Pitt backup quarterback Pat Bostick might get that redshirt he missed out on last season.

Bostick is the odd man out in Pitt's quarterback derby as Panthers coach Dave Wannstedt announced yesterday that redshirt freshman Tino Sunseri will be the backup to Bill Stull.

"Bill Stull is the starter. Tino Sunseri will be the No. 2," Wannstedt said. "I told Tino Sunseri, the wish list is to get him playing time. We want to get him in as many games as we can. We'll take it one week at a time. We would like to redshirt Pat if we could. He is all for that."

Bostick was headed for a redshirt last season, but that changed when he was put into the Navy game (the sixth game of the season) during mop-up time. Coaches said they needed to get him ready because he hadn't played a game and they had lost confidence in backup Kevan Smith. Two weeks later, however, it turned out to be a good decision as Stull was hurt and Bostick started against Notre Dame and led the Panthers to a 36-33 four-overtime victory.

The idea of redshirting Bostick may be a good one on paper, but it is contingent on two things -- Stull staying healthy and playing well and Sunseri proving he is ready to play, given that he should get some opportunities early in the season.

Wannstedt made it clear, however, that if Stull gets hurt or falters, Sunseri would be the starter.

"Tino Sunseri is the guy," Wannstedt said. "Tino is going to be an outstanding quarterback for us. He had a very good camp. I think the big thing is to get him some playing time and to get him in the action a little bit. I believe that he will learn and I believe that he will progress. Nothing is scripted out [Saturday for the Youngstown State game]. He is prepared to play. We'll see how the game unfolds."

Two walk-on specialists -- redshirt junior punter/kicker Dan Hutchins and redshirt sophomore holder/quarterback Andrew Janocko -- earned scholarships for this season and beyond.

Wannstedt said both players earned the reward because they have both proven to be good students, hard workers and they play important roles on the team.

"That's a real positive thing for those kids, and for our program," Wannstedt said. "A lot of schools talk about rewarding these young players who walk on. It's easier said than done. You wish you had more, because we do have a couple of kids who have been with us for a couple of years who are very deserving. These kids work as hard as the scholarship players. They are trying to find ways to make ends meet financially. Any chance you get to help out that burden is a good thing."

It is clearly a game week -- Wannstedt was extremely vague about injuries other than to say "we are expecting the majority of our guys back for this game." At the end of camp, the Panthers had several key players ailing, including defensive end Jabaal Sheard (knee) and tight ends Nate Byham (concussion) and Dorin Dickerson (hamstring). ... Pitt's nine national championship trophies and the Steelers' six Super Bowl trophies will be on display at Heinz Field's Coca-Cola Great Hall before the game Saturday. Former coach Johnny Majors also will be on hand to sign autographs from 11:15 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. ... Antwuan Reed and Ricky Gary will be the backup corners and Jarred Holley will see time at strong safety.