University of Pittsburgh Athletics
Mix of Receivers Adds to Pitt Offense
8/13/2010 12:00:00 AM | Football
Aug. 13, 2010
For a quarterback, having a dynamic receiver -- a player who can stretch the field and consistently come up with big receptions -- can be a dream come true. When much of the team's success relies on moving the chains and keeping the defense honest, a big-play receiver can often times be the difference between a win or a loss.
And after taking part in spring drills and now moving into fall camp, one thing has certainly been made clear to Pitt's quarterbacks: all over the field, they have plenty of reliable, big-play weapons at receiver.
Redshirt sophomore Mike Shanahan, who is coming off an impressive freshman campaign, can see why Panther receivers have had success so far during the brutally hot days of training camp.
"I think a lot of us bring different things to the table," Shanahan said. "That's going to help us, the diversity within the offense."
Receiver's coach Scott Turner said Shanahan is right on with that point. Pitt has a tremendous amount of height at receiver, with Shanahan (6-5), Jon Baldwin (6-5), Devin Street (6-4) and Greg Cross (6-2) mixed in with the ultra-speedy Cameron Saddler (5-7) and an assortment of younger players. This mix gives the Panthers a dangerous mix of speed, size and possession receivers who can compliment the explosive rushing attack of Dion Lewis, Ray Graham and Henry Hynoski.
Street, a redshirt freshman who has impressed Turner and coach Dave Wannstedt thus far throughout camp, said his knowledge of the offense and his overall comfort on the field is allowing him to focus simply on playing the game and letting his natural abilities take over.
"It's a really big difference from last year," Street said. "This year I can play a lot faster. I don't have to go out there and think a lot, so that just carries over. Once I know my stuff I go out and make plays. Everything comes together."
Street's speed is one thing helping him stand out, and his coaches have spoken highly of his motor and his endurance. He developed some of that at Liberty High School, where he was the District 11 champion in the long jump and the 100- and 200-meter dashes. He holds the district and school record in the long jump.
Street is just one of many impressing coaches during camp. Baldwin, a candidate for the prestigious Biletnikoff Award who had 1,111 yards receiving and eight touchdowns last season, has made mind-blowing catches from day one. Cross (Ed Conway Award winner in the spring), Shanahan and the always-speedy Saddler (who also figures to add to Pitt's return game) have been all over the field, and Wannstedt has recently praised the improvements of redshirt freshman Ed Tinker.
Shanahan said the receivers have built a strong chemistry between them over the last year, which helps their play on the field. Shanahan also has a previous chemistry with Baldwin, who he's known since the two were freshmen in high school and played together on the same AAU basketball team. Shanahan was a three-time basketball section MVP with Norwin High School, while Baldwin was a first-team All-State selection out of Aliquippa.
"Our relationship is very tight, it's a good thing to have out on the field," Shanahan said. "We've always been competing since back in ninth grade, and I think the competition brings out the best of both of us."
Turner said he sees how both players benefit from their basketball-playing days, citing their short-area movements and terrific body position as receivers. He said he especially sees it with Shanahan and the way he uses his size, footwork and body to gain an advantage over those covering him.
"He's a big guy, and being a former basketball player, he has been great," Turner said. "Using his body to shield off defenders, he has very strong hands and doesn't drop any passes. He goes up and gets the ball."
Now in full pads, training camp continues for the next several weeks, leading up to the Panthers' Sept. 2 matchup with Utah on the road. The Panthers hold their first intra-squad scrimmage on Saturday afternoon.