One of the few priorities for Pitt coaches coming into spring football drills was to improve overall speed at linebacker, where all three starters are returning, including Scott McKillop, an All-American candidate at middle linebacker.

Adam Gunn and Shane Murray were highly productive last season at outside linebacker, as well, but are being pushed this spring by candidates who could upgrade the speed of that position.

In recent seasons, coaches have tried to get some speedy players at linebacker -- most notably Tommie Campbell, who never really panned out and then transferred, and Dorin Dickerson, who is now a tight end -- but haven't had much luck.

Late last year, however, Jemeel Brady, then a senior with a lot of speed, saw his playing time increase and made key plays for the Panthers that Murray or Gunn likely couldn't have made. And then in the upset of West Virginia, Brady saw considerable action in order to counter the speed of the Mountaineers backfield. He made key tackles on the edge and helped stretch the Mountaineers offense to the sideline and out of bounds, as well.

Now, the coaches seem to have found linebackers capable of delivering that speed. That group includes four redshirt freshmen in Max Gruder (middle), Greg Williams, Tristan Roberts and Brandon Lindsey, as well as redshirt sophomore Nate Nix.

Williams, who is 6 feet 3, 220 pounds and runs the 40-yard dash in 4.5 seconds, is the most intriguing prospect, mostly because he is physically gifted. He is a converted running back who seems to have picked up his new position well and continues to make plays in every practice.

"The competition we have at linebacker, I really like our young linebackers," head coach Dave Wannstedt said. "I am really impressed with the progress all of them have made in two weeks. It looks like that will be a good competition and they'll only continue to improve."

Of the group, Gruder is the one who likely won't see the field much this fall, because he is behind McKillop at middle linebacker and also is battling Steve Dell for the backup spot. But Gruder has been a surprise and looks like he might be a fixture at the position when McKillop graduates.

Lindsey, who is from Aliquippa, and Roberts haven't made the spectacular plays like Williams, but they have both been very consistent and will clearly get to play a lot of snaps as they continue to improve.

NOTE -- Jeff Otah, projected as a first-round pick in the NFL draft, will have an individual workout for pro scouts today at the South Side complex.