BEARCAT INSIDER

BEARCAT
INSIDER
PLAYBOOK
PITT PANTHER
EDITION
SEPTEMBER 8,2006
RIVER CITY RIVALRY PART 2
Dave Berk
The stage is set for a great battle at Nippert Stadium on
Friday night. Big East foe Pitt will travel to the Queen
City looking to retain the “River City Rivalry” Trophy for
the second straight season.
Coach Dantonio and staff know the Panthers have several
weapons on offense and defense and will look to keep
quarterback Tyler Palko off balance and linebacker H.B
Blades on the ground.
While last season saw the Panthers walk away with a victory, the score didn’t tell the whole story of the game. The
Bearcats stayed with Pitt during the game but made way
too many mistakes to slow down the Panthers from getting
BRENT CELEK SET ANOTHER CAREER HIGH WITH 81
into the end zone.
RECEIVING YARDS AGAINST EKU. WITH SIX CATCHES ON
THE NIGHT CELEK CONTINUES TO MOVE CLOSER TO THE
Tight End Brent Celek had the biggest play for the
TOP OF RECEIVING TIGHT ENDS IN BEARCAT HISTORY.
Bearcats last season with a long touchdown haul while
HOW MANY WILL HE HAVE AGAINST PITT?
knocking off Panther defenders. Celek along with a more
experienced group of offensive players will look to put
points on the scoreboard and give the defense a chance to
slow the Panthers offensive attack.
The Panthers strength is their offense and the Bearcats
counter with one of the up and coming defenses in the Big
East.
Bearcat Insider will be on hand for this classis battle and
also be part of the pre-game activities as a guest on the
Bearcats web pre-game show on Cattitude at Varsity Village. Dave Berk will be live starting at 7:00 p.m. talking
UC football and taking a look at the big game.
2006 BEARCATS ROSTER
Name Ht.
Wt.
Alex Hamo
6-1
David Wess
6-2
Delbert Ferguson6-1
Dustin Grutza 6-2
Martez Williams 5-8
Antoine Horton 5-11
DeAngelo Smith 6-0
Craig Carey
6-4
Freddie Lenix 6-0
Lance Jeter
6-2
Nick Davila
6-3
Brandon Yingling6-1
Derrick Stewart 5-11
Lamonte Nelms 6-3
Bradley Glatthaar5-11
Anthony Hoke 6-1
Kurt Shoemaker 6-2
Haruki Nakamura
Earnest Jackson 6-3
Kevin Lovell
5-10
Dominick Goodman
Aaron Webster 6-3
Cedric Tolbert 6-0
Tony Pike
6-6
Marshwan Gilyard
Ben Guidugli
6-2
Brandon Miller 6-2
Mike Mickens 6-0
John Goebel
6-1
Butler Benton 6-1
Jared Martin
6-1
Brad Jones
6-2
Mike Daniels
5-7
Jon Carpenter 6-0
Charley Howard 6-4
John Bowie
5-11
Brad Bury
6-1
Marcus Waugh 5-10
Jason Whitehead 6-1
Anthony Williams
JaJuan Hall
6-0
Joe Carithers
5-11
Tyjuan Jones
6-2
Jacob Ramsey 6-1
Corey Smith
6-1
Robby Armstrong
Evan Sparks
6-0
Ryan Manalac 6-0
Donnell McKenzie
Collin McCafferty
Kevin Huber
6-1
Greg Moore
6-2
Obadiah Cheatham
Dominic Ross 6-0
Andre Revels 6-0
Nick DeFilippo 6-2
Kevin McCullough
Tony Carvitti
6-0
Jon Newton
6-3
Leo Morgan
6-1
Pos.
190
215
225
212
180
190
180
225
215
215
206
175
175
235
225
245
202
5-10
215
160
6-1
207
195
210
6-1
220
185
165
210
210
180
190
185
230
200
190
240
240
185
6-1
195
200
225
215
220
6-2
200
230
6-2
6-2
205
225
6-1
200
235
240
6-2
250
290
230
Exp.
DB
QB
LB
QB
DB
CB
CB
QB
LB
WR
QB
K
WR
DE
RB
DE
WR
185
WR
K
200
DB
SS
QB
180
TE
DB
CB
RB
RB
WR
CB
RB
LB
WR
CB
FB
FB
DB
220
FS
K
LB
RB
LB
210
SS
LB
235
210
P
RB
218
SS
LB
LB
240
DT
DT
LB
Hometown
Last School
HS
Flint, Mich.
