Big East-favorite Pitt opens training camp today with ongoing competition at a handful of positions.
For a change, one of those spots is not the most important job in football.
"It's Tino's time," head coach Dave Wannstedt said.
While training camp will help settle issues at guard, defensive tackle and cornerback, redshirt sophomore Tino Sunseri enters the three-week camp as the clear-cut starter at quarterback based on last season as Bill Stull's backup, followed by strong spring workouts.
"I don't need baby steps," Sunseri said. "This is my third year here. I think we understand the weapons we have. I think we need to be ready to roll early on."
Because of Sunseri's ascension, one of the annual story lines at Pitt training camp — the battle for starting quarterback — will not be part of the unfolding drama.
This will mark the first time since Tyler Palko's senior year in 2006 that the Panthers won't rely on training camp to at least clear up the quarterback picture.
"Tino did everything that you would expect (in the off-season)," Wannstedt told a roomful of reporters at Pitt's annual media day Friday morning. "The biggest thing with Tino — as it is with every quarterback when you haven't been the starter — is gaining some confidence."
One year ago, Sunseri and Stull were about to begin a training camp duel that lasted until the opening game with Youngstown State, if not longer.
Stull became a first-team all-Big East selection, while Sunseri, the 6-foot-2, 210-pounder from Central Catholic, observed from the sidelines.
Sunseri didn't play in eight of Pitt's final 10 games and attempted only nine passes after going 5 for 8 for 80 yards in the opener against Youngstown State. (Remember Wannstedt's short-lived pledge to get Sunseri quality early-season snaps?) All told, Sunseri completed 10 of 17 pass attempts for 114 yards, two touchdowns and no interceptions.
"Tino could have been playing last year," wide receiver Jonathan Baldwin said. "I think he's definitely ready now."
While, technically, every job is open during training camp, Sunseri is virtually set in stone. His backup, junior Pat Bostick, started eight games as a true freshman and was part of training camp auditions in 2007-08, but he realizes Sunseri is way ahead in the pecking order.
"There is always competition," Bostick said. "The competition is to play your best and ultimately that's what makes great teams."
Sunseri, the son of former Pitt All-American linebacker and current assistant head coach for preseason No. 1 Alabama Sal Sunseri, has earned the trust of his teammates. Pitt has 29 practices and three scrimmages to prepare for No. 24 Utah on Sept. 2 in the 2010 opener.
"I have a lot of confidence in him," running back Dion Lewis said of Sunseri. "He can make all the throws, he's a hard worker and he wants to win."
Sunseri's transition to starter should be eased because of the abundant weapons on Pitt's offense, namely Lewis and all-Big East wide receiver Baldwin. Sunseri also has plenty of work with the first-team unit from last year's training camp and this past spring.
Pitt offensive coordinator Frank Cignetti Jr. said there are no plans to limit Sunseri's role.
"I'm not putting any limitations on Tino as a quarterback going into this training camp," Cignetti said. "We're going to run our offense."
Additional Information:Clear picture
This is the first year since Tyler Palko's senior year that Pitt will have a clear-cut starter at quarterback going into training camp.
Contenders (Eventual starter in parentheses):
2006: Tyler Palko (Palko)
2007: Bill Stull, Pat Bostick, Kevan Smith (*Stull)
2008: Stull, Bostick (Stull)
2009: Stull, Tino Sunseri (Stull)
2010: Sunseri (Sunseri)
* ⢠Injured in opener
