive linemen that could have switched over to center and done a good job, because our team is really good depth-wise," he said. "I knew I had to come back full force and work as hard as I could to show the coaches I could win that job back."
Houser recovered his full mobility by the end of the summer, and he won back his spot. He has been an anchor on arguably the Big East's best offensive line; Pitt has allowed only nine sacks all season, which is tied for eighth nationally, and the line has paved the way for Dion Lewis's 1,200-yard season.
Houser transferred from junior college last year and says he's grown with experience.
"I'm a lot better, just with my technique and having a full year with (offensive line) coach (Tony) Wise," he said. "I've been exposed so much to all the material centers need to be exposed to, and it has become second nature almost."
His next challenge will be to take on West Virginia next Friday, when he will face the Mountaineers' burly nose guard Chris Neild. Houser's pretty excited for this one, too, because he missed last year's Backyard Brawl with that injury.
"We're so pumped for West Virginia," he said.
Posted by ESPN.com's Brian Bennett
PITTSBURGH -- Some observations from a beautiful spring day spent watching Pitt practice:
• The Panthers turned in a spirited, two-plus hour workout that included lots of 11-on-11 drills. The talent that Dave Wannstedt has assembled through recruiting is obvious, as this is a team chock full of athletes.
The big question mark remains at quarterback, and none of the three contenders had a great day. Part of the blame can be placed on a blustery wind that made long throws an adventure, but the quarterbacks struggled to complete passes even in skeleton drills. Bill Stull got the first-team snaps, with Pat Bostick on the second team and Tino Sunseri running the threes. Sunseri is the best athlete, but he's smaller in person than I expected. He's listed at 6-foot-2 but looks a good couple of inches shorter than Stull and Bostick, who are each listed at 6-3.
• Interesting developments on the offensive line. Alex Karabin, a junior walk-on who played primarily on the kicking unit last year, took the first-team reps at center. Robb Houser started there the first seven games of 2008 before breaking his ankle. Houser was playing on the second team. Sophomore Chris Jacobsen got a lot of run today with the first-string as well.
• Wannstedt told me earlier in the day that he was preparing to use a committee approach at running back this year. But true freshman Dion Lewis, who enrolled in January, got most of the looks with the first team and could very well end up as the starter there. He's explosive and made some nice plays in the passing game. The run of the day, though, came from Shariff Harris, who dashed up the middle almost untouched for a 45-yard touchdown.
• Greg Cross has been moved to receiver and had a long touchdown catch on a busted coverage. The Panthers are deep at wideout, even with T.J. Porter currently suspended. Aundre Wright is lightning quick.
• Watching Aaron Berry and Jonathan Baldwin match up was a lot of fun. Each has a chance to be the best in the Big East at his position this fall.
• Defensive end Greg Romeus isn't going through contact drills right now because of a back problem, and after practice defensive coordinator Phil Bennett was busting his chops for missing so much practice time. "You might end up as a three technique," Bennett joked.
• Basketball coach Jamie Dixon watched practice from the sidelines, less than a week after his team's heartbreaking, last-second loss to Villanova in the Elite Eight.
PITTSBURGH -- Some observations from a beautiful spring day spent watching Pitt practice:
• The Panthers turned in a spirited, two-plus hour workout that included lots of 11-on-11 drills. The talent that Dave Wannstedt has assembled through recruiting is obvious, as this is a team chock full of athletes.
The big question mark remains at quarterback, and none of the three contenders had a great day. Part of the blame can be placed on a blustery wind that made long throws an adventure, but the quarterbacks struggled to complete passes even in skeleton drills. Bill Stull got the first-team snaps, with Pat Bostick on the second team and Tino Sunseri running the threes. Sunseri is the best athlete, but he's smaller in person than I expected. He's listed at 6-foot-2 but looks a good couple of inches shorter than Stull and Bostick, who are each listed at 6-3.
• Interesting developments on the offensive line. Alex Karabin, a junior walk-on who played primarily on the kicking unit last year, took the first-team reps at center. Robb Houser started there the first seven games of 2008 before breaking his ankle. Houser was playing on the second team. Sophomore Chris Jacobsen got a lot of run today with the first-string as well.
• Wannstedt told me earlier in the day that he was preparing to use a committee approach at running back this year. But true freshman Dion Lewis, who enrolled in January, got most of the looks with the first team and could very well end up as the starter there. He's explosive and made some nice plays in the passing game. The run of the day, though, came from Shariff Harris, who dashed up the middle almost untouched for a 45-yard touchdown.
• Greg Cross has been moved to receiver and had a long touchdown catch on a busted coverage. The Panthers are deep at wideout, even with T.J. Porter currently suspended. Aundre Wright is lightning quick.
• Watching Aaron Berry and Jonathan Baldwin match up was a lot of fun. Each has a chance to be the best in the Big East at his position this fall.
• Defensive end Greg Romeus isn't going through contact drills right now because of a back problem, and after practice defensive coordinator Phil Bennett was busting his chops for missing so much practice time. "You might end up as a three technique," Bennett joked.
• Basketball coach Jamie Dixon watched practice from the sidelines, less than a week after his team's heartbreaking, last-second loss to Villanova in the Elite Eight.
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ABOUT THIS BLOG
Andrea Adelson
Adelson joined ESPN.com in 2010 after spending time as a college football columnist at The Orlando Sentinel. She has covered college football since her days as a University of Florida student, and lives in Orlando, Fla.
