Sophomore middle linebacker Dan Mason has made his presence felt in camp, making tackles all over the field.

Wednesday, when the Panthers put on full pads for the first time, Mason seemed determine to put on a little bit of a show at the expense of the offense. Mason, from Penn Hills, made several big plays in the live scrimmage as well as a few bone-rattling hits.

On the first play of drills, Mason chased down Dion Lewis on a sweep and tackled him behind the line of scrimmage -- then popped up and had some choice words for the offense. It is that kind of swagger and leadership that has coach Dave Wannstedt excited about Mason this season.

"We all knew he was a great athlete and a tough-guy player," Wannstedt said, "but now he is starting to be confident in what we are doing defensively enough that he is showing some great signs of leadership for a young player, a sophomore. That has been very encouraging.

"He has had a good camp, but as I said yesterday I am pleased with all four of our linebackers to this point -- him, Greg Williams, Tristan Roberts, Max Gruder -- those four have all done a nice job."

Mason played in all 13 games last season, starting three, and was productive when he had the opportunity to play. He had two sacks, 26 tackles and a big interception in the first half of the Panthers' Meineke bowl win against North Carolina.

Senior defensive end Greg Romeus has been listed as day to day with general "soreness and stiffness." He hasn't practiced since the first day.

Two other injuries of note: safety Andrew Taglianetti (groin) is still out and guard Ryan Turnley was knocked out of practice with a shoulder injury.

Wannstedt said he isn't concerned about any of the injuries.

"[Turnley] got his shoulder banged during field-goal protection," Wannstedt said. "I expect him to be fine. Romeus is much better. He worked out inside today hard, and I expect him to be out here tomorrow practicing. And [Taglianetti] is just going to take some time but he's getting better."

Another Penn Hills graduate who is making a name for himself is freshman defensive tackle Aaron Donald, who was given a chance to play with the first-team defense against the first-team offense. On one play, he blew through the line and blasted tailback Ray Graham in the backfield for a loss. "I'm going to change his number to 95 [Mick Williams' old number]," Wannstedt said. "I think I called him Mick three times today." ... Defensive end Jabaal Sheard made headlines on the eve of camp for his role in a South Side brawl but he's clearly refocused and has been dominant in practice. "He's had a great camp, he really has," Wannstedt said. ... Today is the Panthers' first two-a-day practices and Saturday afternoon will be the first scrimmage of camp. Wannstedt said that the first real evaluation of the depth chart would take place after the scrimmage.

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