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Sunday, April 08, 2001

All-America junior receiver Antonio Bryant was not in sight yesterday when Pitt closed spring drills with its Blue-Gold game.

Bryant, a Heisman Trophy candidate, was suspended indefinitely a week ago after he lost his temper during a scrimmage.

Panthers Coach Walt Harris indicated there are still some issues to resolve but again refused to discuss details.

"I think that one's still up in the air right now," he said. "His status has not changed from before."

Bryant's teammates apparently expect him back before training camp.

"I think Antonio should do some soul-searching, and when he does that, I'm sure he'll be all right," said quarterback David Priestley, one of those who tried to calm Bryant after his on-field antics.

Backfield in motion

With just one scholarship tailback available, fullbacks Lousaka Polite and Dustin Picciotti took some turns at tailback.

Both ran strong in what could be a preview of the fall. It's possible that Polite, a redshirt sophomore who started at fullback last season, and Picciotti, a sophomore, will be the starters in the backfield, with one moving to tailback.

Redshirt freshman Malcolm Postell, who sat out of the scrimmage because of a sprained right knee, and freshman Mike Jemison practiced this spring at tailback, and six more freshmen running backs arrive in the fall.

Harris is looking for substance over flash in the backfield.

"We're going to play the guy who knows what to do, the guy who we can depend on," he said of the tailback spot. "It may not be the best athlete. It may not be the fastest guy."

Picciotti led the offense yesterday with 33 yards rushing on seven carries.

Polite, who played more at tailback than Picciotti, had 28 yards on eight attempts. Jemison ran four times for 23 yards. Each also had one catch.

"It's their call," Polite said. "I'm ready to do whatever they say."

The tailback spot is open because Kevan Barlow, who topped 1,000 yards rushing last fall, has run out of eligibility.

Quick kicks

The Ed Conway Awards, presented by the coaches to the most improved players each spring, went to tight end Kris Wilson, cornerback Torrie Cox and linebacker Lewis Moore. ... The only injury during the scrimmage was a high left ankle sprain to starting free safety Ramon Walker. ... All the players who missed time because of injuries this spring are expected to be OK by fall. ... Harris did some analysis for the televised event and found out it's not easy. "I was a little nervous, I guess," he said.