Pitt's Romeus Is Not In A Rush

Quarterbacks and offensive linemen all around the Big East were collectively disappointed to find out that defensive end Greg Romeus will be returning for his senior season with the Pittsburgh Panthers. The Big East’s Co-Defensive Player of the Year received a third round draft grade from the NFL Advisory Committee, which he understands is a conservative projection.

“I knew it could be higher than that, so it didn’t matter,” Romeus said of the grade and where he ultimately could get drafted. “Coach (Dave Wannstedt) basically told me that. If that (third round grade) was a reason (for me coming back), it wasn’t a big reason.”

More importantly, Romeus believes that another year at the collegiate level will help his career. He told College Football Insiders Radio that it wasn’t just one reason or another, but rather many factors which led to his decision to return to Pittsburgh for his senior campaign.

“The pros outweighed the cons,” Romeus said of staying in school. Like most college football players who must decide whether or not they are ready to make the jump to the NFL, Romeus leaned heavily on his family and head coach.

“It was a long decision. I didn’t make my mind up actually until the last week, a few days before the deadline. I talked to Coach. He talked to me. Toward the last few games he just told me he would look things up for me and tell me what the best option would be,” Romeus said. “He and my family all sat down and came to the conclusion that the best decision for me would be to stay. Every year it seems I have improved, not just physically but mentally, which is a big part of the game that you need to haave when it comes to going to the next level. I just think another year of experience would benefit me a lot more. There’s really no rush.”

Who else encouraged him? None other than Pittsburgh alumnus and current New York Jet Darrelle Revis, who provided advice and shared his own experience; as a junior, he was presented with the same choice.

“He (Revis) told me to just trust Coach,” Romeus told College Football Insiders Radio. Adding, “I knew Coach wouldn’t lead me in the wrong direction.” Wannstedt appears to have earned the type of trust in his players that can be the core of a program on the rise.

A high school basketball star, Romeus was a bit behind in the learning curve but made a solid contribution as a red-shirt freshman in 2007, recording 41 tackles, 11.5 tackles for a loss and four sacks. In 2008 those numbers leaped to 51 tackles, 15.5 tackles for a loss and 7.5 sacks. The 6’6”, 270-pound Romeus enjoyed a 2009 season in which he finished with eight sacks, 43 tackles, three forced fumbles, five passes defended and an interception on his way to Co-Big East Defensive Player of the Year honors, as well as an All-College Football Insiders third team selection.

So where does he need to improve? Romeus wants to lead the team and ensure they achieve all that they can in 2010.

“We have a lot of goals for next year and to come back and have a chance to win a championship would be something good. I’m happy with my decision and I don’t regret it.”

Next year, Pittsburgh returns some key pieces from a 10-3 team that nearly pulled off a conference championship. Something that will be vital is leadership, and Romeus is on it.

“Me, as a senior, I feel as if I have to get out there and lead the guys. I’m ready to take on that role, coming in there everyday and making sure we train as hard as we can.”

Romeus understands that next year could bring even greater opportunities for him, namely a college degree and a Big East Championship. He’s already gotten college football fans excited about the 2010 Panthers, admiring the program’s consistency.

“We’re just improving every day. Everybody understands that it starts in the off-season and it’s something that we’re all buying into. Every year that happens we see the results are getting better. We are looking forward to that.”

As for this coming weekend, if you think Romeus is rooting for Revis to win a championship of his own, think again. When asked if he would be rooting for the former Panther he answered in the negative.

“Living in my Miami, we learned not to like the Jets.”

Click Here To Listen To Entire College Football Insiders Interview With Greg Romeus

Photos Courtesy of Dennis Hubbard & University of Pittsburgh

Player Spotlight: Dorin Dickersonq

The NFL Draft Bible Player Spotlight continues with Pittsburgh playmaking tight end Dorin Dickerson.

The former Panther nabbed 10 touchdowns this past season, on his way to being named a John Mackey Award finalist, as well as a third team All-College Football Insiders selection. His performance warranted an invite to the NFL Scouting Combine, where he hopes to improve his draft stock. Join host Bo Marchionte as they discuss his training preparation, strengths and goals leading up to April.

