Wednesday, September 03, 2003

By Paul Zeise, Post-Gazette Sports Writer

Pitt Coach Walt Harris named freshman Luke Getsy the Panthers' backup quarterback heading into the season opener Saturday against Kent State -- a decision that signals sophomore Tyler Palko will redshirt.

	Luke Getsy, a Steel Valley High graduate, will be Pitt’s backup quarterback Saturday against Kent State. (Bill Wade, Post-Gazette)

But the decision doesn't mean Getsy has beaten out Palko for the job. Harris indicated Getsy would remain the backup -- behind Palko -- if starter Rod Rutherford is suspended for his role in an incident outside of a Station Square bar and grill.

"Luke Getsy is our backup quarterback," Harris said at his weekly news conference. "He is the guy we feel we want as our backup quarterback. What does he do that Tyler doesn't do? I don't know that it is one of those kinds of situations. Right now the way we've been practicing, we want Luke Getsy to be our backup quarterback. Next question."

Harris was asked whether he will redshirt Palko, but he refused to answer directly. Part of the reason is Rutherford's status for the near future is in limbo. If he were to be suspended -- or injured -- Harris would have to play Palko, so he can't officially label him as a redshirt until the season is over and he has not played in any games.

"Luke is our backup quarterback and we are going to hang with that, you know," Harris said. "Any other theories, I don't think we can substantiate those until the season passes. We're talking about games, so right now Getsy is our backup."

Regardless of who starts at quarterback against Kent State, Harris said Getsy, a Steel Valley High School graduate, will play several series in the game. Last season, Harris gave Palko, who was the backup, several series in the first few games as well.

"You know I like to play the second quarterback because he is one play away from being the starter," he said. "So no matter what, I plan to play Luke."

Starting decisions

Junior wide receiver Princell Brockenbrough beat out senior Chris Curd for the starting receiver's job opposite Larry Fitzgerald. Brockenbrough, who is 6 feet 3, 205 pounds, sat out last season with a torn ligament in his knee and had a long, hard road to recovery.

Harris said Brockenbrough didn't separate himself from Curd until the past week.

"We made a commitment to Princell a year ago to get him healthy and ready," Harris said. "In the last week, it has become obvious that he has improved his game."

The other closely watched battle during camp was at right cornerback, where sophomore Josh Lay was named starter over Tutu Ferguson.

Quick kicks

Running back Brandon Miree, linebacker Lewis Moore, defensive end Claude Harriott and cornerback Shawntae Spencer were named team captains for this week's game. ...Fitzgerald (hamstring) is healthy but needs to work himself back into game shape. ...Harris said he believes the Panthers' defense is quicker and deeper than it has been since he became coach.

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