Today the Panthers will have the first of three scheduled scrimmages, after which coaches will break down film and put together the first workable depth chart as they continue to prepare for the season. The Panthers are less than three weeks away from their opener against Virginia and still have far more questions than answers at a number of positions.

Pitt coach Dave Wannstedt said the format for the scrimmage will be simple and he believes every player -- at least those who are healthy enough to participate -- will get at least 15 plays.

"The [first-team offense] will face the [first-team defense] and the twos will face the twos and so on," Wannstedt said. "We will practice some before it so it won't just be a scrimmage. I'd say we'll go a total of about 45 plays then Saturday's scrimmage we will go a little bit more than that."

The key position battles in camp are at left tackle, receiver, kicker, cornerback, weakside linebacker and defensive line.

Smart class

The majority of the freshman class enrolled in summer school and has gotten off to a good start academically.

The class had an average GPA of 3.27 and four players -- Nate Byham, Greg Romeus, Nate Nix and Kevan Smith -- had 4.0s.

"All of our freshmen did outstanding this summer," Wannstedt said.

Short Snaps

The offense, particularly the passing offense, struggled again yesterday and it was evident in the body language of the players and offensive coaches as they left the practice field. The lone highlight was made by freshman receiver T.J. Porter, who made a tough catch over the middle then outran the defensive backs to the end zone for a touchdown. Porter, who had considered quitting the team Sunday, has had an excellent camp and will be in the mix for a starting job. ... Wannstedt praised the leadership of senior middle linebacker H.B. Blades. "I've always believed that whether you are a senior All-American like he is or a freshman, you have to prove yourself at some point during training camp. You have to play at the highest level you are capable of and H.B. is doing that. He is out here working as hard as anyone. He is taking nothing for granted.". ... Freshman receiver Dorin Dickerson (ankle) missed practice for the fifth consecutive day and defensive tackle Mick Williams (migraines) did not practice yesterday either. Senior receiver Joe DelSardo (hamstring) did return to practice. The only new injury was to defensive end Chris McKillop, who sat out most of the second half of practice with a shoulder injury.