Dave Wannstedt described Saturday’s scrimmage as “vanilla,” and that’s to be expected in the first scrimmage of camp, but there were a few things that appear to be newsworthy. Obviously the biggest question is how Sunseri did in limited reps – an unremarkable 5 of 11, 61 yards. This has to get better and I expect it will once Sunseri settles into the job and works out his timing with the receivers. Frank Cignetti doesn’t seem too concerned:
“We always talk about helping the team win and when you looked at what we did, we did a lot of things that will help our team win games,” Cignetti said. “I think we scored six [actually seven] touchdowns, we were efficient with the first three units, we minimized the penalties, we minimized the sacks and we stepped up and made a few big plays on the perimeter.
“Tino missed a couple of throws but we know that eight times out of 10 he is going to make those throws. You are not going to complete every ball, the most important thing is that you come back and make the next play. There were definitely four plays out on that field that were big chunks that were wide open that we would expect to make.”
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He said there is no question that the players on offense in general — and Sunseri specifically — are much further ahead at this point than they were last year after the first scrimmage. A lot of that has to do with the fact that this is Cignetti’s second year as a coordinator and the players have a much better understanding of what to expect from him and know what he expects from them.
Of course, the numbers would likely be better if Sunseri wasn’t running for his life. As was the case last season, the defensive line seems to be getting the better of the offensive line. Similar to last year, though, Pitt’s d-line will probably be the best competition the o-line sees all year. Wannstedt praised oft beleaguered center Alex Karabin after practice yesterday:
“Alex Karabin is doing a very good job at center,” Wannstedt said. “He really is. You have to give the guy credit. He is coming on, he is making the calls, he is smart, he is tough and it was good [to see].”
Here’s hoping. At right guard, Greg Gaskin and Ryan Turnley are battling for a spot – whether that means both are impressing or that neither is a good option remains up for debate.
Bostick had some big throws with the second team offense – 51 and 43 yards – but again, Dave Wannstedt has made clear that Tino is the guy. You also have to keep in mind that Pitt’s second team corners – Buddy Jackson and K’Wuan Williams – leave a bit to be desired. However, K’Wuan Williams is impressing as a freshman and it’s looking more and more likely that the Montvile, NJ, product will avoid a redshirt this season. Whether he’s competing for the fourth corner spot because he’s that good or that the rest of the corners are that bad is up for debate.
One player who seems to be disappointing it JUCO transfer Saheed Imoru, who seems to have lost a spot on the second team defense to the freshman. Disappointing, but it was worth a shot, I suppose.
