Pitt appears to be loaded with talented players at the skill positions.

The Panthers have much more athleticism at receiver than they have had in years, appear to be at least three deep with talented running backs and might have the best package of tight ends in the country.

And even though junior quarterback Bill Stull will be a first-year starter, he has been excellent throwing the football in 7-on-7 drills in camp.

All that, however, will not matter one bit if the offensive line does not improve and, judging from the way things have started, that unit has a long, long way to go.

Yesterday was the first day players could wear shoulder pads. That made it the first day for full-contract drills, and, from start to finish of the early morning practice, the defensive line whipped the offensive line. The morning practice is more significant because it includes veterans and projected starters. Pitt coach Dave Wannstedt acknowledged that it was not a good start for the offensive line, but he isn't about to panic because he believes the defense always will get the best of the offense in the early stages of practice.

"Obviously, our first day in shoulder pads we were able to do some full-speed blitz stuff, some inside run stuff and some other contact stuff," Wannstedt said.

"I think the first week you are in pads, your defense should be ahead of your offense because all of the sudden when things happen for real your timing is a little bit off. I mean, we had some pressure on the quarterback and some other busts because things were moving faster than they were when you are going without pads. We'll need a couple of scrimmages before we start to see who is doing what."

To compound the problem, a number of center-quarterback exchanges turned into fumbles. Part of that problem was due to the fact that freshman Greg Gaskins was playing center for some of the period while trying to adjust to the position.

But center exchange problems have been frequent, which highlights the Panthers' biggest need -- finding a center. And, with fifth-year senior Mike McGlynn recovering from shoulder surgery, the coaches have not had a full group. That's made it tough to shuffle players around and find the five best linemen.

Left tackle Jeff Otah, who did not have a good day but is expected to have a big year, is the one player who is set in his spot. Right guard Joe Thomas, who started most of last season, also is expected to step forward.

That leaves unsettled spots at left guard, center and right tackle until McGlynn, clearly one of the five best linemen, returns. C.J. Davis also seems to be one of the five best players, so he'll either be the left guard or center and Jason Pinkston is likely going to be a starter. That all could change if senior Chris Vangas, penciled in as the starting center, proves he can handle the job.

Offensive line coach Paul Dunn said the shuffling cannot start until McGlynn returns, but the competition should make for a productive camp.

One other player who will be a big factor is redshirt junior Dom Williams, who has started several games. Wannstedt always has raved about Williams' athletic ability and potential, but immaturity and attitude issues have held him back. He appears to have put those issues behind him, and Wannstedt said you could make a solid argument that he has been one of the five best linemen thus far.

NOTES -- Near the end of the afternoon practice, standout running back LeSean McCoy fell to the ground and grabbed his ankle as if he were in a lot of pain. McCoy missed most of his senior year at Bishop McDevitt High School with a severe ankle injury. After several minutes, though, McCoy got up and walked off the field. "I think it was his 14th move in five steps and I think he just twisted his ankle a little," Wannstedt said. "No [it doesn't look serious] because he was talking and, if Shady is talking, he'll be OK." ... Another freshman, linebacker Brandon Lindsey, sat out of some of the afternoon practice with an upper leg injury. ... It is early, but the most exciting player appears to be freshman receiver Aundre Wright (Perry) who Wannstedt has compared favorably to Washington Redskins receiver Santana Moss.