CLICK HERE

Photo Courtesy of University of Pittsburgh

Meineke Car Care Bowl: Prospect Watch

By Justin Van Fulpen

Here are the following players to keep your eye for the 2010 NFL Draft in the MEINEKE CAR CARE BOWL.

Pittsburgh:

QB Bill Stull – Stull has really come on this season and has opened a few eyes in the NFL, but most scout just think he is more of just a guy than a prospect, but he should get a look as a free-agent.

TE Nate Byham – Byham has shown that he can both be a blocker and a pass receiver. The senior also possesses decent size; he projects as a 5th or 6th round pick.

OG Joe Thomas – Thomas is a good run blocker, but needs to improve as a pass blocker. Right now he is considered a free-agent type.

DE Greg Romeus – Romeus is a physically gifted defensive end who can rush the pass as well as play the run. He is only a junior and many people around the league believe that he will declare; if he does look for him to be an early 2nd round pick.

ILB Adam Gunn – Gunn is a hard-nosed player who swarms to the ball and is good against the run, but doesn’t do a great job against the pass. Right now is a free-agent type.

CB Aaron Berry – Berry doesn't have great size and wide receivers have shown the ability to take advantage of him when he plays man-to-man. Right now he is a free-agent type.

North Carolina:

DE EJ Wilson – Wilson has great size for a defensive at 6'2" and 280 pounds, along with excellent speed and quickness. The Tar Heel is a very good tackler who does possess pass-rush ability. Many scouts view him as a 3-4 defense end at the next level. He should be a 6th round pick in the 2010 NFL Draft.

DT Marvin Austin – An athletic defensive tackle, Austin is also able to play defensive end in the 3-4 defense. Should the junior declare, he is projected to be selected late in round one.

DT Cam Thomas – Thomas is a massive defensive tackle at 6'3" and 330 pounds, and he may be able to play nose tackle at the next level, which could boost his draft stock. He carries a mid-late round pick.

DT Aleric Mullins – Mullins has good size but he hasn't played a ton because of the presence of Thomas and Austin. The NFL will like his ability to be a rotation type player on the defensive line and he should sign as free-agent.

ILB Quan Sturdivant - Sturdivant is a sideline-to-sideline inside linebacker who could step in and play middle linebacker in the NFL, but he is only a junior. It Sturdivant decides to declare, the Tat Heel would likely be be a 2nd round pick.

OLB Bruce Carter – There is talk that Carter has already made his mind up to come back to North Carolina for his senior season, but he could ultimately decide to come out and be a 2nd round pick due to his size and athleticism at outside linebacker.

CB Kendric Burney – Burney doesn’t have great size, but he will come up and hit; a very strong tackler for a cornerback. There is some talk about him coming out early and if he elects to forgo his senior season, expect him to be selected in the middle rounds.

S Deunta Williams – Williams has great size at 6'2" and 205 pounds, in addition to having a knack for making big plays. He is only a junior but should he declare he could wind up being a 2nd round pick.

For more NFL, NFL Draft news, you can follow me on Twitter at www.twitter.com/jvanfulpen.

Photos Courtesy of Dennis Hubbard & UNC Athletic Communications

College Football Insiders Radio - Week 14

The voice of college football is here as CFI Founder Daniel Mogollon brings you coast-to-coast coverage of all the football action from across the nation, every Thursday at 5:00pm ET. 60 min.

Special Guests:

* Editor Kirk McNair of 'Bama Magazine & 'BamaMag.com

* Columnist Kirk Bohls of the Austin-American Statesman

* Florida Beat Writer Jeremy Folwer of the Orlando Sentinel

* NFL Draft Bible Super Scout & Former Oregon State Beaver Kelron Sykes

* Join us as we break down the SEC Championship, Big XII Championship, ACC Championship, Cincinnati @ Pittsburgh, Oregon State @ Oregon and more in this week's edition of College Football Insiders Radio.

