March 18, 2010

Pitt football takes another step toward the start of the 2010 season today, March 18, when it begins spring practice at the UPMC Sports Performance Complex.

Pitt has a schedule of 15 workouts over the next month and will conclude spring drills with the annual Blue-Gold game on Saturday, April 17, at Heinz Field.

Returning for the Panthers in 2010 are 50 lettermen and 13 starters from the 2009 team, which finished last season with a 10-3 record, a win in the Meineke Car Care Bowl and a No. 15 national ranking -- Pitt's highest ranking since 1982.

Several players returning earned national recognition following Pitt's 2009 campaign, including four who earned first team All-Big East honors in defensive end Greg Romeus, offensive tackle Jason Pinkston, tailback Dion Lewis and receiver Jon Baldwin. Romeus, a rising senior, is the reining Big East Defensive Player of the Year, while Lewis, a true freshman last year, earned accolades as both Offensive Player and Rookie of the Year after his breakout season.

Pinkston helped anchor one of the Big East's most productive offensive lines during last season, while Baldwin pulled in an impressive 57 catches for 1,111 yards and eight touchdowns last year as a sophomore. Baldwin became Pitt's first 1,000-yard receiver since 2004.

Romeus is joined on the defensive line by end Jabaal Sheard. Together, Sheard and Romeus helped mold one of the nation's most dynamic defensive lines last season, as Pitt led the country in sacks. Sheard and Romeus combined for 13 sacks, 22 TFLs and 23 quarterback hurries on the year.

Pitt begins the 2010 season with a Sept. 2 matchup on the road against Utah, while the Panthers' first home action will take place on Sept. 11 at Heinz Field against New Hampshire. Tickets are available by visiting www.pittsburghpanthers.com or calling the Panther Ticket Office at 412-648-PITT.