Pitt defensive coordinator Paul Rhoads believes there is a lot of talent in the Panthers' secondary, but he is a little concerned about the lack of experience, particularly at cornerback.

The secondary was probably the defense's strength last year, but strength is a relative term given how poor the Panthers' overall defense performed most games. Pitt gave up only 217 yards passing per game and intercepted 14 passes in 13 games, but, by the end of the year, most teams didn't try to pass on the Panthers because running for big yards against them took little effort.

But corners Shawntae Spencer, who might have been the defense's best player, and Tutu Ferguson have graduated, and both jobs are up for grabs.

Junior Josh Lay is the only cornerback on the roster with significant experience. He began last season as a starter but lost his job to Ferguson after the fourth game.

Rhoads said the Panthers will need Lay to realize his potential in order to become the kind of player they need him to be.

"Josh has a some playing experience, but he hasn't played consistently at an overall winning level," Rhoads said. "So he has to continue to get better. He has to become a playmaker.

"He has all the physical tools, now he needs more consistency in his knowledge and his play. We need him to become a guy who uses all of his knowledge and ability to break up passes."

Joining Lay in the fight for playing time at cornerback are freshmen Kennard Cox, Allen Richardson, Mike Phillips and sophomore Reggie Carter, who does have some experience.

Rhoads said the three freshmen have good talent and work ethic and are eager to learn. But he said the corner position is one in which experience is often the best teacher.

Cox redshirted last year but played receiver, so he is making the biggest transition. Richardson had clearinghouse issues, so he didn't enroll until January. Phillips also redshirted last season and developed a reputation as a big hitter.

"Like most of our young guys, Mike needs to learn how to tackle," Rhoads said. "Hitting someone hard and tackling are two different things, and tackling is the only sure way to get the guy down.

"But we like physical players. I think the key with all of the young kids is the mental part of it. Once they get that down, their ability to play at game speed will increase significantly."

While the corner positions are up in the air, there isclarity at safety.

Junior Tez Morris started most of the season at free safety and is again the starter at that position and senior two-year starter Tyrone Gilliard returns at strong safety.

The primary backups at the positions will be freshman Jemeel Brady (free safety) and sophomore Sam Bryant (strong safety).

Morris actually lost his starting job to Corey Humphries near the end of last season, but Rhoads said the way he has handled himself since shows he's a mature player.

"Tez understood that maybe his work and practice habits weren't what he needed them to be, and that may have cost him his spot," Rhoads said. "But he's been tremendous through winter conditioning and so far this spring. Just outstanding, and his approach to football shows how committed he is to becoming a great player. And Jemeel is young, but he has talent and has a chance to become an excellent player some day."