CLICK TO LISTEN OR DOWNLOAD (30 Minutes After Show's Completion)

Call-in Number: (347) 945-6275

Photo Courtesy of College Press Box

CFI Countdown: #22 Pittsburgh Panthers

2008 Record: 9-4 (Big East: 5-2)
Bowl Game: Lost Sun Bowl to Oregon St. 3-0
Location: Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Stadium: Heinz Field (65,050)
Head Coach: Dave Wannstedt
Overall: 25-23 (5th season)
@ Pittsburgh: 25-23 (5th season)
Link to Pitt Football Page

After three very disappointing non-bowl seasons to begin the Dave Wannstedt era, the Panthers made their first bowl since the 2004 season. Now it’s time to win one (last bowl win came in 2002) and who knows…maybe even a conference crown. Pittsburgh has one Big East title (shared in 2004) since joining the conference in 1993 and has not reached double figures in victories since 1981, when they rolled off the third of three straight 11-1 seasons.

When the Panthers Have the Ball

Offensive Coordinator: Frank Cignetti, Jr. (1st season)
Scheme: Pro Style
Starters Returning: Seven
Key Losses: RB LeSean McCoy, WR Derek Kinder, OG C. J. Davis, RB LaRod Stephens-Howling, FB Conredge Collins

Senior Bill Stull and junior Pat Bostick have taken most of the reps at quarterback the past two seasons. Neither has played well, much less taken hold of the job when the opportunity has presented itself. Stull appears to be the starter heading into 2009 and is respected for his leadership and intangibles. Bostick is considered the more physically gifted of the two, but has been shaky in the decision-making department. Regardless of who wins the job, he would be wise to throw the ball up to 6’ 5” sophomore Jonathan Baldwin as much as possible. They also have excellent depth at tight end in seniors Nate Byham and Dorin Dickerson, both capable contributors in the passing game. What the Panthers hope to replicate is the production they received from tailback LeSean “Shady” McCoy. Their most talented runners are a pair of freshmen, Dion Lewis and Chris Burns. Four starters return to what should be a solid offensive line, led by left tackle Jason Pinkston. If the line and the offense as a whole are to take the next step, two highly-touted sophomores will need to step up—Lucas Nix, who is expected to start at right tackle, and Chris Jacobson, who is competing for playing time at guard.

Top Pro Prospects: 1) WR Jonathan Baldwin (SO), 2) TE Nate Byham (SR), 3) OT Jason Pinkston (JR)

When the Other Team Has the Ball

Defensive Coordinator: Phil Bennett (2nd season)
Scheme: Multiple 4-3
Starters Returning: Seven
Key Losses: LB Scott McKillop, FS Eric Thatcher, LB Austin Ransom, DT Rashaad Duncan

It all starts up front for the Panthers defensively. Defensive end Greg Romeus showed flashes as a sophomore and is poised to break out this season using his speed and athleticism to get into the backfield. He also knows how to use his length—he blocked three of Pitt’s 10 blocked kicks. On the opposite side Jabaal Sheard got his hands on seven passes, making his share of impact plays. Keeping defenses honest will be senior tackle Mick Williams who can be a force in his own right. They must replace two starters at the next level, including defensive leader Scott McKillop, but in sophomore SAM Greg Williams, they add another dynamic piece to their front seven. Both starting corners are back, including senior Aaron Berry, who will make opposing quarterbacks think twice about throwing his way. As a unit, the secondary recorded 16 interceptions in 2008 and should be among the best in the country once again.

Top Pro Prospects: 1) DE Greg Romeus (JR), 2) CB Aaron Berry (SR), 3) LB Greg Williams (SO)

The Schedule

With Youngstown St., Buffalo (on the road), and Navy to kick off the schedule, the Panthers face a pair of 2008 bowl teams but should get off to a quick start. A game to circle is their trip to Raleigh to face the Wolfpack—a win there and Pitt could be headed towards a special season. They host Notre Dame in an out of conference game as well. As for the Big East race, they play South Florida and defending champ Cincinnati at home, with visits to Rutgers and border rival West Virginia. They play the Bearcats and Mountaineers in the final two weeks of the season in contests that could decide the conference.

Pivotal Point

It begins and ends with their quarterback play. Last season as a group they combined for 2,356 yards, 10 touchdowns, and 14 interceptions, while completing just 55.9 percent of their passes. That inaccuracy would begin to explain how a nine-win team that finished second in their conference was held scoreless in their bowl game. As a freshman in 2007, Bostick was the primary starter but was on shaky ground most of the way, throwing eight touchdowns and 13 interceptions. Stull stepped in last season and was not much better—throwing nine scoring strikes and 10 interceptions (Bostick’s 2008 ratio was one-to-four). Slightly above average play would go a long way.

