Greg Romeus returned to practice yesterday. This is good news for Pitt fans, as Romeus had been questionable. Wannstedt claimed that Romeus simply had been experiencing stiffness due to lingering issues from his back surgery and his sleeping situation since returning to Pitt. However, Romeus had appeared to injure his ankle, and speculation was that his ankle may have been bothering him. Regardless, he’s now back in the lineup at practices, and if all goes well, should be ready for the Utah game.

Ray Graham isn’t fairing as well. Graham is still out with a knee injury that’s been bothering him since the first scrimmage on August 14th. We haven’t received word on when he’ll return.

There’s good news for Pitt’s number one back, however. Dion Lewis was named to the Doak Walker Award watch list yesterday along with fellow Big East backs Noel Devine (WVU), Jordan Todman (UConn), Victor Anderson (Louisville), Bilal Powell (Louisville), and Delone Carter (Syracuse). This is just the preseason watch list, but it’s nice to see the Big East getting some looks.

Pitt will be back on the practice field this afternoon.

The Pitt Blog staff was there last night and snapped some photos throughout the night.

This is a great opportunity for fans to get up close and personal with the team. Pitt holds this preseason event every year at Heinz Field and it just keeps getting better.

Here’s a look at the events scheduled for tonight:

Team Autographs (6:15-7:45)
93.7 The Fan Live Broadcast
Games and Inflatables
Live Music
Brand New Nike Merchandise Available
Season Tickets Available for Purchase

Stop by tonight and start getting ready for the Panthers’ 2010 season! We’re only 10 days away from the start of the season, when Pitt takes on Utah in the season opener. You still have a bit longer before the home opener, so if you haven’t picked up season tickets yet, tonight will be a great opportunity to do so.

Leave us a comment if you plan on attending tonight. We’d like to meet some of the readers if you’ll be there.

Greg Romeus returned on a limited basis today to Panther’s training camp. He participated in individual drills, but not team drills. Romeus missed 4 days due to a stiff back. Along with Romeus, Andrew Taglianetti, Shayne Hale, and Ryan Turnley returned for some individual drills, but did not partake in team drills.

Coach Wannstedt announced yesterday that redshirt junior Chris Jacobson will be the starting left guard to start the regular season. These leave two holes on the offensive line, center and right guard.

Pitt received a verbal commitment from New Jersey defensive end Max Issaka, 6’2″, 228 pounds. Issaka is out of Woodbridge, is the 5th player from New Jersey to commit to Pitt’s 2011 class that already has 14 verbal commitments. Issaka chose Pitt over Rutgers, Michigan State, Connecticut, N.C. State, and Maryland. According to Rivals.com, Issaka is a 3 star recruit, 24th best at the position, 13th in the state.

As you may have heard, Romeus has sat out the past few practices due to a mysterious injury. We were told it was minor and that he would be back soon. Coach Wannstedt touched on the issue this morning stating that Romeus’ injury was not football related and that he would be back soon. Apparently he had been experiencing some stiffness and soreness in his back and legs related to sleeping issues since returning for camp. Coach even referenced the notion that it was due to the bed that Romeus had been sleeping on since returning.

This should further relieve fans of any worry that Romeus’ injury was more severe than it seemed. While Coach Wannstedt didn’t elaborate on specifically when we’ll see him back at practice, he sounded optimistic that it would be very soon. We had previously heard that it could be as early as today, so don’t be surprised if Romeus is back on the field this afternoon.

All throughout camp, we’ll be keeping up with major developments. This season has the potential to be one of the most exciting Pitt football seasons in recent history. Already ranked at 15th in the nation, the Panthers are a strong favorite to win the Big East Championship this season. With huge non-conference games this season against Utah, Miami, and Notre Dame, the Panthers have an opportunity to show the nation that Pitt football is a force to be reckoned with.

Before they start that journey, they need to prepare for the season and solidify their starting roster. With Bill Stull graduating last year, Tino Sunseri and Pat Bostick are ready to take over the offense. Right now, Sunseri looks to be the starting QB for the Panthers this year. Bostick is no stranger to leading the Panthers though. Remember that Bostick was the starting QB that stunned WVU in 2007, a game that seems to have marked the turnaround for Pitt under Dave Wannstedt.

Star running back Dion Lewis returns this year, as does the equally impressive Ray Graham. Combined with the solid receiving crew headed by Jon Baldwin, the offense looks to be as potent as it was last season as long as the new offensive line can step up to the challenge. Jason Pinkston appears to be ready to step up as a leader amongst the linemen to ensure they meet the challenge.

The defense is looking solid so far. Despite the loss of a few key seniors from last year, namely Mick Williams, there’s a lot of young talent ready to step in and take over. Greg Romeus should have another great year, so look for him to stand out this season. He’s currently recovering from an early camp injury, but it doesn’t appear to be too serious. Expect him to return to practice as early as tomorrow.

Things are looking good for Pitt. It’s a perfect time to start getting pumped up about Pitt football. With only a few weeks left until the season starts, fans should pick up their season tickets if they haven’t done so already. Home games against Miami, Rutgers, and WVU this season make the package well worth the price. We’re looking to step up our coverage this season for our readers, and it all starts with camp. Check back with us often for updates.

Jonathan Baldwin was announced to the preseason list and is considered a favorite to reach the semifinals of the list when it is announced in November.

Congratulations Jonathan!

The Maxwell Trophy is awarded to the “most outstanding college player”. Dion Lewis and Jon Baldwin were among the nominees.

The Walter Camp Trophy is awarded to the “best college player” and Dion Lewis was among the nominees.

Finally, the Bednarik Trophy is awarded to the “best defensive college player” and Greg Romeus was among the nominees.

Congratulations to these 3 players and all the best in the upcoming season.

ESPN/USA Today Poll

1 Alabama (55)
2 Ohio State (4)
3 Florida
4 Texas
5 Boise State
6 Virginia Tech
7 TCU
8 Oklahoma
9 Nebraska
10 Iowa
11 Oregon
12 Wisconsin
13 Miami (FL)
14 Penn State
15 Pittsburgh
16 LSU
17 Georgia Tech
18 North Carolina
19 Arkansas
20 Florida State
21 Georgia
22 Oregon State
23 Auburn
24 Utah
24 West Virginia

Courtesy of ESPN.com