Southwestern Academy
1L
Columbus, Ohio Whitehall
2sq
Youngstown, Ohio
Warren Harding
1L
Maysville, Ky. Mason County
HS
Cincinnati, Ohio Moeller
3L
Rochester, Pa. Rochester
2sq
Columbus, Ohio Independence
1sq
Cincinnati, Ohio Elder
HS
Cleveland, Ohio Glennville
HS
Beaver Falls, Pa. Beaver Falls
1L
Alta Loma, Calif.Chaffee Junior College
2sq
Mason, Ohio
Mason
HS
Youngstown, Ohio
Ursuline
2sq
Ravenna, Ohio Ravenna
2L
Cincinnati, Ohio Elder
2L
Warren, Ohio
Harding
1sq
Cincinnati, Ohio Akron
FS
2L
Elyria, Ohio
Lakewood (OH) St.
2L
Southfield, Mich.Detroit Country Day
2L
Hawthorne, Calif.
El Camino College
WR
1L
Cincinnati, Ohio Colerain
HS
Detroit, Mich. Birmingham-Groves
1L
Xenia, Ohio
Xenia
1sq
Cincinnati, Ohio Reading
CB
1L
Palm Coast, Fla. Flagler Palm Coast
HS
Ft. Thomas, Ky. Highlands
HS
Cincinnati, Ohio Withrow
1L
Huber Heights, Ohio
Wayne
HS
Milford, Mich. Brother Rice
2L
Detroit, Mich. Martin Luther King
1sq
Green Springs, Ohio
Clyde
1sq
Canton, Ohio
McKinley
3L
Cincinnati, Ohio Princeton
2L
Lancaster, Ohio Lancaster
1sq
Gahanna, Ohio Lincoln
2L
Columbus, Ohio Northland
1L
Marion, Ohio
Harding
1sq
Whitehouse, Ohio
Toledo St. John’s
HS
Jacksonville, Fla.First Coast
LB
1L
West Point, Ga. Troup County
3L
Detroit, Mich. St. Martin DePorres
HS
Dacula, Ga.
Dacula
1L
Dayton, Ohio
Trotwood-Madison
HS
Columbus, Ohio Independence
1L
Salem, N.J.
Salem
LB
HS
Murraysville, Pa.Franklin Regional
1L
Middletown, Ohio
Edgewood
1L
Pickerington, Ohio
Pickerington
DE
1sq
Aliquippa, Pa. Aliquippa
LB
HS
Maineville, Ohio Kings
2sq
Cincinnati, Ohio McNicholas
2L
Dayton, Ohio
Trotwood-Madison
LB
HS
Cincinnati, Ohio Shroder Paideia
3L
Marion, Ohio
Harding
1sq
Cincinnati, Ohio Colerain
2sq
London, Ohio London
LB
1L
Hudson, Ohio Grand Rapids Junior College
3L
Cincinnati, Ohio Elder
1L
Cincinnati, Ohio Roger Bacon
1sq
South Windsor, Conn.
Lackawanna JC
BEARCATS
No.
2
2
3
4
4
5
6
7
7
8
9
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10
10
11
12
12
13
14
15
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18
19
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21
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23
24
25
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31
32
33
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35
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37
38
39
39
40
42
43
44
45
46
47
47
48
48
49
50
51
52
53
54
55
Trevor Anderson 6-2
Jeff Reinstatler 6-2
Torry Cornett 6-2
Chris Jurek
6-2
Dave Roeckel 6-4
Jason Kelce
6-3
Steve Gawronski6-3
Jon Tobin
6-2
Chris Flores
6-2
J.P. Simon
6-6
Adam Hoppel 6-2
Toby Boeckman 6-7
Rodney Pompey 6-9
C.J. Cobb
6-4
Jeffrey Linkenbach, II
Digger Bujnoch 6-5
Mario Duenas 6-3
Ken Rodriguez 6-3
Thomas Claggett6-2
Trevor Canfield 6-5
Jeremy Bolton 6-5
Frank Straub
6-6
Khalil El-Amin 6-5
Reggie Fugett 6-6
Antwuan Giddens
Angelo Craig
6-5
Kazeem Alli
6-3
Bill Poland
6-3
Brent Celek
6-4
Doug Jones
6-4
Jacob Rogers
6-3
Jamar Howard 6-5
Darran Powell 5-10
Brian Steel
6-1
Connor Barwin 6-4
Ricardo Mathews5-3
Tyler Clifford 6-4
Taylor Porter
6-3
Curtis Young
6-3
Terrill Byrd
6-1
Patrick Farfsing 6-3
Charles Harbin 6-0
Ralston Reeves 6-3
Chris Harrison 6-4
258
287
230
260
280
240
285
280
280
310
270
250
360
310
6-6
290
280
305
280
300
310
310
305
250
6-3
235
245
205
260
273
200
205
160
220
240
265
235
250
235
285
240
275
240
270
DE
C/OG
LB
C
OG
LB
OG
OG
C
OT
DT
OL
OT
OL
290
OT
OG
OG
DT
OG
OT
OG
OG
TE
190
DE
TE
WR
TE
FB
K
WR
K
P
TE
DL
DE
TE
DE
DT
LS
DT
DE
DL
1L
1L
1sq
1sq
1sq
HS
1sq
3sq
3sq
1L
2sq
HS
1sq
HS
OT
2L
JC
JC
1L
1L
2L
2L
1L
HS
WR
1L
1sq
3L
3L
2L
HS
HS
HS
2sq
1L
HS
1sq
1sq
HS
1L
3L
1sq
HS
HS
Coaching Staff
Mark Dantonio - Head Coach
Pat Narduzzi - Defensive Coordinator
Don Treadwell - Offensive Coordinator
Harlon Barnett - Defensive Backs
Ted Gill - Defensive Line
Tim Hinton - Running Backs
Dan Roushar - Offensive Line
Mark Staten - Tight Ends & Tackles, Recruiting Coord.
