Matt Freed, Post-Gazette Quarterback Bill Stull has a firm grip on the Panthers' starting job. Click photo for larger image. More Coverage: Pitt Notebook: Bostick returns, could still make run at QB

Pitt held its first scrimmage yesterday, the first step toward filling the depth chart.

The Panthers have three more days of practice this week, a second scrimmage Saturday and, after that, Pitt coach Dave Wannstedt said the coaches will be in position to put together a two-deep and start preparing for the season.

"This is a big week for us," Wannstedt said. "We have another big scrimmage Saturday then, after that scrimmage, we'll be able to zero in a little bit more. But we have three or four good days of work and then the scrimmage and by then I think the guys will start separating themselves."

Here is a position-by-position look, along with some of the key battles to be decided:

Quarterback

Junior Bill Stull has a firm grip on the starting job and has separated himself from redshirt freshman Kevan Smith and the rest of the pack. He will be the starter Sept. 1, but the wild card is freshman Pat Bostick, who Wannstedt said still has a chance to play his way back into the mix.

Tailback

LaRod Stephens-Howling is the starter, and there is no reason to believe that will change. The question is how much freshman LeSean McCoy will be used. He already has wrestled the second spot away from Kevin Collier and received more playing time with the first unit each day.

Fullback

Not much drama here -- Conredge Collins is the starter, and his primary backup will be Shane Brooks.

Wide receiver

There is a lot of movement at this position because of the injury to Derek Kinder. Oderick Turner will start at one spot, the other starter will be either T.J. Porter or Marcel Pestano. Cedric McGee also will play a lot, and those four figure to see the bulk of the action.

Tight end

Wannstedt said sophomore Nate Byham is the starter and will "not come off the field," regardless of the formation. Redshirt sophomore John Pelusi is second and will get plenty of snaps, particularly on running downs, but senior Darrell Strong also will play a prominent role.

Offensive tackle

Senior left tackle Jeff Otah and sophomore right tackle Jason Pinkston are the starters. The third tackle will be redshirt sophomore John Bachman or redshirt junior Chase Clowser, although senior Mike McGlynn, who likely will start elsewhere on the line, could fill in.

Pitt quarterback Pat Bostick warms up before the team scrimmage on the South Side yesterday. Click photo for larger image.

Offensive guard

A lot could happen depending on where McGlynn fits, but, for now junior C.J. Davis is the starting left guard and sophomore Joe Thomas the right guard. Redshirt junior Dom Williams for now is the first guard off the bench.

Center

Chris Vangas is the starter now, and coaches are gaining confidence in him daily. If he doesn't continue to progress, however, this will be the most likely position for McGlynn.

Defensive end

Coaches believe they have three ends -- Chris McKillop, Greg Romeus and Joe Clermond -- who are capable of playing at a high level. Tyler Tkach, Jabaal Sheard and Tony Tucker are battling for the fourth spot.

Defensive tackle

This is the most-loaded position on the team, and competition for what could be six-player rotation likely will continue throughout the season. Gus Mustakas and Rashaad Duncan are the starters now, but both are being pushed by Tommie Duhart, John Malecki, Mick Williams and Craig Bokor.

Linebacker

The current starters are Adam Gunn (strong side), Scott McKillop (middle) and Shane Murray (weak side), but only McKillop has a job locked up. Dorin Dickerson is pushing Gunn, and Nate Nix is pushing Murray. The five will likely make up the rotation.

Safety

The position is set as Mike Phillips (strong) and Eric Thatcher (free) are starters who will be backed up by Jovani Chappel and Dom DeCicco.

Cornerback

Aaron Berry and Kennard Cox are the starters and Lowell Robinson is the third corner. The fourth corner spot is up in the air, although Ricky Gary likely is ahead of freshmen Buddy Jackson, Sherod Murdock and Aaron Smith.

Specialists

Conor Lee is the kicker, Dave Brytus is the punter. Coaches are looking at a number of players, led by Robinson and Berry, at punt returner and kick returner.