Rutherford emerging as front-runner for starting quarterback job at Pitt
PITTSBURGH (AP) – After playing backup last season, Rod Rutherford is emerging as the front-runner for starting quarterback at Pittsburgh. Pitt coach Walt Harris said he was closer to naming Rutherford as the Panthers’ starter after Saturday’s intrasquad scrimmage, but wanted to review tapes before making a decision.
“Rod is throwing the ball a lot better than he has previously,” Harris said. “I’m thrilled that he’s put his time in and believes that we believe in him, and that allowed him, I think, to really take preparation to another level.”
Rutherford completed 7 of 9 passes for 103 yards with a 42-yard completion. Rutherford competed last year with senior David Priestley.
Sophomore quarterback Pat Hoderny went 6-for-7 for 96 yards, including a 54-yard pass to freshman Billy Gaines, while Luke Getsy completed 7 of 14 for 99 yards and two touchdowns.
Gaines led Pitt with four catches for 75 yards, while Stephens, Larry Fitzgerald and senior Lamar Slade had three receptions each.
The Panthers need to rebuild their passing attack after All-American receiver Antonio Bryant turned pro and the team’s leading receiver R.J. English graduated.
To replace them, Harris recruited Fitzgerald, who was rated one of the top receivers in the nation by several recruiting publications, and Princell Brockenbrough, who was rated the No. 1 junior college receiver by JCFootball.com.
Freshman running back Jawan Walker, who led Erie Cathedral Prep to a Class AAAA high school championship, had 91 yards and two touchdowns on 13 carries. Sophomore Raymond Kirkley, last year’s starter, had 25 yards on 13 carries.