Mike Tressel - Linebackers, Special Teams:
Dave Warner - Quarterbacks
John Widecan - Administrator Coordinator
Chris Newman - Graduate Assistant
Adam Shorter - Graduate Assistant
Maria Gruber - Administrative Coordinator
Lorenzo Guess - Staff Assistant
Nick Siatras - Staff Assistant
Detroit, Mich. Crockett Technical
Ft. Thomas, Ky. Highlands
Columbus, Ohio Independence
Southfield, Mich.Southfield-Lathrup
Cloverdale, Ind. Cloverdale
Cleveland Heights, Ohio Cleveland Heights
Toledo, Ohio
Rogers
Lancaster, Ohio Fisher Catholic
Wheaton, Ill.
Warrenville South
Massillon, Ohio Washington
Lisbon, Ohio
Beavercreek Local
St. Henry, Ohio St. Henry
Cincinnati, Ohio LaSalle
Jacksonville, Fla.Sandalwood
1sq
Sandusky, Ohio Margaretta
Cincinnati, Ohio Elder
Pittsburg, Calif. City College of San Francisco
Los Angeles, Calif.
Citrus College
Temple Hills, Md.
Frederick Douglass
Cincinnati, Ohio Western Hills
Burlington, Ky. Connor
Lexington, Ky. Henry Clay
Cincinnati, Ohio Purcell Marian
Baltimore, Md. Gilman
2L
Inglewood, Calif.Venice
Cleveland, Ohio Glenville
St. Louis, Mo. Hazelwood Centraluis
Cincinnati, Ohio Elder
Cincinnati, Ohio LaSalle
Erlanger, Ky.
Dixie Heights
Warsaw, Ind.
Warsaw Community
Cincinnati, Ohio Withrow
Dayton, Ohio
Dunbar
Payson, Ariz.
Scottsdale CC
Hazel Park, MichU. of Detroit Jesuit
Jacksonville, Fla.Terry Parker
Portsmouth, OhioPortsmouth
Alliance, Ohio Marlington
Cleveland, Ohio Glenville
Cincinnati, Ohio Colerain
Cincinnati, Ohio St. Xavier
Cincinnati, Ohio Mt. Healthy
Detroit, Mich. Murray-Wright
Youngstown, Ohio
Liberty
BEARCATS
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D-STEW OPENS EYES
Dave Berk
DERRICK STEWART
5’11 - 175
SOPHOMORE
YOUNGSTOWN, OHIO
URSULINE HIGH SCHOOL
WIDE RECEIVER
First year player Derrick Stewart opened the eyes of Bearcat
fans last Saturday night when he hauled in a 51 yard pass
from Dustin Grutza. But the biggest thing the Bearcat faithful
saw was Stewart betting his defender on two other occasions
while Grutza and Nick Davila under threw him.
Bearcat Insider has been telling Bearcat fans about the
speedster since Derrick signed his letter of intent out of
Youngstown Ursuline High School.
Saturday night fans saw for the first time what we’ve been
talking about. As the season continues look for “D-Stew” to
continue growing his game and giving defenders fits. Also
keep an eye out for Derrick returning kicks. Tim Adams has
already stated he feels Stewart will return several kicks for
scores during his Bearcat career.
BCI MAGAZINES LEFT
Bearcat Insider still has a few magazines left from our
last printing this summer. The last issue is one any true
Bearcat fan will want to have as the entire Class of 2006
is featured. Other great stories are also inside. The
cover of this issue has Jamar Howard, Aaron Webster,
Ben Guidugli, Robby Armstrong and Brandon Miller.
BEARCAT
INSIDER
JULY 2006
MAGAZINE
$5.00
NEW BEARCAT
WIDE RECEIVER
JAMAR HOWARD
WITHROW HS
S
S
A
CL
PHOTO BY
DAVE BERK
To get one of the last copies please contact Dave Berk
at the following e-mail for more information.
