Pitt's two starting safeties are making a lot of noise these days on the field and that has been music to the ears of the coaching staff.

Strong safety Mike Phillips and free safety Eric Thatcher are trying to prove they have recovered from major injuries and both are motivated to improve the play at safety, which was as poor as any position last season.

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It could be argued poor safety play contributed to at least two losses, including the season-breaking collapse at Connecticut.

Thatcher and Phillips say they know what happened last season and are tired of hearing about it.

"Eric and I are ready," said Phillips, a redshirt senior from Warren, Ohio. "We've known each other for so long, we've helped push each other through this offseason and we've talked about what we need to do. Eric looks like he is at full speed and he's moving around good.

"And yes, we have a big chip on our shoulder. We've both taken the approach that people don't think we can get it done based on last year. But we were both banged up, but we are both back to where we were before. But when people are doubting you, you don't have any choice but to come out fighting."

The health of the safeties is essential to the Panthers' chances of being successful on defense because there is very little experience behind them. And the one player who could have been a major help -- Elijah Fields -- is suspended for the season.

Pitt secondary coach Chris Ball said he's pleased with the way Thatcher, one of the Panthers' top players last season before missing the final seven games with a broken ankle, and Phillips have performed on the field and off the field as leaders.

"Those two guys have helped me as much adjusting as anyone else. They have been so helpful to me it has been a pleasure," said Ball, who is in his first season with the Panthers. "They have been tremendous. They are both 100 percent healthy and they are in great shape and they are hungry -- they know they have a lot to prove and they keep harping on what they perceive to be a lack of respect because of what happened last year."

Phillips is two seasons removed from his major injury -- his ankle was broken against Nebraska in the third game of the 2005 season -- but he struggled last season as he never really recovered mentally from the injury and then re-injured the ankle.

He said he spent this past offseason trying to rehab his psyche as well as his ankle, and it paid off with an excellent spring.

Thatcher, who is from Cincinnati, said he and Phillips are such good friends -- the two have known each other since high school, have been roommates for most of their college careers and spend a lot of time together -- that they have exceptional chemistry on the field.

"I know what he is thinking, he knows what I am thinking -- we just have to look at each other on the field and it is clear what the other is doing," Thatcher said. "We're both going to be in this together, so we know it is up to us to step up and be leaders but also make sure we are accountable to this defense. We know what we have to do and we're working hard to make sure it gets done."

NOTES -- Pitt had a rash of knee injuries last year among linemen so the offensive and defensive linemen are wearing knee braces this season. "It is just something we are going to try and see if it helps," said coach Dave Wannstedt. ... Freshman running back Greg Williams left the practice field yesterday with a thigh injury. ... Highly regarded freshman LeSean McCoy has been impressive thus far. "I've been very pleased with his mental approach. He's taking the majority of reps and he's not making mistakes," Wannstedt said. "The next step for him will be when we put the shoulder pads on and then Saturday when we all come together in full pads, we'll start really making some final evaluations as far as where he is at. Like an old boxing guy once said, 'Everyone has a good plan until he gets hit, so we'll see.' " ... Wannstedt had high praise for freshmen corners Ricky Gary and Aaron Smith as well as freshman wide receiver Aundre Wright.