Pitt running back LaRod Stephens-Howling desperately wanted to show coach Dave Wannstedt that he can be an every-down back. So this past winter, the diminutive sophomore hit the weights and the training table to add more bulk to his 5-foot-7 frame.

Stephens-Howling will need the increased muscle because he'll be given every chance this spring to earn the starting tailback duties.

"Any great running back would be insulted if you said, 'You're just a third-down back,' " Wannstedt said. "That's what they don't want to hear. I'm going to give LaRod the benefit of the doubt. I think he's a guy who can carry the ball 25 or 30 times a game. Until he proves that he can't that's the way we have to approach it."

Stephens-Howling will get his chance to be the No. 1 tailback after the departures of Raymond Kirkley and Rashad Jennings. Kirkley graduated and Jennings decided to leave the program.

Stephens-Howling led the team in rushing as a true freshman last season with 434 yards. He played in nine of 11 games and was slowed by an early season ankle injury.

At 5-7, 170, he has the appearance and injury history of a situational back, but Wannstedt believes he has enough to withstand a beating. Wannstedt has liked what he has seen from the new and improved Stephens-Howling after the first few workouts this month.

"It is 10 pounds of good weight," Wannstedt said. "From what I've seen out here it doesn't look like he's lost any quickness."

Stephens-Howling, of Johnstown, is eager to prove he's capable of handling the duties of a No. 1 tailback.

"I wanted to get bigger and improve my power," he said. "I'm ready for the challenge. We have a lot of competition."

Others in competition for playing time include sophomore Brandon Mason and redshirt freshman Shane Brooks.

"Experience is lacking," Wannstedt said. "Desire is abundant. That's OK. As long as a guy's got ability and is willing to learn, you can make progress."

Defense coming along

Defensive coordinator Paul Rhoads said his players are more comfortable within the defense now that they have gone through a full year within the scheme.

"There's a huge difference," Rhoads said. "Over the course of last season, the meat and potatoes of our defense was changed quite a bit. It showed in how we learned and adjusted and what speed we played at. The coverage stuff was more the same. That was reflected in how we played pass defense. Now, in the second year, you can see the kids responding faster. I'm very pleased at where we are at that standpoint."

Seniors leading

Pitt was in a unique situation last season because their leadership came from the junior class. Quarterback Tyler Palko and linebacker H.B. Blades were spokesmen for the team as juniors.

This season their words might carry more weight now that they're seniors and undisputed leaders of the team.

"I'm really excited about our leadership," Wannstedt said. "We have some guys who were looked at as leaders in years past and now they're seniors. You can say what you want when you're a junior you do the best you can when you're in that role by example. When you're a senior you say this is the team that's going to have my name on it."