Cornerback Darrelle Revis feels a real sense of togetherness during spring practice -- something he believes was missing from Pitt's locker room a year ago.

"You can tell the team is closer than we were last year," Revis said. "Last year, there was a lot of pointing fingers and stuff. We were the worst team at that -- guys not focusing on the bigger picture, guys not communicating.

"There was a bad vibe throughout the whole season. We couldn't get a feel for each other."

Revis said the problems began to percolate in camp before the start of the 2005 season.

"Last summer, it was, 'I'm going to do this' and 'I'm going to do that,' " he said. "It wasn't the right thing to be doing at the time. It was more about individuals. It was a lot of stuff."

The Panthers dropped four of their first five games last season, including a stunning 16-10 overtime loss against Ohio. However, they did win four games down the stretch and finished with a 5-6 record.

Coach Dave Wannstedt said he is not worried about having to wash away any lingering bad feelings from last year.

"I think we addressed a lot of it as the season went on," Wannstedt said. "If (the season) would've ended the way it started, then I think we'd have more issues (this year). But as the adjustments took place, we got the thing going in the right direction and it picked up in the offseason.

"No one needs to be reminded of last year. The players know, and no one's taking anything for granted."

Revis already has noticed how the mood has changed for the better.

"This year, we're focusing on other things -- positive things," Revis said. "We all pick each other up. We've got a better feel for coach Wannstedt and the other coaches. It's a better feeling and we're going to roll with it."

Waiting on the rookies

Wannstedt said at least 23 of the 25 incoming freshmen have enrolled for classes during the summer semester.

"We (won't be) practicing, but at least it gives them an opportunity to get on campus, and be running, lifting and training with our players," Wannstedt said. "That's a big advantage."

It is expected that many of the rookies will battle for starting jobs right out of the chute. The coaching staff already has decided which freshmen will be slotted for which positions.

Tamarcus Porter, for example, will be a wideout instead of a defensive back. Dorin Dickerson, the multi-dimensional crown jewel of the class, will begin his career as a receiver.

"Or tailback ... or quarterback," Wannstedt said with a laugh.

Duquesne High grad Elijah Fields told the coaches he wants to start at receiver. But, Wannstedt noted, the depth chart is getting awfully crowded at that spot.

So, it's a good bet that Fields will start his career as a defensive back?

"It, uh ... we'll see," Wannstedt said, grinning.

Into the fire

Offensive coordinator Matt Cavanaugh regrets burning the redshirts of fullback Conredge Collins and quarterback Bill Stull last year.

"But those are decisions that you need to make," Cavanaugh said. "The tradeoff is you get some young guys a little bit of playing experience, take the nerves away, and hope that they come back feeling like they've been on the field before and they know how to act."

Too much action

Middle linebacker H.B. Blades made 121 tackles last year, tops on the team by a wide margin. Wannstedt said he hopes Blades' total drops this season.

"That would make me happy (because) it would tell me that somebody else is doing something," Wannstedt said.

Good day for the 'D'

The Panthers scrimmaged Saturday morning at the South Side complex. The defense had the upper hand, with the line putting a good deal of pressure on quarterbacks Tyler Palko and Bill Stull.

"It was the best the defense as a unit has looked this spring," Wannstedt said. "We're making progress with the defensive line. The guys are starting to grasp the concept of making plays. They're not out there to take out blocks."