Panthers at a glance

2001 schedule Sept. 1 vs. East Tenn. St. Sept. 8 vs. South Florida Sept. 15 vs. UAB Sept. 27 vs. Miami (Fla.) Oct. 6 at Notre Dame Oct. 13 vs. Syracuse Oct. 20 at Boston College Oct. 27 at Temple Nov. 3 vs. Virginia Tech Nov. 10 at Rutgers Nov. 24 at West Virginia 2000 results (7-5, 4-3 Big East) Kent State W 30-7 at Bowling Green W 34-16 Penn State W 12-0 Rutgers W 29-17 at Syracuse L 24-17 Boston College W 42-26 at Virginia Tech L 37-34 North Carolina L 20-17 at Miami (Fla.) L 35-7 at Temple W 7-0 West Virginia W 38-28 vs. Iowa State L 37-29

While they have had plenty of star power of late -- featuring wideout Antonio Bryant, DE Bryan Knight and FS Ramon Walker -- what they have lacked is sufficient depth to deal with injuries. This season, however, the Panthers are in much better shape when it comes to filling out the two-deep roster with capable backups.

OFFENSE
In Harris' specialty, the Panthers will attempt to make up for the graduation loss of talented big back Kevan Barlow (rushed for more than 1,000 yards last season), productive WR Latef Grim (174 catches the last three years) and center Jeff McCurley. While QB John Turman has also moved on, the Panthers have seasoned fifth-year signal-caller David Priestley ready to take control.

Priestley, who was originally with Harris at Ohio State, had a 407-yard passing effort against Virginia Tech in '99 before suffering a season-ending shoulder injury the following week. While he never got back to full strength last year, this was definitely not the case in the spring. Priestley reportedly appeared stronger than ever, creating hope that the 6-3½, 205-pounder is ready for an impressive final campaign with the Panthers. If Priestley fails to step up, Harris has an exciting option in sophomore Rod Rutherford. Operating in a "slash" role last season, the athletically gifted 6-3, 215-pounder saw action at QB, WR and kick returner. In the spring, however, Rutherford focused his solely on developing his QB skills. While he still needs time to gain a total understanding of the system, Rutherford's arm strength and improvisational skills provide a completely different style to complement the drop-back passing of Priestley.

The big question going into fall practice is whether the Panthers can make up for the graduation loss of Barlow. Remember, he carried the team in several key games last season, producing 209 rushing yards against Boston College and 272 against West Virginia. After spring practice, freshman Mike Jemison and redshirt freshman Malcolm Postell were listed 1 and 1A on the depth chart at tailback. Jemison, a physically talented 5-11, 215-pounder, takes it right to the defense with his aggressive style. Participating in spring practice proved to be a huge plus for Jemison, giving him the edge over the six incoming freshman RBs who won't be on the field for the Panthers until August. Of that group, keep an eye on 5-8, 175-pounder Marcus Furman, who rushed for over 5,000 yards during his prep career in Connellsville, Pa. With sophomores Lousaka Polite and Dustin Picciotti, the Panthers are in excellent shape at FB.

If physically imposing (6-4, 205) junior wideout Lamar Slade continues to make progress, this will lessen some of the pressure on super blue-chip junior Antonio Bryant to come through with All-America performances week-to-week. One of the most gifted WRs in the country, Bryant has to deal with a great deal of attention from the opposition on every snap. Despite the double coverage, he hauled in 69 receptions last season, averaging 19.1 yards per catch. Bryant also produced 11 TDs. Suspended (disciplinary) for the final part of spring practice, the hope is that the fiery and tremendously competitive 6-2, 185-pounder will take his game up even more this season.

In the mix for the third WR option is senior R.J. English, a strong 6-3, 215-pounder with legit 4.43 speed who was really coming on last season until he went down with a knee injury. Prior to that, English was averaging 21.7 yards per catch. Still working his way back to full strength, he didn't participate in spring practice.

At TE, sophomore Kris Wilson will have the opportunity to become a valuable contributor to the pass offense. While he caught just seven passes last season, Wilson came through with a fine showing during spring, earning recognition as the Panthers' most improved offensive player.

Despite the graduation loss of center Jeff McCurley and the suspension (violation of team rules) for the season of RT Khiawatha Downey, the Panthers still have the potential to field a capable line. Chad Reed, a 6-3, 280-pound junior, worked behind McCurley the past two years and actually started at center the final two games last season when McCurley was shifted to guard. So while he's considered a new starter, he does have some experience. Mike Bosnic, a 6-7, 280-pound junior, was expected to compete for playing time at TE. However, with Downey's suspension, he's going to open the campaign at RT. The leader up front and top overall performer on the Panthers' move-'em-out-gang is junior RG Bryan Anderson. The 6-5, 305-pounder has to set the tone and provide leadership with McCurley no longer a part of the equation.

DEFENSE
With 10 starters returning -- highlighted by the presence of All-America-caliber DE Bryan Knight and FS Ramon Walker -- the Panthers certainly have the potential to field one of the more effective defensive units in the country.

Along the front four, Knight ranks as a feared outside pass rusher, coming off a 2000 campaign that saw the athletically gifted 6-2, 230-pounder record 11½ sacks, 10 QB hurries and an amazing 26 tackles for loss, which broke the record for stops behind the line (previously held by former Boston College DT Chris Hovan). Knight, who reminds you of Hugh Green or Corey Moore, came to Pittsburgh as a 190-pound wide receiver in '97.

At LB, junior Gerald Hayes is a budding star. Hayes led the Panthers last season with 104 tackles. He figures to operate on the strongside, but also saw some action at MLB in the spring.

Heading into the 2000 season, CB was considered a huge question mark. This year, though, the Panthers have the size and overall ability with proven cover men Shawntae Spencer and Shawn Robinson. The 6-2 , 175-pound Spencer, who started as a freshman last year, is a fluid athlete with the long arms necessary to match up effectively with physically imposing wideouts. Last season, he broke up 15 passes and nabbed two interceptions. Robinson worked a full year at CB for the first time last season after beginning his college career as a WR. The 6-1, 180-pounder led the Panthers with 18 pass breakups and six interceptions as a sophomore in 2000.

Working next to hard-nosed, focused SS Mark Ponko is Walker. A rugged warrior with an intimidating approach, the 5-11, 195-pounder is responsible for keying the Panthers' run defense. Walker is definitely one of the top free safeties in the country.

SPECIAL TEAMS
While senior Nick Lotz is entering his third year as the Panthers kicker and has the necessary ability, he has struggled some in the consistency department. Converting all PATs (which wasn't the case last year) and doing a better job from 30-39 yards on field goals will be the key this season for Lotz. Punter Andy Lee, just a sophomore, was adequate last year, finishing with a 39.2-yard average.

Overview: While there are plenty of questions on offense, I expect the Panthers to field a more effective attack than some may envision when considering the suspension of OT Khiawatha Downey and the graduation loss of QB John Turman, RB Kevan Barlow, WR Latef Grim and C Jeff McCurley. QB Priestley understands coach Harris' system and has plenty of seasoning, while backup Rutherford provides insurance and a new dimension. Making up for Barlow's loss is critical. A host of incoming freshmen appear ready to make their mark, with Jemison getting a head start after his solid spring performance. Bryant is a gem at WR, but the question is whether Slade or English develop into top-flight second options. Based on his spring performance, TE Wilson could become a vital contributor to the pass offense. Up front, the graduation loss of McCurley hurt; the situation was compounded with the suspension of RT Downey, but Anderson and Bosnic should be able to get the job done at Downey's old spot.