When Pitt defensive coordinator Paul Rhoads watches sophomore linebacker Tommie Campbell run, it reminds him of a deer gracefully running through the woods along a stream and effortlessly leaping over broken tree branches without ever breaking stride or slowing down. When he watches freshman Elijah Fields work out, he sees the body and athleticism of an NFL safety.

	Alyssa Cwanger, Post-Gazette Elijah Fields, recruited to play receiver, has quickly adjusted at safety. Click photo for larger image.

His challenge is to find a way to get both of his most physically gifted athletes on the field as quickly as possible, and that's a tougher task than it sounds.

"Tommie is scary fast," Rhoads said. "Scary because you watch how effortlessly he runs and how athletic he is, and it is as pretty to watch as a deer. Elijah does so many things that you can't coach someone to do because of his natural ability that his potential is unlimited."

Despite their athletic talent, neither is ready for a big-time role because they are learning new positions, a process that can be slow. Campbell was a safety last year, but he was moved to linebacker in the spring and is trying to unseat Derron Thomas at weakside linebacker. Fields was recruited as a receiver, but was moved to safety the first day of camp and has played catch-up since.

Both are potential difference-makers, big-time playmakers Pitt's defense has lacked in recent seasons. That's why coaches are pushing them so hard.

Campbell is a year older, so he is much closer to becoming an every-down player than Fields. He is one of the players Pitt coach Dave Wannstedt said has come on strong in recent days, and his place on the depth chart reflects as much. Campbell has been taking more and more snaps with the first-team defense.

Rhoads believes that if Campbell continues to improve, it will change the way the Panthers can play defense. And he said the same can be said of Fields, whose workload at strong safety has increased.

"Tommie took off the other day on a play and went from one side of the field to the other and got to the ballcarrier so fast it almost seemed impossible," Rhoads said. "He is the fastest football player on our team if we ran a footrace and he's the fastest player on our team playing football. That's two different things, and the second one is much more important. That kind of speed at linebacker changes what an offense can do against you."

Rhoads said Fields is going to play on all special teams and in certain situations on defense. He said that safety is a complicated position, so it will take him time to learn the coverages and schemes. Still, he can help in coverages where the strong safety's primary responsibility is just to keep the play in front of him.

Both players admit they are struggling to learn their new position, but believe they will be ready to contribute once the season begins. Campbell said he is beginning to understand and enjoy his new position.

"I think it cool that the fastest player on our team is a linebacker, but it doesn't mean anything if I can't make plays because I'm out of position," Campbell said. "That's always been the key for me, to learn what I have to do so that I can play fast out there. The older guys have helped me along, so it is just a matter of time."

NOTES -- The Pitt-Michigan State game Sept. 16 will remain a 3:30 p.m. kickoff because of contractual obligations with ABC-TV. The issue of parking-lot availability between PNC Park and Heinz Field has not been resolved, so university officials are looking into parking alternatives. The conflict exists because the Pirates have a home game that night at 7:05.

Freshman defensive lineman McKenzie Mathews, who considered leaving the team this past weekend, had an excused absence again yesterday. "I had prearranged for him to go home to see his mother and his high school coach today," coach Dave Wannstedt said. "This was a personal thing I had set up for him four days ago, but I thought it was important for him to go do and he'll be back."

Redshirt sophomore running back Brandon Mason was excused yesterday. "I'd just say personal reasons right now, but more to be discussed," Wannstedt said. Mason is apparently unhappy with his spot on the depth chart.

Reserve linebacker Tyler Tipton has decided to transfer, and Wannstedt said the team will grant him a release from his scholarship. "We will do everything we can to help him get placed to another school. He is one of our guys, and we will do everything we can to help him."

Freshman wide receiver Dorin Dickerson (ankle) returned to practice. Wannstedt expects fullback Conredge Collins (hamstring) and defensive lineman Jason Pinkston (concussion) to return to practice today and defensive lineman Mick Williams (concussion) to return over the next few days.

Freshman linebacker Dan Loheyde and freshman quarterback Dexter Davidson both had knee surgery yesterday. Davidson needed surgery on both of his knees.

Offensive left tackle Jeff Otah has moved into the lead for the starting job.

Many starters with minor injuries, including cornerback Darrelle Revis (hamstring), sat out practice yesterday. "We have a lot of guys out here banged up, beat up and practicing, and that's part of training camp. Camp separates the men from the boys as they say," Wannstedt said.