Steve Mellon, Post-Gazette Running back LeSean McCoy scores during Pitt's scrimmage at their facility on the South Side yesterday. McCoy ran for 78 yards on 10 carries. Click photo for larger image. FanFest What: Annual Pitt football fanfest during which fans can get autographs beforehand and then watch the Panthers practice. When: 6 p.m. Thursday. Where: Heinz Field.

True freshman running back LeSean McCoy remains listed as a reserve on Pitt's depth chart after two weeks of training camp.

But, judging by his performance yesterday in the second scrimmage of the preseason, it's only a matter of time before he becomes the starter.

McCoy, Pitt's most-hyped freshman, put on a scintillating display of running skills. He rushed for 78 yards and scored a touchdown on 10 carries and was by far the star for an inconsistent first-team offense.

"In the first scrimmage, I was kind of hesitant," said McCoy, a 5-foot-11, 210-pounder from Bishop McDevitt High School in Harrisburg. "Today, I just felt comfortable and let everything roll together, and everything flowed out."

The first-team offense sputtered early when McCoy was not in the backfield. With LaRod Stephens-Howling at tailback, the first-team offense went three-and-out on its first two possessions. On the third, it got one first down before quarterback Bill Stull was intercepted by Shane Murray, who ran 45 yards for a touchdown return.

The next time the first-team offense took the field, McCoy lined up with the starters. On the first play from scrimmage, McCoy ripped off a 32-yard run. He followed that up with a 12-yard run and a 9-yard run on the next two plays. He caught a screen pass for 5 yards on the fourth play.

After Kevin Collier was stopped for no gain -- the only time on the drive that McCoy did not touch the ball, McCoy ran off tackle for a 7-yard touchdown run.

"It was great to get LeSean McCoy involved today," Pitt coach Dave Wannstedt said. "He showed up today, and he's gotten better since last week."

When asked if McCoy was making a push for a starting position, Wannstedt said: "We have to figure it out. ... We're going to need them all. If you're going to run the football, which we are going to do, we're going to need them all. Kevin Collier, Conredge Collins, Sharif Harris ... I was pleased with all of the backs."

Stephens-Howling did not have a good day with the first unit. Stephens-Howling, the starter last season, managed just 4 yards on five carries. Even though McCoy is pushing Stephens-Howling hard for the starting job, McCoy does not mind playing in a secondary role for now.

"People make us out to be enemies, like we're out there battling all the time," McCoy said. "But we're great friends. He's more like my dad teaching me everything. I know my role. He's the starter. I'll just follow in his footsteps."

The Wright stuff

McCoy was not the only true freshman to make a big impression yesterday. Wide receiver Aundre Wright, a former Perry Traditional Academy star who spent a prep season last fall at Milford Academy, wowed the coaching staff with his open-field moves.

Wright took two reverses for 40 yards and scored on one of them, when he put his head down and found the goal line late in the scrimmage.

"In the slot, I'd like to get the ball to Aundre Wright," Wannstedt said. "He's exciting. He's probably the fastest guy on our team, and it shows up. He's a tough guy, too. On the goal line, he can play tough."

The Bostick debut

True freshman quarterback Pat Bostick, who missed the first week of camp to tend to some personal problems, put on the pads for the first time and took part in the scrimmage. He played with the second- and third-teamers and acquitted himself well, going 10 for 13 for 79 yards and two touchdowns.

"Today was good for Pat," Wannstedt said. "He got about 25 plays. I thought he did great. He showed up here four days ago. From the start, I thought he responded well and got his feet wet."

As well as he played, Wannstedt made it clear that Stull is the front-runner for the starting job. Stull was 9 for 15 for 58 yards and threw one touchdown in addition to the interception that was returned for a touchdown.

"We'll keep competing," Wannstedt said. "It's Billy's job. We'll see what happens. I know we can win with Billy Stull. I have the confidence in him and I know his teammates have confidence in him."

Wannstedt said he would name his starter after the third scrimmage later this week.