Dave Berk e-mail : [email protected]
MEET
6
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OF 2
TBA
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ARCA
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Cost of the magazine is $5.00 plus $1.00 for mailing.
BEN GUIDUGLI
HIGHLANDS HS
AARON WEBSTER
BIRMINGHAM GROVES HS
ROBBY ARMSTRONG
FRANKLIN REGIONAL HS
BRANDON MILLER
WITHROW HS
FIRST COMMITMENT
CLASS OF 2006
PITT NEWS & NOTES
-Pitt ranks 7th among
Division IA schools with 49
consensus All-Americans.
-Pitt has a two hour football
pre-game radio show and an
hour of post-game coverage.
Then there is another hour
long call-in show. There are
approximately 19 radio stations that carry Pitt programming in the state.
BY: TIM ADAMS
-Last year, Pitt’s average starting field position against
Cincinnati was the 42 yard line. Conversely, Cincinnati’s average
starting field position was their own 26. The Panthers blocked a
punt and recovered it at the Bearcat 6 yard line, eventually scoring a
touchdown, and Darrelle Revis returned a punt 79 yards for another
TD. The final score was Pitt 38-Cincinnati 20.
-With defensive-mined Dave Wannstedt as the Panther head coach,
Pitt was 2nd in the country in pass defense last year.
-Dan Marino is 2nd to Alex Van Pelt in career passing yards.
-Tyler Palko returns for his
3rd season as Pitt’s starting
quarterback. Palko is ranked
5th all-time in passing yardage for the Panthers. Last season he threw for 2,392 yards with
a 57% completion percentage. He also had 17 touchdown tosses
against 9 interceptions.
-Tony Dorsett is 1st in career rushing yards, and Curtis Martin is 6th
on the list.
-The Panthers return 4 of their starting offensive linemen.
-Two Panthers heard their names called in last year’s NFL draft.
Charles Spencer (OL) was a 3rd round pick of the Texans and
Bernard (Josh) Lay was taken in the 6th round by the New Orleans
Saints.
-On defense two-time All Big East linebacker, H. B. Blades,
returns for his senior year. Blades led the entire Big East
Conference last year with 121 tackles-13th nationally. The
defense also boasts first team All Big East cornerback, Darrelle
Revis.
-Pitt returns 13 starters from last season.
-Paul Dunn, Pitt’s offensive line coach, coached at Cincinnati for
two years (1994-95) under Rick Minter.
-Cincinnati area players on the Pitt roster include Eric Thatcher
(DB) of Moeller, Javani Chappel (DB) of Trotwood-Madison,
and Chris Vangas from Chaminade-Julienne.
-The Pittsburgh roster includes 53 players from Pennsylvania
and 21 players from Florida, only 10 are from Ohio.
-Pitt has a nice mix of conferences in its non-league
schedule-Virginia (ACC), Michigan State (Big Ten), The Citadel
(Southern Div. IAA), Toledo (MAC), Central Florida (C-USA).
-Pitt’s final two games are at home against West Virginia and
Louisville respectively.
-The Panthers play Notre Dame in alternating home and away
games for eight consecutive years starting in 2008.
-Pitt’s record last season was 5-6 with five of those losses
coming on the road. Notre Dame was the only home loss and
drew 66,451 fans to Heinz Field. The only other home game
to draw over 36,000 was Youngstown State with a crowd of
43,135. Their smallest crowd last year was Cincinnati with
30,343 fans.
-Hugh Green is 2nd to Arnie Weatherington in career tackles.
-Pitt is 5-0 all-time against Cincinnati. The only game closer than last
year’s was a 21-14 Bearcat loss in 1921.
-The last Pitt football player to be taken in the first round of the NFL
draft was Larry Fitzgerald in 2004 by the Arizona Cardinals. In 1981
and 1983, the Panthers had three players taken in the first round. In
1981, Hugh Green (LB), Randy McMillan (FB) and Mark May (OT)
were taken, and in 1983, Jim Covert (OT), Tim Lewis (DB) and Dan
Marino (QB) were selected.
-Pitt is 6th in the NCAA for national championships in football with
9 titles, but only one (1976) came since World War II. Notre Dame
leads with 17 national championships.
-Pittsburgh has appeared in 24 bowl games with a 10-14 record.
From 1975-1983, the Panthers appeared in 9 straight bowls. Their
most recent appearance was a 35-7 loss to Utah in the Tostitos Fiesta
Bowl in 2004. Last year’s losing record broke a string of 5 consecutive bowls for the Panthers.
-This game will be televised on ESPN2. Pitt is 3-11 in games
broadcast on ESPN2, losing to both Ohio University and Rutgers last
season on the network.
