Lake Fong, Post-Gazette LaRod Stephens-Howling Click photo for larger image. More Coverage: Pitt Notebook: Miscues are causing Wannstedt to snap

It wasn't bad enough that Pitt junior tailback LaRod Stephens-Howling was overshadowed by some of the other big-time backs in the Big East last season, he has spent the better part of this year in the shadow of a teammate who has yet to carry the ball in a game.

But when a player is 5-feet-7 and 175 pounds, he is used to being overlooked and overshadowed. He's also used to being underestimated and that is often gives him an edge.

"[Stephens-Howling] isn't going anywhere and there isn't anything we're going to be doing that he isn't going to be a part of," Pitt running back coach David Walker said. "He's a special talent, he's got a great attitude and he's very motivated. But he is a complete player who will be a big part of our offense and I think, if he stays healthy he will start to get recognized in that category of the other bigger name backs in the Big East."

Pitt coach Dave Wannstedt added, "I think LaRod Stephens-Howling is the most underrated running back in the Big East. If LaRod stays healthy, he's a 1,000-yard rusher, no doubt. He's now bench pressing over 300 pounds, he's worked hard on getting bigger and stronger -- the offseason he's had has given him a better chance to be more durable. He's capable of doing something special every time he touches the ball."

Stephens-Howling, who is as thoughtful and humble as he is talented, just smiles when asked about people overlooking him. He knows the drill and also knows, because of his size, he'll always have doubters.

At the same time, he's far more worried about getting Pitt to a bowl game than he is about earning individual accolades or recognition. He would rather stay out of the spotlight so he can focus on becoming a better all-around player.

2006 leaders
Big East rushing
Player, team	Yards
Ray Rice, Rutgers	1,794
Steve Slaton, WVU	1,744
Patrick White, WVU	1,219
L. Stephens-Howling, Pitt	893
Donald Brown, UConn	896

"There are a lot of great backs in the Big East and they deserve all the credit they get," said Stephens-Howling, who is from Johnstown. "I don't worry about any of that stuff -- as long as my coaches and my teammates appreciate me and know what I can do, that's all that matters. We have a chance to be a good team and that's really what I'm worried about -- just doing the best I can do to help this team win games.

"It hasn't been much fun reading about other teams going to bowl games while we are sitting at home, so winning is what is on all of our minds."

Stephens-Howling, who is called "the Johnstown Jet" by his teammates because of his speed and quickness, said he enjoys watching players such as West Virginia's Steve Slaton and Rutgers' Ray Rice play because they are great players and he can pick up some tips from watching them perform.

But Walker said other guys probably should be watching Stephens-Howling because, despite being slowed by injuries last year, he was one of the best players in the Big East. Statistics would seem to support that idea.

Stephens-Howling was fourth in the conference in rushing (81.2 yards per game and 893 total yards) despite missing parts of several games with various nagging injuries. He also averaged 5.0 yards per carry, which Walker said is a good indication that he was effective every time he carried the ball. His best performance came in a 21-11 win against Syracuse when he ran for 221 yards and had a 70-yard touchdown run.

Despite the numbers, Stephens-Howling has all but been brushed aside in the minds of the fans. They are anticipating the debut of highly recruited tailback LeSean McCoy, who has been impressive early in camp. McCoy played one season at a prep school but in 2005, as a senior at Bishop McDevitt High School in Harrisburg, was ranked as the No. 1 running back in the nation by numerous scouting services.

Walker said McCoy, along with sophomore Kevin Collier, will be in the mix at the tailback but both have a lot of work to do before they are ready to take carries away from Stephens-Howling.

McCoy, who is 5-11, 210, is also a different style of running back than Stephens-Howling, so the two should co-exist with little trouble.

That's why Stephens-Howling isn't threatened by McCoy. In fact, he is hoping McCoy is as good as advertised.

"I think it is great that Pitt keeps recruiting great players -- that's how we get better as a team," Stephens-Howling said. "Why wouldn't I want a great running back to come here -- we're trying to get better as a unit, we're trying to become a much better team running the football, so everyone can help. I've enjoyed having LeSean around and Kevin Collier -- the more good players we have the better.

"I've never thought this would be a one-man show, nor should it be. We are all one, we are all in this together and when I'm not in the game I'll be rooting for the other guys to do a great job and I know they will and I know they'll be rooting for me as well. We're trying to win, that's all we want to do."

Walker said that the rotation of tailbacks will be determined by how they fare in camp, but there are basically five players vying for three spots. He said Stephens-Howling will be the starter while Collier, McCoy and freshmen Shariff Harris and Greg Williams will battle for the two other spots.