BIG EAST Pitt finding its answers during practice sessions

Ursuline High graduate Chris Curd is battling for a starting receiver spot.
PITTSBURGH (AP) -- Pitt's starting lineup is starting to take shape, as several positions that were up for grabs when the Panthers opened training camp last week have been filled.
The Panthers opened camp with two open positions on offense, three on defense, and the season opener against Kent State just one month away.
Coach Walt Harris, though, has moved quickly to shore up the gaps during the team's seven practice sessions, including two Saturday.
Redshirt junior Malcolm Postell appears to have secured the weak-side linebacker spot, while redshirt freshman Brian Bennett is the front-runner for the strong-side position.
"Brian Bennett's a very smart football player, but he's a little undersized," Harris said. "So he's got to learn all the things that can really help a player that's undersized like that. But he runs well. He's quick. He's intelligent, and right now he's in the starting lineup."
On offense, redshirt junior Princell Brockenbrough and fifth-year senior Chris Curd, an Ursuline High graduate, are the top contenders for the other starting wide receiver position opposite Larry Fitzgerald.
The other open spot is on the offensive line, where it is expected senior Jon Schall will play.
Harris said Schall has worked hard enough in the offseason to secure a spot, whether it is at his natural position at right guard or possibly at center if redshirt juniors Justin Belarski and Rob Frederick need more time. Schall has shared time at center throughout camp and got even practice time this past week with Belarski hurt.
Right cornerback, a position for which Bernard "Josh" Lay and William "Tutu" Ferguson are competing, remains open.
Thomas Smith and Andy Alleman are vying for a defensive end spot.
Fitzgerald missed the double-session Saturday because of a left hamstring injury. He spent the day doing some conditioning work. It is not known when he will return to practice.