Pitt starting fullback Conredge Collins quietly has had as good of a spring as anybody on the team, but has not received much recognition because of the position he plays and the attention that is being paid to the tailbacks and quarterbacks.

His work, however, has not been overlooked by the coaching staff.

Offensive coordinator Matt Cavanaugh said yesterday that Collins, a junior, will figure into the game plans heavily this fall because of his versatility.

"He showed last year he can be a really good fullback because he can do so many different things," Cavanaugh said. "He's shown he is versatile and because of that we're not afraid to put him back there in single-back formations and let him run the ball or pass protect.

"I think the key is he is learning to be a more physical player, and he's becoming a better fullback. He's smart and he's making better decisions so we expect big things."

One area that Collins, recruited more as a running back than a fullback, has taken big strides in is his blocking.

He was a good blocker last year -- his first as a starter -- but he was inconsistent, particularly in his lead blocking for the tailbacks. That, along with his strength, are two areas he has concentrated on improving, and the results have been obvious.

Scrimmage review

Pitt coach Dave Wannstedt watched the tape of the scrimmage Saturday and said he was pleased mostly with the energy, enthusiasm and intensity the team had. He remains unhappy with the running game and said that the passing game took a short step backward.

Wannstedt also had these observations:

Scott McKillop has filled in admirably at the middle linebacker spot left vacant by H.B. Blades. "He is a better player than I could have hoped for," Wannstedt said. "I'm confident he can handle anything we are going to ask him to do at that middle linebacker spot."

Senior left tackle Jeff Otah has improved greatly since the fall. "I really think Jeff Otah right now is our best offensive lineman," Wannstedt said. "He's done a great job and he had another good day [Saturday]."

The run defense -- in particular the defensive line -- has been a big problem for the run offense. "The half-empty side of things is that we need to get a lot better running the football," Wannstedt said. "The half-full side is you'd like to think our run defense is getting better, and it is. I think we are much more active on the defensive line than we've been."

Junior defensive tackle Gus Mustakas is set to have a monster year. "Gus, I don't like use this word, but he has a chance to be a dominating kind of player," Wannstedt said. "He is a playmaker, a guy who shows up every time the ball snapped."

Injury update

Linebacker Dorin Dickerson (ankle) returned for some light duty, but is still questionable for the Blue-Gold game Saturday. Center John Bachman, who injured his knee Saturday, is likely out for the duration of spring, as is tight end Darrell Strong (arm). Wannstedt said neither injury is serious, and he expects both to be able to participate in offseason conditioning drills within a few weeks.

Quick hits

The spring game is Saturday at 1 p.m. at Heinz Field. It is open to the public, and admission is $5. ... Cavanaugh said that while both quarterbacks, Bill Stull and Kevan Smith, have made progress, neither is ready to take the starting job. "They are getting better, but I can't get past the fact that both of them have a long way to go," Cavanaugh said. "I'm not discouraged because they are improving, but I can't project where they'll be come the season." ... Cavanaugh said the Panthers' struggles running the football are not a cause for alarm this early. "We have been inconsistent the past two years, and we need to get to the point where we can count on 170 or 180 yards rushing every week."