-Pitt ranks 7th among Division IA schools with 49 consensus AllAmericans.
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PANTHERS
PITT ROSTER 2006
NAME HT/WT POS
YR
HOMETOWN/LAST SCHOOL
Cedric McGee 6-1/190 WR
RS FR Fort Lauderdale, Fla./Plantation
Dorin Dickerson 6-2/200 WR
FR
Imperial, Pa./West Allegheny
Tyler Palko
6-2/220 QB
RS SR Imperial, Pa./West Allegheny
Michael Toerper 6-1/180 DB
RS FR York, Pa./Central York
Ross Ventrone 5-9/170 DB
RS FR Bridgeville, Pa./Chartiers Valley
Joe DelSardo
5-8/195 WR
SR
Pittsburgh, Pa./Seton-LaSalle
Kennard Cox
6-1/195 DB
RS JR Miami, Fla./Miami Killian
Cody Sawhill 6-0/180 PK
SO
Galloway,N.J./Absegami
Steve Dell
6-1/230 LB
RS FR Fort Lauderdale, Fla./Santaluces Community
Chris Bova
5-11/240FB
RS FR Pittsburgh, Pa./Baldwin
Jovani Chappel 5-9/185 DB
FR
Trotwood, Ohio/Trotwood-Madison
Adam Gunn
6-2/225 LB
RS SO Vandergrift, Pa./Kiski Area
Aaron Smith
6-0/180 WR
FR
Monroeville, Pa./Gateway
Justin Latore
5-11/185WR
RS SO Pittsburgh, Pa./Fox Chapel
Mike Phillips
5-11/200DB
RS JR Warren, Ohio/Warren Harding
Bill Stull
6-3/185 QB
SO
Pittsburgh, Pa./Seton-LaSalle
Shawn Besong 5-11/200DB
RS SO Ambridge, Pa./Ambridge
Kevan Smith
6-3/215 QB
FR
Cranberry Township, Pa./Seneca Valley
Darrell Strong 6-5/260 TE
JR
Fort Lauderdale, Fla./Plantation
Shane Murray 6-1/210 DB
RS FR Pittsburgh, Pa./Pittsburgh Central Catholic
Julius Eggleston 6-2/190 DB
RS SO Bethlehem, Pa./Bethlehem Catholic
David Abdul
5-10/200
PK
RS SR Hartville, Ohio/Massillon Washington
Dexter Davidson 6-4/220 QB
FR
Boca Raton, Fla./North Broward Prep
Clint Session
6-0/235 LB
SR
Pompano Beach, Fla./Blanche Ely
Adam Graessle 6-4/225 P
SR
Dublin, Ohio/Dublin Coffman
Austin Ransom 5-11/195WR
RS SO Williamsville, N.Y./Williamsville East
Kelvin Chandler 6-2/185 DB
RS SO Fort Lauderdale, Fla./Dillard
Irvan Brown
6-0/190 DB
RS FR Brewerton, N.Y./Paul V. Moore
Reggie Carter 6-0/195 DB
RS SR Naples, Fla./Naples
Kevin Collier 5-11/180RB
FR
Rochester, N.Y./Churchville-Chili
Lucas Stone
6-1/190 PK/P RS FR Bluefield, W.Va./Bluefield
Kelvin Drewery 5-10/190
RB
RS SR Pittsburgh, Pa./Perry
Lowell Robinson6-0/195 DB
JR
Mount Vernon, N.Y./Mount Vernon/Erie Community College (N.Y.)
Jemeel Brady 6-0/205 DB
RS JR Miami, Fla./Miami Killian
Darrelle Revis 6-0/200 DB
JR
Aliquippa, Pa./Aliquippa
Shane Brooks 5-11/220RB
RS FR Duquesne, Pa./Duquesne
Branden Ballard 6-2/210 WR
RS SR Detroit, Mich./Martin Luther King
Brandon Mason 6-1/220 RB
RS SO Phillipsburg, N.J./Phillipsburg
Eric Thatcher 5-9/190 DB
RS SO Cincinnati, Ohio/Cincinnati Moeller
Matt Flaus
6-2/190 QB
RS SR Jefferson, Pa./Thomas Jefferson
Tommie Campbell 6-3/210
LB
SO
Aliquippa, Pa./Aliquippa
Tyler Tipton
6-2/240 LB
RS SO Goode, Va./Lynchburg Christian Academy
Conredge Collins6-0/235 FB
SO
Miami, Fla./Monsignor Edward Pace
Mark Yezovich 6-0/240 FB
RS JR North Braddock, Pa./Woodland Hills
Brian Kaiser
6-0/200 DB
RS FR Hightstown, N.J./Hightstown
LaRod Stephens-Howling 5-7/175 RB
SO
Johnstown, Pa./Greater Johnstown
Dave Brytus
6-4/225 P
JR
McDonald, Pa./West Allegheny
Ricky Gary
5-9/175 DB
FR
Pahokee, Fla./Pahokee
Conor Lee
5-11/195PK
RS SO Upper St. Clair, Pa./Upper St. Clair/Fork Union Military Academy (Va.)
