Smith

PITTSBURGH — Coach Dave Wannstedt can see plenty of familiar names as he assembles his 2006 Pitt depth chart.

Seven starters are returning on offense. Quarterback Tyler Palko is back for a third season and right offensive guard John Simonitis returns for a fourth. On defense, six returning players have secured their starting spots, including middle linebacker H.B. Blades and cornerback Darrelle Revis — each for a third straight season.

And punter Adam Graessle is back for his fourth season as a starter.

As many as 10 newcomers also are expected to make sizable contributions.

Among that number is former Seneca Valley quarterback Kevan Smith.

Pitt's defense has been dominant throughout training camp, while the offense — and Palko in particular — has been erratic. And that didn't change in the team's scrimmage.

But the offensive came on strong down the stretch behind Smith, the second-team quarterback.

Smith, a freshman, has taken plenty of snaps because Palko's backup, sophomore Bill Stull, has been slowed by a broken finger.

"A guy we have to give credit to ... a guy that has come out here and has had to learn the most and been thrown into the fire as quick as any of (the freshmen), more than any of them, is Kevan Smith," Wannstedt said. "The thing about that is that he's been the second-team quarterback from Day 1. ... So, he has been a real pleasant surprise."

Smith completed 11 of 17 passes for 131 yards with touchdown passes to Austin Ransom and T.J. Porter. Palko was 12-for-17 for 90 yards.

Ransom, a redshirt sophomore, had three catches for 43 yards, including a 28 yarder. Marcel Pestano, Porter and tight end Steve Buches also had three catches each.

The running game gained just 40 yards. Kicker Conor Lee made a 27 yard field goal, but missed from 46 and 37 yards. Freshman Dan Hutchins hit one from 32 yards.

Other newcomers who could help the Panthers this season are junior transfer Jeff Otah has been running with the second team at left offensive tackle, behind sophomore John Bachman. Freshman wideout T.J. Porter is among the top four wideouts, while frosh offensive linemen Joe Thomas is a second-team guard. Defensive linemen John Malecki, McKenzie Mathews and Jason Pinkston are in the top two groups.

"I really thought our defense played with a lot of emotion, the first group, the entire time," Wannstedt said. "And we got an opportunity to look at a lot of young players. Right now, I can't wait to look at the film.

"We pretty much have stayed with our first group, second group and third group. But after (the scrimmage), in all fairness, we'll watch the film. And if there are some position moves (to make), we'll do it."

Notes: Kicker David Abdul (heart condition) will find out today if he is medically cleared to play this season.