As the second scrimmage of Pitt's camp ended yesterday, coach Dave Wannstedt obviously was pleased that his offense accumulated 441 yards.

But he quickly admitted, "I was disappointed that we turned it over a few times when we had opportunities to score."

Starting quarterback Tyler Palko threw one interception and backup Bill Stull had another. And running back LaRod Stephens-Howling and receiver Lowell Robinson had fumbles.

Nonetheless, Pitt's offense showed a knack for advancing the ball, particularly with short crossing routes as Palko went 10 for 19 for 145 yards and Stull was 12 of 19 for 115. Junior tight end Darrell Strong was stellar, catching seven passes for 95 yards.

The offensive resurgence was credited largely to Palko.

"I thought the last three days, [Palko] has been as consistent as he's been," Wannstedt said. "I liked how he tucked the ball and ran for a couple first downs today. Tyler is having a good camp; he's going to have a great year."

Campbell shines

Sophomore outside linebacker Tommie Campbell worked with the first unit and led the defense with seven tackles yesterday. Not all were routine, either, and Pitt coaches have raved about Campbell's ability to go sideline-to-sideline.

"Tommie makes plays," Wannstedt said. "His playmaking ability shows up at times and places that you don't expect. On a long run today, he made a tackle 25 or 30 yards down the field."

Campbell, 6 feet 3, 210 pounds, primarily was a wide receiver at Aliquippa High School, played safety last season and his upside is tremendous.

"He's just going to get better," Wannstedt said of the former track standout. "Think about it; this is his first year playing linebacker."

Kicking questions

With senior David Abdul (heart) not cleared medically after undergoing surgery, redshirt sophomore Conor Lee and freshman Dan Hutchins have been vying for the placekicking duties.

Lee, from Upper St. Clair, was the unquestioned front-runner coming into camp but did not kick yesterday because of a strained hamstring.

He said, "It is precautionary right now, and I could have [played] if it was a game."

Hutchins went 1 for 2 yesterday, making an 18-yarder but missing from 37 yards.

Wannstedt sounded a little perturbed at the kicking game, saying: "We have to get zeroed in and get some consistency with our field goals."

Abdul might not be out of the picture, either.

"We haven't got a final word on David Abdul yet," Wannstedt said.

"We're optimistic that he might be back with us at some point. I doubt early [in the season], but maybe at some point."

Fund created

A new fundraising initiative called the "Pitt Football Endowment Position and Scholarship Program" was announced. The goal is to endow the athletic scholarship budget for the football team, and contributors will attach their name to one of 24 starting positions (11 offense, 11 defense, two specialists).

Wannstedt and his wife, Jan, provided the initiative's lead gift of $250,000. Naturally, that gift will endow the scholarship for offensive left tackle, Wannstedt's position when he played at Pitt.

Quick hits

Sophomore Conredge Collins, the No. 1 fullback, switched his jersey number from 31 to 30, and freshman receiver T.J. Porter switched from 86 to 9. ... Freshman defensive tackle John Malecki took reps with the first team. ... Defensive backs Darrelle Revis (hamstring) and Mike Phillips (ankle) were held out of the scrimmage because of minor injuries. ... About 100 former players took in the scrimmage.