Matt Freed, Post-Gazette Pitt guard John Simonitis and the offensive line will be an important part of the Panthers' season. Click photo for larger image. Related article Recruit makes Pitt even Cook: Don't give up on Wannstedt

The members of Pitt's offensive line made a commitment to get stronger in the offseason and the players exceeded their goals. Junior right tackle Mike McGlynn increased his bench press by 45 pounds, senior center Joe Villani increased his by 40, as did senior guard John Simonitis.

But an increase in physical conditioning is only one reason the line, the subject of much criticism in recent years, may have gone from the team's biggest question mark to perhaps its greatest strength.

That's because the line is more established, more experienced and far more consistent heading into training camp.

"Last year, the losing record, that was on the O-line. We'll take responsibility for it," said Simonitis, who enters his fourth year as a starter. "But this is a different group. That's the commitment we made to each other and to this team. We have all worked our [tails] off to get to a point where we can compete. Not just in the weight room, in the film room. We will be one of the team's strengths. We want to lead the charge."

Four starters return on the line, including two players -- McGlynn and Simonitis -- who have 49 combined career starts between them. They are joined by Villani and sophomore left guard C.J. Davis, who may be the best lineman on the team.

There is only one spot -- left tackle -- where a starter is still to be determined, but the coaches are fairly confident that highly touted junior college transfer Jeff Otah (6 feet 6, 340 pounds) is capable of winning the job.

If Otah is as good as advertised, the Panthers' starting unit will be far ahead of where it was heading into the season last year, when coaches used so many different combinations during camp it was difficult to develop chemistry.

There were three major holes that needed to be filled and most of the options were inexperienced players or players who were being asked to switch positions. And while that translated into poor play for most of the early part of the season, the unit improved.

"Continuity is the thing," Villani said. "I think it is so important to have the guys established early because we can get a lot of work in together. This time [last year] at camp there were a lot of questions, players getting used to their spots and whatnot, so this is a much different feeling."

Villani's emergence in the spring and summer is one of the biggest reasons the expectations for the line are high.

He struggled last year, his first as a starter, and coaches had considered the center position a major concern heading into the spring.

But Villani solidified his position as the starter by the second week of spring drills.

"I know last year did not go like I envisioned it and I knew my back was up against it," Villani said. "The key for me was to prove I belonged, that this was my job and that I could get it done. That's the way we've all been. You will find a much different unit this year."

Pitt offensive line coach Paul Dunn said that the line will improve because it has more experience. He said McGlynn, who could merit All-Big East consideration by the time the season is over, might be ready for a breakout season.

He is concerned, however, about the line's depth. Beyond the four starters and Otah, there are very few players with much experience that are ready to step in, if needed.

"We definitely have to stay healthy, but I do think there is a lot to build on right now and we're hopeful that is the case," Dunn said.

"I believe Joe Villani is going to have the best year of his career. I think you can say the same about some of the other guys as well. An important thing is we are not only better individually, I think as a group we are better. We understand things better and we know what's expected better, so there is no reason we shouldn't be a better all-around unit."

Villani, who said he has altered his stance after watching tapes of Steelers center Jeff Hartings and is getting off the ball quicker, added, "Last year, we were not only inexperienced, we were learning a new system. This year, we are playing faster and more confident and that's a huge part of why we are excited about this year as well."

NOTES -- Craig Bokor was moved from defensive tackle to offensive guard. ... Kicker David Abdul (heart) has not been medically cleared and will not participate in camp. ... Tight end John Pelusi (knee) will not likely be able to participate in full-contact drills during camp. As a result, freshman Tyler Tkach has moved from defensive end to tight end. ... Two freshmen, Jason Pinkston and Aaron Smith, were not eligible as of yesterday because of NCAA Clearinghouse issues but Pitt coach Dave Wannstedt believes both will be cleared by today.