Pitt running backs coach David Walker is responsible for recruiting in New York, but he may have pulled off his greatest recruiting victory yesterday without leaving Pitt's South Side practice facility.

That's because heralded freshman Dorin Dickerson officially was moved from wide receiver to running back.

Walker hardly could contain his excitement when talking about it. Dickerson had worked with the receivers during the first week of camp, when he was slowed by an ankle injury.

When he returned to practice Tuesday, he lined up with the running backs. The move is not a big surprise because Pitt coach Dave Wannstedt often talked about making Dickerson a running back.

Walker was happy to welcome Dickerson into the running-back group, even though the freshman from West Allegheny High School also may be used occasionally as a wide receiver. No matter where Dickerson plays, Walker sees a star.

Dickerson played mostly at running back in high school, so it is a move back to his natural position. And, considering his size, 6 feet 2, 200 pounds, he gives the Panthers a big running back, something they lack, especially since Brandon Mason apparently has left the team.

Sophomore LaRod Stephens-Howling is the starting tailback, but the competition for backup is wide open, with Dickerson joining a field that already includes Kevin Collier and Shane Brooks.

"We will know in a few days if this is his career position," Walker said. "But I watched his film, too, and [receivers coach Aubrey Hill and I] were fighting for him. We were fighting for him during recruiting. We'd obviously love to have him as part of our group, and coach Hill would love to have him as a receiver.

"In high school, he showed he can run with power and niftiness and catch the ball out of the backfield, so, for him, it will be like riding a bike. It will take him a couple of weeks, and he'll be back up on it."

Dickerson's versatility is one of the reasons he was one of the most highly recruited players in Pennsylvania and a consensus top 100 player nationally last year. At times, he played quarterback, receiver, running back, defensive back and kick-returner for the Indians and was their leader in nearly every offensive category. He led the WPIAL with 36 touchdowns last season, rushed for 1,429 yards and had 22 receptions for 423 yards.

He was recruited mostly as a receiver, but Wannstedt recruited him as an athlete and told him Pitt coaches would find the best place for him on the field. Initially, he was placed with the wide receivers because they were short of playmakers, but the emergence of several underclassmen made Dickerson's switch to tailback possible.

Dickerson said he's happy about the move, but his first goal is to get his ankle healthy. He said he has taken his rehabilitation seriously and that he'll be back to full speed soon. In the meantime, he is concentrating on learning his assignments as a running back.

"I'll play anywhere as long as we win, that's all I care about," Dickerson said. "As of right now, I'm a running back. I'm cool with any way I can get on the field and help the team produce and win games. I'll play defense, I'll play offense."

Dickerson said his latest injury is only one reason he is behind some of the other freshmen. He also missed a good portion of the summer with knee and ankle injuries he sustained in practice for the Big 33 Football Classic in June. He said that's why he gained a little weight and doesn't have quite the burst he did before.

"I was a little out of shape because of that [Big 33] injury," Dickerson said. "I've only been back running for three weeks. I had to sit out a whole month and just watch. It wasn't much fun."

Wannstedt said that Dickerson's potential is unlimited, he is sure he can contribute this year, and he's not sure what his exact role will be. He added that Dickerson's position could change again.

"Keep in mind, he was hurt before we even put the pads on. The guy hasn't been tackled yet," Wannstedt said.

"Initially, we said he will either be a receiver that will line up some in the backfield or be a running back we put out and throw the ball to some. Right now with our running-back spot, we felt like that would be his quickest opportunity to get on the field."

NOTES

Mason has returned to his home in New Jersey and is talking with his family about his future. ... Former Aliquippa star Tommie Campbell has moved into the starting lineup at weakside linebacker. ... Cornerback Darrelle Revis (hamstring) was held out of practice yesterday, and safety Mike Phillips sat out most of the afternoon practice because of an ankle injury. Both injuries are considered minor. ... Former Pitt coach Jackie Sherrill attended practices yesterday and spoke to the team about the Panthers' glory years. "Dave Wannstedt has an excellent eye for talent, and that is evident by the number of good looking athletes we have out here," said Sherrill, who is in town for the Pitt football Alumni Golf Outing today at Montour Country Club. ... Redshirt freshman Craig Bokor (Hopewell) has moved up to second team at offensive guard.