2009 Statistics

2010 OUTLOOK
The Pitt Panthers just produced its best season in nearly 30 years completing a 10-3 record with all three losses coming by a combined 11 points. The goal is much higher according to head coach Dave Wannstedt. In order to reach loftier expectations, Pitt must first win a Big East Championship, which is something they have not accomplished since 2005. The recruiting classes have the best in the Big East in four of the past five seasons and the depth chart is starting to unload some serious firepower, which includes four different players being named to the NationalChamps.net Preseason All-America team. Only three other schools across the country can boast this many. The list starts with tailback Dion Lewis, who finished third nationally with 1,799 rushing yards as a true freshman. Lewis is a workhorse, carrying the ball an amazing 325 times while wearing down opposing defenses with a wicked combination of power and elusiveness. And do not count out Ray Graham as a ball carrier either. The former New Jersey prep star is just as powerful and keeps the backfield loaded with multiple options. Junior receiver Jonathan Baldwin out dueled double and triple coverage all of last season to snare 57 passes for 1,111 yards. He and Mike Shanahan stand at 6'5 making this one of the better pass catching duos in the Big East. The offensive line has some work to do with only two starters returning. However, Jason Pinkston is one of the nation's premier tackles. Lucas Nix is the other returnee on the other side giving the new passer a solid pair of bookend blockers. The biggest question surrounding this upcoming campaign is at quarterback where redshirt sophomore Tino Sunseri will attempt to fill the shoes of the departed Bill Stull. Sunseri looks to have edged out Pat Bostic in the spring and will be a first year starter. He is a local VIP having guided the infamous Pittsburgh Central Catholic to a 16-0 record and the Pennsylvania Class AAA state championship as a senior.

Opposing quarterbacks had best beware as Pitt led the nation in sacks last fall and returns its top two pass rushers in senior ends Greg Romeus and Jabaal Sheard. This duo combined for 13 total sacks in 2009. Romeus is the reigning Big East Defensive POY and has decided to by pass the NFL Draft in favor of a final year in college. These two will be extremely important factors, as coaches have to replace both of the cornerback spots. The linebackers should be quite formidable. Sophomore Dan Mason is another local Pittsburgh product from Penn Hills HS and was a SuperPrep All-American out of high school. Max Gruder led the team in tackles a year ago and the Pennsylvania tradition of producing great linebackers rolls on.

Winning the Big East is one goal, but ignoring the non-conference schedule would be a big mistake with heavy hitters Miami, Notre Dame and Utah on the list. Expectations can sometimes kills a program. With a new QB, the interior of the offensive line getting rebuilt and new corners on the horizon don't expect a Top Ten type of contender coming out of the Iron City. Despite the fact this team may be more talented than the one that won ten games a year ago, the major question marks at a few key spots and the difficulty of the schedule could make this another year for pointing to the future. At the same time, if a few new players step up, Pitt can play with anyone.