CFI Final Analysis

Look for the 2009 Panthers to win nine or even 10 games, win the Big East conference, and make their second trip to a BCS Bowl. It will not only be the school’s best season under Coach Wannstedt—an alum who was brought here to bring back the glory days—but maybe their best season in over 25 years. They’re not there yet, but they have turned the corner in Western Pennsylvania.

College Football Insiders Top 25 Countdown:
The Next 25 (26-50) Plus 18 Bowl Teams
#25 West Virginia Mounainteers
#24 Tennessee Volunteers
#23 Clemson Tigers

Contact Daniel Mogollon via email dan@collegefootballinsiders.com

Photo Credit: University of Pittsburgh

College Football Insiders Preview: Big East

By CHRISTOPHER MOGOLLON - Big East Insider

It may not possess the talent pool of the SEC, school recognition of the Big Ten, or National Championship contenders of the Big 12, but the Big East isn’t the cream-puff conference that many in the college football world believe them to be. Whether it’s the rapidly developing programs, the top of the line post-season record, or recent success in its BCS appearances, the Big East has established itself as a football conference to be reckoned with. The competitiveness and depth of the league has made for an exciting conference race down the stretch each year, and 2009 should be no different.

The Favorites: South Florida & West Virginia: This season, a legitimate case can be made for five different teams winning the conference. But when the two deepest and most athletic teams meet in Raymond James Stadium in Tampa Bay on October 30th, it should determine who wins the conference title. Losing Pat White is more than just a setback for West Virginia—not only did they lose their leading passer, scorer, and the two-time Offensive Conference Player of the Year (2007, 2006), they lost the face of the program and the undisputed team leader. The good thing is that White’s former backup, Jarrett Brown, has not only won both games he started in his career, but has never a lost a game in which he entered with the lead. Even though the senior doesn’t bring the security Pat White did at quarterback, he does instill some confidence because of his mobility, which makes him a more than capable fit in West Virginia’s system. Running back Noel Devine put together a sophomore season in which he rushed for 1,289 yards at 6.3 yards per carry. Between his big play ability and the athleticism of returning wide receivers Alric Arnett and Jock Sanders, West Virginia has the offensive firepower to win a conference title. The Mountaineers also return six starters from a defense that held opponents to only 17.0 points a game, the best in the conference led by a strong defensive line. South Florida has captured the attention of the nation for two consecutive seasons by breaking into the top 10 in the polls. However they haven’t been able to maintain that momentum past mid-October, collapsing down the stretch each time including losing four of their last five in 2008. What will it take this year for the Bulls to break free from this pattern of feeling, but not overcoming the pressure? Discipline, discipline, discipline. From being the most penalized (111) team in the league to the ill-advised throws made by Matt Grothe, South Florida has given away games and wasted red-zone opportunities far too often in recent seasons. The key again this year offensively rests on the shoulders of Grothe, who must curb his interceptions (18 touchdowns, 14 interceptions in 2009). His mobility and arm strength make him both a Unitas Award and Big East POY candidate. Helping Grothe is an athletic group of running backs (led by Mike Ford) and wide outs (Jessie Hester, Dontavia Bogan, A.J. Love and Carlton Mitchell). The defense contains star athletes, again led by defensive end George Selvie, the conference sack leader in 2007, as well as defensive backs Jerome Murphy and Nate Allen.

The Contenders: Cincinnati & Pittsburgh: Last year’s champion Cincinnati brings back what might be the most proven quarterback in the conference, (Tony Pike), the top wide-receiver (Mardy Gilyard) and a solid rushing tandem (John Goebel and Jacob Ramsey). However, on the other side other ball, the Bearcats only return one starter and are very unproven at linebacker. Pittsburgh must be mentioned as one of the candidates to win to the conference because of a returning defense that was outstanding in the second-half of last season. Led by junior defensive end Greg Romeus, who has the most sacks of any returning player in the conference (he finished third in 2008), and second-team All Big East cornerback Aaron Berry, Pittsburgh returns seven defensive starters. But the quarterback play last year for the Panthers was simply awful. Both quarterbacks Bill Stull and Pat Bostick are sure to make it difficult for the Panthers to win games against tough defenses and after losing superstar half-back LeSean McCoy, they may have to rely too much on freshman running backs Dion Lewis and Chris Burns for offensive punch.

