It has been a little more than a week since Pitt lost its top receiver Derek Kinder, but wide receivers coach Aubrey Hill has not named a replacement in the starting lineup.

"It is way too close to call," Hill said. "Some days, when I think that I have a good idea, somebody else steps up and does something that catches my attention. The competition has been very good, these guys are football players, they are competing, they all want to be that guy.

"The best thing about it is, while they are competing against each other, they are all also rooting for each other. They really go out of their way to support each other. They are a good group in that they have good chemistry and they really genuinely care about each other and push each other."

Despite the fact that Hill won't officially name a starter at Kinder's position opposite redshirt sophomore Oderick Turner, it has been pretty clear that redshirt junior Marcel Pestano is the front-runner. Pestano was the team's third-leading receiver last season behind Kinder and Turner and has been one of the most consistent performers in spring practice and training camp.

He has run with the first team almost exclusively since Kinder went down, so assuming he finishes strong, he'll likely be the guy on opening day.

The Panthers' other two veteran receivers, sophomore T.J. Porter and redshirt sophomore Cedric McGee, also figure to play a prominent role in the offense, and Hill said those four players will take the bulk of the snaps at receiver.

Porter seemingly has the most natural ability, but McGee and Pestano have been more consistent throughout training camp. Hill said he is not sure there is much difference among them. He expects a big year out of Porter, though.

"T.J. has really started to mature," Hill said. "He is starting to understand that at this level, you have to play every down, every quarter, every game, every practice with the same kind of intensity.

"He went through some freshman stuff last year, but, this year, he's really coming into his own. It is exciting because he has a lot of ability, a lot of natural talent and, once he starts to realize all of it, he can become a special player.

"At the same time, Marcel has been a pleasant surprise because he's really elevated his game. And nobody really talks much about Cedric, but he has had a great camp and he's capable of doing a lot of different things for us, too."

Turner is the only remaining receiver who seemed to have a starting spot clinched when camp opened."A lot of guys are pushing you here, and that's a good thing," Turner said. "I did get complacent early but you find out really quickly if you aren't improving, the guys behind you are."

Although those four players likely will account for the bulk of the playing time, two freshmen, Maurice Williams and Aundre Wright, have impressed the coaching staff with their potential. Hill said he would like to redshirt both, but that is getting harder to do each day.

"Every player wants to be in the game and everyone wants the ball," Porter said. "Those two younger guys are really playing very well, and I know they can help us win this year. We want to win so bad, and that means sometimes you have to step back and do what's best for the team.

"In certain situations, I know one of those two might be the best player to get the job done."

NOTES -- Freshman offensive guard Chris Jacobson will need surgery to repair a dislocated kneecap and likely is out for the season. Jacobson, ranked among the top 10 linemen in the country as a senior at Keystone Oaks High School last year, was pushing for playing time at left guard before he injured his knee Saturday in pass-rush drills. That means he will likely be redshirted. ... Pitt's annual Fanfest will be at 6:30 p.m. Thursday at Heinz Field. There will be an autograph/photo session from 6:30 to 7:30, and fans will be able to watch a practice from 7:45 to 9. Admission is free and parking in Gold Lot 1 will be available for $5. Fans can also donate blood from 2-8 p.m. Those who donate will receive a private tour of the locker room as well as two tickets to the Pitt-Grambling game and an opportunity to win two tickets to the Pitt-Navy game.