June 3, 2009

PITTSBURGH -

The Pitt football team received recognition by Phil Steele’s 2009 College Football Preview magazine, as they selected the Panthers 23rd in the preseason poll. Pitt was also picked to finish second in the Big East standings.

“They only have 5 road games and most of those are in the winnable category and Pitt is the top Big East team in my Power Poll,” Steele comments in his top 40 rundown.

Pitt has 16 players named to Phil Steele’s Big East Team including tight end Nate Byham, offensive guard John Malecki, offensive tackle Jason Pinkston, defensive end Greg Romeus and cornerback Aaron Berry named to the first team.

Also recognized were wide receiver Jonathan Baldwin, defensive end Jabaal Sheard and defensive tackle Mick Williams on the second team; running back Shariff Harris, linebacker Greg Williams and strong safety Dom DeCicco on the third team; and quarterback Bill Stull, wide receiver Oderick Turner, center Robb Houser, offensive guard Joe Thomas and linebacker Shane Murray named to the fourth team.

Phil Steele also selected Pitt as his No. 6 surprise team of 2009, while also listing the defensive line at No. 12 in the country and receivers at No. 15.

The Panthers will play a 12-game regular-season schedule this year, including seven contests at Heinz Field. Pitt’s home slate includes games with Notre Dame, Cincinnati, Connecticut, Navy, Syracuse, USF and Youngstown State.

Season-ticket packages are currently on sale for as low as $82 and can be purchased online (PittsburghPanthers.com), by phone (800/643-PITT) or in person at the Petersen Events Center ticket office.