PITTSBURGH — The battle for the starting quarterback job for the University of Pittsburgh's football team just became a bit more crowded.

But Kevan Smith isn't flinching.

Smith, junior redshirt quarterback Bill Stull and incoming freshman Pat Bostick will compete to be the top signal caller when Pitt kicks off the 2007 season Sept. 1 at Heinz Field against Eastern Michigan.

"It's definitely going to be a big competition," said Smith, a Cranberry Township native and 2006 graduate of Seneca Valley High School, at Pitt's media day at the team's training facility on the South Side Monday. "We're going to be pushing each other and making each other better."

Coach Dave Wannstedt announced Monday that Stull will enter the summer camp, which begins today, as the No. 1 quarterback on the depth chart.

"The job is still open," Wannstedt said. "But Bill is the guy the others are trying to unseat."

Wannstedt, who enters his third season as Pitt's head coach, made it clear the battle now includes three players.

"Bostick will get a shot at quarterback," he said.

Stull and Smith both stand 6-feet-3, with the latter weighing 25 pounds more at 225.

Bostick, highly touted out of Manheim Township High School near Lancaster, is 6-feet-3 and 230 pounds.

Neither Stull nor Smith played particularly well in April's spring game.

The former completed 8-of-18 passes for 89 yards with one interception while Smith connected on 11-of-22 throws for 113 yards with a touchdown and two interceptions.

But Smith still came away from the spring practices with something to build on.

"I took big strides in that I grew more confident with the offense and our scheme," said Smith.

Wannstedt said Smith's chances simply come down to more time on the field and consistent play.

"Back in the spring, he'd have one good day and then one so-so day," Wannstedt said. "He needs to come out here in the next few practices and show us he can be more consistent."

Stull is the only returning quarterback with game experience, completing 6-of-8 passes for 69 yards and a touchdown last season as a backup for Tyler Palko, who now is with the New Orleans Saints.

Stull, a product of Seton-LaSalle High School, knows the starting job is his to lose.

"I've been waiting for this for two years," he said. "I've always dreamed of playing in my hometown and this is my chance."

"Bill definitely has more high school and college playing experience than I do," said Smith, who played in only 12 games for Seneca Valley in two seasons due to a left wrist injury. "I can't worry about things out of my control. I just have to get the ball to our skill guys."

Offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach Matt Cavanaugh has seen the raw talent Smith possesses.

"I'm confident that he will do some good things for us at some point," Cavanaugh said. "Physically, he's still maturing. And he's learning how to adapt to situations on the field.

"He's a competitor," Cavanaugh added. "He wants to be on the field and that's half the battle."

Derek Kinder has a vested interest in who is chosen to lead the offense this year.

A senior, Kinder is the team's leading returning receiver after totaling 57 receptions for 847 yards and six touchdowns last season.

"I don't necessarily have a favorite for the quarterback job, but I do feel that Bill has a lot of potential and he knows the offense," he said.

Wannstedt has said that he might not name a starter until 10 days before the team's Sept. 1 opener.