Despite the fact that Pitt's record the past two seasons is 11-12, Panthers football coach Dave Wannstedt insists he is not feeling pressure from the administration or fans and does not think he is on the "hot seat."

He said he believes the foundation of the program is based on the right things and will continue to do them in order to reach his goal of building a championship program.

Wannstedt also said before the final practice of training camp last night that his main concern is helping his players achieve success both on and off the field because of their effort and commitment.

"We are doing everything we can do, but things never happen as fast as you'd like them to," Wannstedt said. "But as long as you keep moving forward, then you feel OK about things. And that's where we are right now. The guys are dealing with things well. I like our team, I like our attitude and I think we've made some adjustments in the offseason that will help us a little bit, and that's all you can do.

"[Chuck Noll] said it best: 'Pressure is something you feel when you don't know what the heck you are doing' and I promise you I know exactly what I am doing."

Wannstedt believes the Panthers will take the next step soon and start winning at a higher level, but he isn't going to cut corners to achieve that success. He said he knows he has the full support of the decision-makers at Pitt as well as his players and that he will get things turned around in the very near future.

"I'm just doing things the way I believe they should be done and, whether people believe it is the right way or the wrong way, I don't really care," Wannstedt said. "I'm to the point where I know that I am representing this university right, I know how to build a program and what it takes [to win] and I know that our chancellor is on board with that, our athletic director is on board with that and I know our football players are on board with that.

"End of discussion."

Successful camp

Wannstedt was very pleased with the way camp unfolded and the team's demeanor. He said the players' workmanlike attitude will serve them well come game time.

"I was very pleased [with camp]," Wannstedt said.

"I mean, I was real pleased driving home last night after our practice down at Heinz Field. I thought we were efficient, guys were into it and there wasn't any silliness or immaturity on the sidelines, there weren't balls on the ground, there weren't guys jumping offsides. That tells you they are focused. I was pleased with how that wrapped up."

Tough start, good finish

Training camp began with some adversity on and off the field, but except for losing tailback Kevin Collier for the season with a broken arm it ended without incident.

"I've learned in 33 years of coaching that it can always be worse and it can always be better," Wannstedt said. "It is my responsibility as the head coach -- because the players are going to watch how I react -- it is my job to keep the ship steady, keep it straight, and that's what we did and guys stepped up."

Quick hits

Wannstedt said that offensive lineman Mike McGlynn (shoulder) has been cleared for full-contact run-blocking, which means he could be ready in the opener next Saturday. "He's taken another step, now we'll just take it a day at a time," Wannstedt said. ... Defensive end Doug Fulmer (knee) has progressed, but is not yet close to being ready to play. "Doug is doing great, but he is probably still a month away," Wannstedt said. ... One freshman who has made a strong push to be in the two-deep is wide receiver Maurice Williams. "I'll tell you who has been exciting the last week is Mo Williams," Wannstedt said. "The guy has caught more deep balls for touchdowns then all of the other wideouts combined." ... Walk-on tackle Frank Kochin (Keystone Oaks) and wide receiver Austin Ransom (Williamsville, N.Y.) have been granted scholarships.