The competition for the backup quarterback position between two true freshmen is coming to a close, and Bill Stull appears to have the edge over Shane Murray.

Coach Dave Wannstedt said yesterday that he's going to make a decision on who will serve as understudy to starter Tyler Palko soon.

"We're going to have to make that decision pretty quick, probably by the end of the week," Wannstedt said. "We're scheduled to have another scrimmage [tomorrow]. You only have so many snaps at practice, so we're going to have to focus in on the top two guys and put an emphasis there."

Wannstedt praised the progress of Stull, who played last season at Seton-LaSalle High School. He said Murray would remain at quarterback if he is beaten out.

"Billy Stull has made progress every day," Wannstedt said. "I'm really encouraged by where he's at at this point."

Stull worked exclusively with the second-team offense last night. He has proven to be a quick study during the first few days of training camp.

"On the field, I learn easier when I'm out there doing it," Stull said. "I'm a visual person. I have to see it and do it. Early on, coach wasn't going to do a lot of crazy stuff. We took it slow. Now that we've been out here for a week or so, it's coming along well."

Under the lights

Pitt practiced for the first time under lights last night at the UPMC complex on the South Side. It was the first of three scheduled night practices during training camp. Wannstedt scheduled the practices because Pitt's first two games are night games against Notre Dame Sept. 3 and Ohio University Sept. 9. Both games start at 8 p.m.

"We're going down to FanFest next week," Wannstedt said. "That will be under the lights as sort of a game rehearsal. We've got one more night practice scheduled, so we'll have three times under the lights before Notre Dame."

More on the freshmen

Some other freshmen besides Stull received a commendation from Wannstedt yesterday. Wannstedt indicated that defensive back Tommie Campbell, tight end John Pelusi, running back LaRod Stephens and maybe another freshman running back could see playing time.

"I'm nervous about talking about freshmen," Wannstedt said.

"It's like talking about rookies in the NFL. You know you're going to need them, you know you're going to need them to play, but you don't want to take anything away from the upperclassmen who have paid the price."

"GameDay" in Pittsburgh

ESPN will broadcast its Saturday morning pregame show "GameDay" from the North Shore Sept. 3, the day of the season opener against Notre Dame. ESPN host Chris Fowler and analysts Kirk Herbstreit and Lee Corso will make their first appearance in Pittsburgh in two years. The most recent time the crew was in town for a show was for the Virginia Tech game in 2003.

Quick outs

Receiver Greg Lee's shoulder injury has progressed to the point that Wannstedt expects him to return soon. "He's getting better every day," Wannstedt said. "He's probably right on the verge of getting back to some sort of practice. He's making great progress."

Two other starters on defense remained out with injuries. Defensive lineman Thomas Smith (knee) and linebacker Brian Bennett (knee) did not practice last night, but they did light running on the sideline.