Previewing the 2003 Panthers: The Quarterbacks

8/4/2003

Rod Rutherford figures to rank among the nation's most dangerous signal-callers this year.

Rod Rutherford was an All-Big East pick in 2002.

   For the first time in recent memory, Pittsburgh enters a season without a question mark at the quarterback position.

   Coming off a highly successful first season as Pittsburgh?s starting quarterback, ROD RUTHERFORD enters his senior year poised for national honors. After earning All-Big East in 2002, the smooth lefthander has the ability to emerge as an All-American and, perhaps, more in ?03.

   A homegrown product out of Pittsburgh?s Perry Traditional Academy, Rutherford became the first Panthers quarterback since Alex Van Pelt in 1989 to lead the team to a bowl-winning season in his initial year as a starter.

   ?Rod has earned everything that has come his way,? said Head Coach Walt Harris, who also coaches the quarterbacks. ?His confidence has improved tremendously. I love the fact that he was voted All-Big East by our league coaches. I think that speaks volumes about what they think when they see number 12 out there. It was exciting to see him take control of our football team and lead us to nine victories for the first time since 1982 last year.

   ?The improvement Rod has made has been tremendous. I?m a big believer in his ability and talent and I think he can make another big jump in his play.?

   Rutherford threw for 2,783 yards and 22 touchdowns last season. His TD total was the third best in school history, while his yardage ranked sixth. He will be looking to build on his 52 percent completion rate (192 of 367), while slicing his interception total of 12.

   Rutherford set a school record with 3,181 yards in total offense last season (eclipsing Van Pelt?s mark of 3,163 set in 1992). Among Big East players in 2002, Rutherford ranked second in total offense (244.7 avg.) and touchdown passes (22), trailing only Miami All-American Ken Dorsey in both categories.

   Standing 6-3 and 225 pounds, Rutherford owns a strong and sturdy athletic frame. That build allows him to whip passes with velocity or be a dangerous runner. Evidence of the latter came in last year?s Miami game when Rutherford took off into the open field, put his shoulder down at the end of the run and knocked All-Big East linebacker Jonathan Vilma head over heels. The sequence was replayed time and again on ESPN and was selected as one of the all-sports network?s ?Hits of the Year.?

   He also has displayed a delicate passing touch, particularly on fade patterns. Rutherford and receiver Larry Fitzgerald made an art form out of the fade route last year, especially in Blacksburg when the pair hooked up for three touchdowns in the 28-21 upset of No. 3 Virginia Tech.

   Together, Rutherford and Fitzgerald form one of the most dynamic quarterback-receiver combinations in the country.

   With the starting quarterback position solidified, attention has turned to the competitive race for the backup job between sophomores Tyler Palko and LUKE GETSY.

   Palko was one of the country?s most coveted high school prospects two years ago, earning Pennsylvania Player of the Year and USA Today All-America honors at nearby West Allegheny High. He earned the primary backup role as a true freshman last season and played in six games, completing 2-of-3 passes for 13 yards.

   Possessing an accurate throwing arm, Palko is also adept outside the pocket. He scored Pittsburgh?s final touchdown in the Insight Bowl with a nifty eight-yard run. In the Blue-Gold Game to close spring drills he threw for 164 yards (12 of 29 passing), a touchdown and two interceptions, while rushing for 63 yards and a TD on 10 carries (6.3 avg.).

   Getsy, another Western Pennsylvania product, enters his first active collegiate season. Getsy was a 2001 All-State selection as a senior at Steel Valley High. Cut out of the traditional pocket quarterback mold, Getsy spent 2002 running the scout squad. He impressed in that capacity and earned the team?s offensive ?Prep Player of the Year? honor. Taking his first significant repetitions this past spring, he threw for 161 yards and two TDs on 9-of-13 passing in the Blue-Gold Game.

   ?I think it?s a great competition,? Harris said. ?Tyler and Luke are both very evenly matched. They?re both similar athletes. The player that executes our game plan, throws completions and stays away from turnovers will ultimately be the guy.?

   Also returning to the quarterback fold will be sophomore walk-on MATT FLAUS.

   The lone incoming freshman quarterback is JOE FLACCO, who ranked among New Jersey?s top prospects last year. Flacco finished his prep career as one of South Jersey?s most prolific passers, throwing for 5,137 yards.

Note: All players listed by academic class.

University of Pittsburgh Athletics

Previewing the 2003 Panthers: The Quarterbacks

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