Aaron Berry
5-11/175DB
FR
Harrisburg, Pa./Bishop McDevitt
Derron Thomas 6-1/235 LB
RS JR Forestville, Md./Eleanor Roosevelt
Scott McKillop 6-2/245 LB
RS SO Export, Pa./Kiski Area
Chris McKillop 6-3/250 DL
RS JR Export, Pa./Kiski Area
John Pettiford 5-11/200RB
RS JR Vienna, Va./Oakton
McKenzie Mathews 6-2/225
DL
FR
Syracuse, N.Y./Christian Brothers Academy
Brian Bennett 6-0/235 LB
RS SR Delanco, N.J./Holy Cross
Nate Nix
6-3/210 LB
FR
Jefferson Hills, Pa./Thomas Jefferson
Dustin Walters 6-2/230 TE
RS FR Eldersburgh, Md./Liberty
Sam Bryant
6-0/220 DB
Nick Williams 6-2/275 DL
Doug Fulmer
6-4/240 DL
Rashaad Duncan 6-2/290 DL
H.B. Blades
6-0/240 LB
Dan Loheyde
6-0/200 LB
Derrell Jones
6-2/320 OL
Charles Sallet 6-0/240 DL
C.J. Davis
6-2/300 OL
Joe Thomas
6-5/285 OL
Kevin Cimador 6-5/320 OL
Joe Clermond 6-3/260 DL
Mark Estermyer 6-2/240 LS
John Simonitis 6-5/315 OL
John Bachman 6-4/280 OL
Kevin Hughes 6-4/300 OL
Chris Vangas
6-2/295 C
Scott Corson
6-5/280 OL
Mike Deluca
6-3/285 C
Joe Villani
6-4/300 C
Frank Kochin 6-4/280 OL
Jared Martin
6-2/290 DL
Dominic Williams 6-4/300OL
Dave Weber
6-3/305 OL
Chase Clowser 6-7/330 OL
John Malecki
6-3/270 DL
Mike McGlynn 6-5/315 OL
Jeff Otah
6-6/340 OL
Jason Pinkston 6-4/280 DL
John Brown
6-4/285 OL
Nate Byham
6-3/225 TE
Derek Kinder 6-1/205 WR
Elijah Fields
6-2/210 WR
John Pelusi
6-3/250 TE
Steve Buches
6-4/255 TE
T.J. Porter
6-1/185 WR
Marcel Pestano 6-1/190 WR
Oderick Turner 6-3/200 WR
Craig Bokor
6-3/290 DL
Greg Romeus 6-5/230 DL
Tyler Tkach
6-3/230 DL
Gus Mustakas 6-3/265 DL
Greg Webster 6-1/235 LB
Ernest Williams 6-1/290 DL
Corey Davis
6-2/290 DL
Vernon Botts
6-4/260 DL
Dan Hutchins 5-11/190PK
Steve Malinchak 6-0/185 QB
RS SR
RS SO
RS FR
SO
SR
FR
RS FR
RS SR
SO
FR
RS JR
RS JR
RS SO
RS SR
SO
FR
RS JR
FR
RS JR
RS SR
RS SO
FR
RS SO
RS SO
RS SO
FR
RS JR
JR
FR
RS FR
FR
JR
FR
SO
RS SR
FR
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FR
FR
SO
FR
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FR
FR
Reading, Pa./Reading
Plantation, Fla./Plantation
Syracuse, N.Y./Henninger
Belle Glade, Fla./Glades Central
Plantation, Fla./Plantation
Verona, Pa./Gateway
Accokeek, Md./Westlake
Tampa, Fla./Armwood
Imperial, Pa./West Allegheny
Cleveland, Ohio/St. Edward
Pittsburgh, Pa./Baldwin
Tampa, Fla./Chamberlain
Chippewa, Pa./Blackhawk
Dallas, Pa./Dallas
Moon Township, Pa./Moon Area
Allendale, N.J./Northern Highlands
Dayton, Ohio/Chaminade-Julienne
Johnstown, Pa./Greater Johnstown
Chardon, Ohio/Notre Dame-Cathedral Latin
Wantagh, N.Y./St. Anthony’s
Pittsburgh, Pa./Keystone Oaks
Davie, Fla./Western
Colorado Springs, Colo./Harrison/Air Force Prep (Colo.)
Swedesburg, Pa./Upper Merion
LaGrange, Ohio/LaGrange-Keystone
Murrysville, Pa./Franklin Regional
Austintown, Ohio/Austintown Fitch
New Castle, Del./William Penn/Valley Forge Military Academy (Pa.)
