The only thing that has been consistent about Pitt's offensive line this spring is that coach Walt Harris has been particularly critical of its play.
Harris says he can't properly evaluate his running backs or quarterbacks because the former gets little time to run and the latter even less in pass protection.
"That was a weakness on last year's football team on offense," Harris said, "the offensive line, in running and protecting the passer."
That it's only gotten worse has something to do with three players -- left tackle Rob Petitti (shoulder), left guard Matt Maiers (leg) and center Justin Belarski (foot) -- missing spring drills with injuries.
Calling the current first-team line young and inexperienced is an understatement. Only two players have started. The second-team line is even greener.
It's no surprise the defense has dominated the offense.
"I don't think they've been competitive hardly at all so far this spring, and that's because of the young linemen," Harris said. "Defensively, we've put more things in. It's easier to put them in than it is to block them. There is a tremendous amount of after-snap reaction, which is called experience. The more experienced you are, the better you react."
The reaction to Pitt's offensive line problems hasn't been pretty. Offensive line coach Tom Freeman has taken heat for the struggles, even though he can't control the injuries that have decimated the front five.
Not to mention that the line is missing Petitti, a two-time all-Big East selection who has started the past 38 games at left tackle.
"You're missing 40 starts; obviously it hurts," Freeman said. "We don't have a bell cow. You don't have a left tackle that you can run behind."
The Panthers hired Bill Bleil from Northern Illinois to assist Freeman with the tight ends and tackles. They have their work cut out for them.
Redshirt sophomore right guard John Simonitis, who started the final 11 games last season, is the only returning starter. Senior left guard Rob Frederick was injured in his only start, against Toledo, last year.
The Panthers are happy with the progress redshirt freshman center Chris Vangas is making, but Harris said Vangas still has a lot to learn.
"He's like a pinball in there," Harris said. "He's more assignment-oriented than technique-oriented right now."
Redshirt junior tackle Dale Williams, starting in place of Petitti, has been a disappointment. Right tackle is a concern, where Harris said redshirt freshman Mike McGlynn is ahead of Williams.
That could spell trouble if the Panthers start Tyler Palko, a left-hander, at quarterback.
"If that happens, we're real concerned," Harris said. "Of the two, Mike McGlynn has been a lot better. Dale needs to pick it up. If he does, he'll be in the mix. We'd rather not play a redshirt freshman."
Moving Petitti to the right side is not even a consideration.
"The good thing about Petitti being out," Harris said, "is we've got a chance to evaluate other guys."
Although they have had their struggles, Freeman believes McGlynn or Williams will be fine "if they take advantage of the weight program. They've got to get stronger."
As much as the first-team line has struggled, it can take solace in knowing that its backups have been worse. That unit includes walk-on Joe Villani, redshirt freshman Mike DeLuca and converted defensive linemen Troy Banner, Eric Fritz and Kevin Harris.
"A lot of guys are getting the opportunity to improve," Harris said. "They're getting practice time and video time. I'd say all of those jobs on the offensive line are open."
Added Freeman: "It's going to take time."
That's one thing the Panthers have plenty of. And, from what it has shown this spring, the offensive line can only get better.
