Published: March 19, 2007 12:01 am            

Wannstedt: LaRod looks even better

PITTSBURGH — It’s difficult to believe, but Greater Johnstown High School graduate LaRod Stephens-Howling appears to be more powerful and quicker, run more fluidly and be more durable after just two days during spring workouts for the Pitt football team.

“LaRod had a great offseason,” Pitt coach Dave Wannstedt said. “He’s ready to play right now. He’s one of the guys we can count on, but the only thing with him is that we have to watch that he doesn’t get banged up.

“He’s not a 220-pound tailback. ... But we have enough guys now with Kevin Collier here and (LeSean) McCoy coming in. That can only help LaRod, but I’m looking forward to seeing him run once we put the pads on.”

The Panthers had to work out in shorts the first two days, per NCAA regulations, but they get a chance to see how things go when the action heats up at Tuesday afternoon’s practice. Then, they’ll be able to tell how much a vigorous offseason under new strength and conditioning coach Buddy Morris has paid off.

“I just pretty much went all out,” Stephens-Howling said. “I figured that since it’s my junior year, it’s time for me to get as big as I can. So, I went all out in the weight room. Buddy’s really on us. He’s really changed the program around, so I think I really changed my mind-set.

“I know I have to work more in the weight room, to get bigger and stronger, so that’s what I’ve been doing. And I feel a lot stronger in my legs, but that’s what I needed, because I came here with little legs and a bigger body. So, I feel more powerful in my legs now.”

Stephens-Howling also noted that his conditioning has improved under Morris’ tutelage. When he returns to the huddle after a long run or pass route, he doesn’t have tired legs. This should keep him healthier during the season as well.

Stephens-Howling led the Panthers in rushing the past two seasons, improving on his 434-yard freshman year with 893 rushing yards, a 5-yard average per carry and nine touchdowns. He also caught 19 passes, including one for a score, so he’s become more versatile.

With Collier and McCoy, a blue-chip recruit, the Panthers look deeper at the position than they’ve been in years.

“We should have great balance this season, a little bit of everything with all three tailbacks, so that should really help out our offense,” Stephens-Howling said. “If I’m feeling pressure from this situation, I’m going to mess up. So, I’m just concerned about making myself better for the team, and that way we’ll push each other.”

That should make Pitt’s running game a lot stronger as well.

        

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