Pittsburgh, Pa./Baldwin
Lower Burrell, Pa./Burrell
Franklin, Pa./Franklin
Albion, N.Y./Albion
Duquesne, Pa./Duquesne
Pittsburgh, Pa./Pittsburgh Central Catholic
Pittsburgh, Pa./Pittsburgh Central Catholic
Pahokee, Fla./Pahokee
Lehigh Acres, Fla./Lehigh Senior
Teaneck, N.J./Teaneck
Aliquippa, Pa./Hopewell/Valley Forge Military Academy (Pa.)
Coral Springs, Fla./Coral Glades
Slatington, Pa./Northern Lehigh
Cooper City, Fla./Chaminade-Madonna Prep
North Braddock, Pa./Woodland Hills
Monessen, Pa./Monessen
Pittsburgh, Pa./Peabody
Eastampton, N.J./Rancocas Valley Regional
Williamsport, Pa./Loyalsock Township
Carbondale, Pa./Scranton Prep
2006 PITT SCHEDULE
9/2/06 - VIRGINIA - HOME
9/8/06 - CINCINNATI - AWAY
9/16/06 - MICHIGAN STATE - HOME
9/23/06 - THE CITADEL - HOME
9/30/06 - TOLEDO - HOME
10/7/06 - SYRACUSE - AWAY
10/13/06 - CENTRAL FLORIDA - AWAY
10/21/06 - RUTGERS - HOME
11/4/06 - SOUTH FLORIDA - AWAY
11/11/06 - CONNECTICUT - AWAY
11/16/06 - WEST VIRGINIA - HOME
11/25/06 - LOUISVILLE - HOME
PANTHERS
46
47
48
50
51
52
53
54
55
56
57
58
59
60
62
63
64
66
67
68
69
69
70
71
72
74
75
76
77
78
80
81
82
83
84
86
87
88
90
91
92
93
94
95
97
98
PANTHERS
DAVE WANNSTEDT
HEAD COACH
During his 31 year coaching career Dave Wannstedt has seen it all. National Championships at the college level (Pitt 1976 – Miami 1987), Super Bowl title (Dallas XXVII) in the
NFL.
During this time Wannstedt became one of the hot coaches in the NFL and earned the title
of head coach of the Chicago Bears and Miami Dolphins. But while many in the coaching
profession would have been happy to stay at the pro level, Wannstedt wanted and dreamed
of returning to his roots in Western Pennsylvania.
Wannstedt’s story begins in this area of the country where still mills and football are stuff
of legends. Much has changed since his childhood, but Pitt football has never left his mind,
heart or soul. With a vision of returning the Panthers to the greatness they’ve not achieved
since Johnny Majors led a talented group of players to the 1976 national championship.
Wannstedt came home selling his life story. Western Pennsylvania kid, who stayed home
for college, then goes onto bigger and better things through football.
Prospects are listening and during the 2006 recruiting class Wannstedt saw one of the best
classes in Panther history sign on the dotted line. While critics had their issues with him
during his first campaign, Wannstedt has the support of many who’ve graced the sidelines
for the Panthers over the years.
Will the Panthers become a perennial Top 10 program? That has yet to be seen, but for
those who’ve questioned if Wannstedt can get it done may soon learn that Dave Wannstedt
is a true “Pitt Man”.
CINCINNATI AREA PANTHERS
Eric Thatcher
CINCINNATI
Jovani Chappel
TROTWOOD
Chris Vangas
DAYTON
PANTHERS TO WATCH
TYLER PALKO QUARTERBACK #3
2006 Scouting Report: Truly embodies the “field general” moniker...is a leader in word and
deed who plays the quarterback position with a keen strategic mind...enters his third year
as the Panthers’ starter... a two-time All-Big East honoree who has All-America potential...
should be considered for the Davey O’Brien Award and Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award,
which annually are presented to the nation’s top quarterback... the son of one of Western
Pennsylvania’s most successful high school coaches, Palko started drawing up football
plays at 9 years of age...a lefthander, he complements his football knowledge with a highly
accurate arm...also is very effective at tucking the ball and running with it when the opportunity arises... sets the pace with his work ethic and twice has been selected a Pitt captain...
his three-year passing total of 5,472 yards ranks fifth all-time at Pitt.