The Sleeper: Rutgers: If there’s one thing for sure, it’s that the Scarlet Knights have an offensive line that can bring them to the promised land in Miami (site of the Orange Bowl). Returning all five starters from last season, Anthony Davis leads a colossal front-five that will undoubtedly give running backs Kordell Young, Jourdan Brooks and Joe Martinek the space they need for a strong ground attack. What Rutgers does lose is their quarterback Mike Teel and stud wide-receiver Kenny Britt, as well as speedster Tiquan Underwood. They do return Tim Brown who caught 27 balls for 565 yards, and will rely on highly touted recruiting classes of the past two years. The Knights may not have the meat and potatoes front like West Virginia, or the talented South Florida secondary, but they do return spectacular tackling linebacker Ryan D’Imperio and very solid cornerback Devin McCourty on defense. In such a compact conference, the schedule for Rutgers works heavily in their favor. Not only do they play four conference home games, which only half the teams in the league do, but by far their toughest conference games are at home. If they are in the driver’s seat down the stretch, home field advantage in games versus South Florida and West Virginia late in the season could be enough to squeeze them into the Orange Bowl.

Offensive Player of the Year: QB Tony Pike (Cincinnati) vs. QB Matt Grothe (South Florida) vs. RB Noel Devine (West Virginia): Bearcat quarterback Tony Pike threw for 2,407 yards and 19 touchdowns last season. He is projected to surpass those numbers this year since he is expected to start from the get-go. Cincinnati’s offense scheme gives Pike the opportunity to put up some serious stats, and having the best wide receiver in the conference (Mardy Gilyard) doesn’t hurt either. Matt Grothe’s mobility and cannon arm are sure to put up top passing/rushing numbers in the conference. If he keeps his interceptions to a minimum and his Bulls are competing for a Big East title, don’t be surprised if Grothe becomes the favorite for the award. Noel Devine’s sophomore season wasn’t a slump, but seemed a bit that way because the expectations were so high. With Pat White gone, look for offensive attention to shift toward Devine. His numbers last year were excellent as he averaged 99.2 yards a game. More touchdown conversions will equal a better chance for the offensive player award.

Honorable Mention: QB Jarrett Brown (West Virginia), RB Victor Anderson (Louisville), RB Jordan Todman (Connecticut), RB Mike Ford (South Florida), WR Mardy Gilyard (Cincinnati)

Defensive Player of the Year: DE George Selvie (South Florida) vs. DE Greg Romeus (Pittsburgh): When healthy, George Selvie is an All-American. His junior year was a bit if a disappointment as he had to deal with a foot injury and constant double-(and triple-) teams from opponents. But this year, with a more experienced line and a clean bill of health, Selvie is likely to return to his dominant form. His sack numbers should once again reach double-digits. Selvie isn’t just a tremendous pass rusher but relentless at stopping the run. Out of Pittsburgh is Greg Romeus who, like Selvie, is a strong pass rusher. The big man racked up 7.5 sacks last year and the second team all-conference selection is likely to have another strong season for the Panthers. He should compete with Selvie for the conference sack lead.

Honorable Mention: DT Arthur Jones (Syracuse), LB Scott Lutrus (Connecticut), LB Ryan D'Imperio (Rutgers), CB Aaron Berry (Pittsburgh), FS Nate Allen (South Florida)

Breakout Seasons: RB Delone Carter (Syracuse) & WR Jessie Hester (South Florida): Plagued with injures for the past two seasons, Delone Carter has barely seen the field since his freshman season in 2006. In his short career, Carter was able to raise eyebrows in upstate New York despite a lack of touches and a less than impressive offensive line. In the eight games that he was the lead ball carrier as a freshman, Carter rushed for 664 yards, averaging 5.2 yards per carry. He’s shown a nose for the first down marker and, occasionally, the ability to take over drives. With an improving O-Line and a new offensive scheme, don’t be surprised to see Carter among the conference leaders in yards and touchdowns. This could be the year the Bulls get that complete season from a wide-out as senior Jessie Hester returns as the team’s leader in receptions (54) and yards (579). Hester is a skillful player and came along very nicely down the stretch while the rest of the team struggled. In the past, USF has mixed and matched their pass targets so much that it has been difficult for one player to break out…that will change this season.

