Pitt coach Dave Wannstedt consistently has said he would prefer to have one featured running back carry the offense. Less than one week into camp, he and his staff are starting to warm up to the idea of using multiple backs because their search for a feature runner has not gone as well as expected.

"We may have to have plays specifically designed for each guy," Wannstedt said. "We have a group of guys. It is going to be tough [to pick a starter] and I wouldn't want to pick one today."

Running backs coach David Walker said, "We're going to have to be a running back by committee, I don't think there's much question about that and the guys understand that. We don't have a Hershel Walker in our backfield and that is no disrespect to the guys we do have. We just don't have a clear guy who is so much better than the competition that it is a no-brainer.

"So we're going to be running back by committee. That way we'll be fresh in the games and be able to play extremely hard and guys will be able to compete throughout the whole year. It is a very healthy situation for us."

The key player in the mix is Tim Murphy, who could end up as the starter at either fullback or tailback. If he moves to fullback, that means the starting tailback job would likely be Rashad Jennings' to lose.

"Rashad is doing well, but don't forget, there are a number of freshmen and there are some veterans like Brandon Mason and Raymond Kirkley who will have a lot to say about this before the season gets here," Walker said. "Everyone is competing and they are all pushing each other so the players that are the most productive over the next few weeks are the ones who will play."

Time to hit

Yesterday was the first day the Panthers were allowed to practice in full pads -- a day that most players have eagerly anticipated.

"You can't play football without pads," middle linebacker H.B. Blades said. "This is a physical game and until you play it at full speed with full contact, you don't know who is ready to play."

Wannstedt said he enjoyed seeing his team compete in pads because it was the first day he was able to begin to get a fair evaluation of each player's strengths and weaknesses.

"This was a good opening day of full pads," Wannstedt said. "It was definitely time to get out there and do some scrimmage work. We had some full-speed inside run drills which were really interesting from the perspective that we could see how hungry the players were."

The Panthers had several one-on-one tackling drills and also practiced goal-line and short-yardage packages. The defense seemed to get the better of the offense yesterday, although the running backs and offensive linemen had their moments.

"Every once in a while one side comes up with the edge," defensive tackle Thomas Smith said, "and today it was us, we really got after it. We played with a lot more enthusiasm.

Freshmen continue to shine

Several true freshmen seem to be making a push to get on to the depth chart this year. Running back LaRod Stephens had some excellent runs yesterday and clearing the way on some of them was offensive guard C.J Davis. And defensive lineman Gus Mustakas has been impressive.

"Gus Mustakas made six or seven tackles and that was really encouraging," Wannstedt said. "And C.J. Davis on the offensive line has been very, very impressive. When it is all said and done there will probably be four or five freshmen that are major contributors this year."

Quick outs

One group that has certainly left a lot to be desired is the wide receivers, particularly since standout Greg Lee has been out with a shoulder injury. Coaches have been searching for one or two of the underclassmen to step up, but so far, none have. "We're waiting," Wannstedt said. "We need a bunch of receivers to step up but right now. I'll be honest, I don't know who that group is." ... The team will have its first full scrimmage today. ... A few more players went down with injuries yesterday but none are considered serious. Linebacker Steve Dell (ankle) and wide receiver Terrell Allen (pulled muscle) were unable to finish practice. Meanwhile, Wannstedt said right guards John Simonitis (hamstring) and Dale Williams (knee) are very close to returning to practice and Lee (shoulder) was riding a stationary bike. It was the first day since the injury happened that Lee wasn't in a sling.