Corey Davis always believed that when he got to college he could lose some weight and become an outstanding middle linebacker.

	John Heller, Post-Gazette Corey Davis cools down with a drink yesterday at Pitt's football practice. Click photo for larger image.

When he arrived at Pitt for his freshman season last fall, he quickly realized he'd have to lose weight -- and lots of it -- just to be able to play on the defensive line.

At the time, Davis weighed about 330 pounds, and he could barely make it through conditioning drills without needing a break to catch his breath. He also lacked the explosiveness and quickness he showed as a standout at Peabody High School. So instead of playing right away, he was redshirted and worked on getting into shape.

It wasn't until near the end of spring practice that Davis realized he was letting an opportunity slip away. The Panthers have an opening at defensive tackle, and Davis was one of the prime candidates to fill it. But he hadn't distinguished himself, mostly because he was carrying too much weight.

"I knew the options were either lose weight or sit the bench," Davis said. "That's it. I want to play, so I committed myself to the offseason conditioning program, left all that McDonald's and Wendy's stuff alone, stopped drinking pop and, once I got started, it became easy to lose weight."

As a result of his change in eating habits, Davis has lost about 40 pounds. He reported for camp at a lean 285. And the first day of conditioning, he not only finished all of his wind sprints, but he also was among the leaders for the linemen.

Now he is ready to seize the starting job he believes is his to lose.

"It is all about working hard now," Davis said. "It is about being the best player I can be, continuing the things I've started. You can tell a big difference now in what I am able to do -- it almost feels like high school again."

Davis said one of the things he had to learn was discipline because as a high school star he often got by on talent alone. He quickly realized that would not happen in college.

"Everyone is talented here," said Davis, who is running with the first team. "It is hard when you are the star in high school and are able to do whatever you want to make the adjustment, but I've been here for a year now and know what is expected of me."

Pitt's coaches couldn't be more pleased for Davis, but they also are excited about the prospects of having a lineman with his ability. Davis, big and strong, has good feet and is amazingly quick for a player of his size.

He had five or six quarterback pressures during drills yesterday because he was beating offensive linemen off the ball.

"I'm overjoyed for him, for the ownership he has taken, for his commitment, but he's a long way from winning a starting job," said defensive tackle coach Bob Junko. "What we're looking for is that kind of commitment, combined with consistency and a steady overall improvement.

"He certainly has ability, but we haven't put on the pads yet, and there is a certain level of toughness we need at that position. So we'll see, but he's off to a great start and he's certainly given himself a great opportunity to win a starting job."

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NOTES -- The Panthers finished the first day of camp without any major injuries. Several players dropped out of drills with cramps, but all are expected to return today. ... Freshman Ernest "Mick" Williams (Monessen) resolved his NCAA clearinghouse issues, enrolled in school and practiced yesterday. ... Freshmen running backs Irvan Brown and LaRod Stephens worked out after practice with defensive coordinator Paul Rhoads. "Right now, we are stockpiled at the running back position, and we're not thin, but we could use some help at defensive back, so we put those guys through some defensive drills and we'll talk about it tonight," said Pitt coach Dave Wannstedt. ... The Panthers will practice again today without pads. Wannstedt said, "When it comes to linemen without pads, I'd rather watch paint dry." ... Two players earned Wannstedt's praise -- tailback/fullback Tim Murphy and defensive end Charles Sallet. "Both did a couple of things today I hadn't seen. Some real good things," he said.