Best Pro Prospect: Arthur Jones, Syracuse: He isn’t Warren Sapp. He isn’t Kevin Williams. He isn’t Tommie Harris. He’s just Art Jones, which is pretty darn good. It is difficult to compare the 291-pound defensive tackle to past greats at his position. He isn’t the widest, but plugs in holes. He isn’t the fastest, but finds a way to catch runners up-field. He isn’t the most explosive, but constantly disrupts the quarterback. Jones is constantly making an impact when he is on the field, and his tackling skills will have him playing football at the next level. The fifth-year senior gives opposing quarterbacks fits, and he’s also an aggressive run stopper, one who recorded a total of 20.5 tackles for a loss in his past two seasons despite being the main focus of the opposing offensive line each week. But what makes Jones such a valuable prospect is his versatility. He can be a pass rushing tackle in a 4-3 or a more focused run stopper—he has tremendous discipline and is scarcely out of position. His combination of quickness and stoutness gives him the ability to perhaps play the outside in a 3-4 scheme. Either way, Jones will find a spot on an NFL team and make an impact. He is coming off shoulder surgery, but coaches have stated that his rehab has gone splendidly. If there is a reason to watch any Syracuse football games this season, it’s to watch Jones thrive in the attacking defense the new coaching staff has implemented.

College Football Insiders’ Picks:

Conference Champion: South Florida: Winning out in a three-team tiebreaker and heading to the Orange Bowl for the first time in school history will be South Florida. Unlike season’s past, the Bulls will finally live up to all the pre-season hype. The system tweaking by newly hired offensive (Mike Canales) and defensive coordinators (David Blackwell/Joe Tresey) will make the difference in 2009.

Offensive Player of the Year: Noel Devine, West Virginia: The explosive back will be among the leaders in all-purpose yards by the season’s end. Look for him to vastly improve his touchdown mark of four from a year ago.

Defensive Player of the Year: George Selvie, South Florida: George Selvie looks to become only the second Big East player to win two defensive player of the year awards (Corey Moore of Virginia Tech won in 1998 & 1999). If it wasn’t for injures Selvie might be in a NFL camp right now. Needless to say, he is a pro prospect that will flourish in his senior campaign.

Photo Credit: WVU Sports Communication, University of Pittsburgh, USF Athletics Communications

Freshman Spotlight: Big East: Jonathan Baldwin

By Brian Vornberg

In the world of college football, it’s not often that you find a 5-star rated tight end prospect. Heck, even the 5-star receivers are hard to come by. But this year was different. Jonathan Baldwin, a tight end prospect out of Aliquippa, PA, proved that tight ends deserve some serious attention.

Baldwin, who was selected to play in this past January’s Army All-American game in San Antonio, Texas, is not just a multi-dimensional tight end, but a multi-dimensional all around player. In fact, in that same All-American game, Baldwin caught a 46-yard touchdown pass from Alabama quarterback to be Star Jackson with outstretched arms that was so reminiscent of Larry Fitzgerald, it was almost scary. The guy’s paws are enormous. He could have chosen basketball just as easily as he chose football, but football is obviously Baldwin’s passion (he was first team all-state in Pennsylvania for basketball as well). He also could have gone to schools with storied histories like Miami, Florida, USC, or Michigan. However, he stayed close to home and will add more talent to Dave Wannstedt’s already stellar recruiting class.

In addition to the potential to dominate in the red zone at 6'6" and 233 pounds, Baldwin also possesses 4.4-speed and the ability to get open. Jeremy Crabtree, an analyst for Rivals.com, said that Baldwin is “one of the top athletes in the country.” He reminds football fans of a faster Martin Rucker, the former Missouri tight end who will now play on Sundays. Baldwin is also a vastly underrated blocker, a rarity for most tight ends entering the college football ranks these days.

Keep in mind, there is a lot of pressure being placed on Baldwin to come in and perform as evidenced by the early comparisons to Larry Fitzgerald, probably the best Pitt wide receiver of all-time. He does have a couple of really good veteran wide receivers around him to help ease the transition and if talking to him as I did in San Antonio is any indication of his true character, he’ll handle the pressure just fine. Big East defensive backs, beware.