H.B. BLADES LINEBACKER #51
2006 Scouting Report: Pitt’s unquestioned defensive leader who has his sights set on national
honors this year...enters his third season as a starter...moved to middle linebacker for the 2005
campaign and was one of the nation’s most productive defenders...is on everyone’s All-America list heading into his senior season...preseason candidate for the Butkus Award, Bronko
Nagurski Trophy, Rotary Lombardi Award and Ronnie Lott Trophy...owns an impressive package of intensity, instincts and strength...those qualities aren’t surprising considering his bloodline...is the son of Bennie Blades and nephew of Brian and Al Blades... Bennie, Brian and Al
all starred for the Miami Hurricanes and played in the NFL...H.B. opted for Pitt over the home
state Hurricanes and has carved out his own impressive gridiron legacy...has played in every
single game the last three seasons (36).
DARRELLE REVIS CORNERBACK #25
2006 Scouting Report: Already considered one of the elite players in the Big East Conference, Revis appears ready to establish himself on the national stage this year...if his annually
elevating performance is any indication, he should earn consideration for All-America and Jim
Thorpe Award (nation’s top defensive back) honors in 2006...also a candidate for the Bronko
Nagurski Trophy (nation’s top defensive player)...owns excellent size for a cornerback and a
nasty, aggressive streak to match his physical stature...is not only a shutdown corner but also an
aggressive, hard-hitting defender in playing the run...proved to be a special teams catalyst last
year as well...had a 79-yard punt return for a touchdown and also blocked a kick that went for a
Pitt TD last year.
LAROD STEPHENS-HOWLING RUNNING BACK #34
2006 Scouting Report: Is described by running backs coach David Walker as “a big play waiting to happen”...displayed glimpses of that ability as a true freshman when he seized a major
role as one of Pitt’s chief tailbacks...although just a sophomore, holds the distinction of being
the Panthers’ most experienced running back...will look to earn the starting tailback role this
season...while smaller in physical stature, can be a very effective runner with his exceptional
speed and elusiveness...is an asset in the pass game with his receiving skills...will also figure in
Pitt’s special teams plans as a kick returner for the second consecutive year.
DEREK KINDER SPILT END #81
2006 Scouting Report: Returning starter at flanker... progress to date indicates Kinder should be
a highly valuable asset for Pitt’s offense...went from a reserve role to starter last year and provided a nice complement to departed All-Big East performer Greg Lee...showed the ability to
make the tough, acrobatic catch during the spring...appears ready to step up and be the Panthers’
next big-play performer at wideout...also is a diligent blocker in the run game.
STEVE BUCHES TIGHT END #84
2006 Scouting Report: Will be a highly valued performer for this year’s offense with his
effective combination of run blocking and pass catching...is one of the Panthers’ most
experienced players with 33 total games played headed into his senior year... has been an integral
figure at tight end each of the last two seasons...that experience will be a welcomed commodity
for a Pitt offense that will feature a significant number of first-year starters.
RIVER CITY RIVALRY UP FOR GRABS IN 2006
The Panthers and Bearcats will battle for the second year to have the right to keep the “River City Rivalry” Trophy.
The Panthers have had the trophy since last years victory over the Bearcats in Heinz Field 38-20.
The Bearcats have yet to defeat the Panthers in five previous meetings. The last time a Pittsburgh team made the journey to Cincinnati was 1922. The Bearcats have been playing football since 1885 while the Panthers started up their
program in 1890.
THE PANTHERS
ENJOY THE SPOILS OF
VICTORY WITH THE
RIVER CITY RIVALRY
TROPHY IN 2005
HARUKI
NAKAMURA
PITT GAME 2005
2006 BEARCAT RECEIVERS
RECEIVERS BRING DEPTH & SPEED
University of Cincinnati receivers played a big role
in the Bearcats victory against Eastern Kentucky last
Saturday night. While all eyes were on the quarterbacks, it was the job done by four receivers that
really set the tone for the night.
Sophomore Dominick Goodman led the way with
two touchdowns on the night on only four catches.
The former Colerain option quarterback has put his
signal calling days behind him while becoming one
of the top younger receivers in the Big East.
Earnest Jackson pulled down three balls for 59 yards
on the night and like Goodman has also placed any
thoughts of tossing the ball from the quarterback
spot way behind him.
Local favorite Bill Poland pulled down two balls
for 16 yards. After fighting injury for most of last
season, it looks like the former Elder grad is ready to
have his finest season during his senior year.
First year player Derrick Stewart had the longest
catch on the night as he pulled down a 51 yard pass.
Keep an eye on Stewart because if the ball would
have been thrown on target he’d been gone for a
score.
The Bearcats are deep at the receiver spot and could
play as many as 8 or more players during a game.
Other players to watch are Jared Martin, Jamar Howard and Antwuan Giddens.
Howard missed last week’s game due to a ruling by the NCAA
Clearinghouse. The Bearcats don’t feel this is a long issue but as
Coach Dantonio stated, he’s frustrated it’s taken so long.
One thing Bearcat fans can’t say now about the receivers taking the
field this fall is they have no speed. These Cats can rus after the
catch and make some great plays on the ball.