The Pitt football team opens spring drills today, and there is no question that all eyes will be on the quarterback competition between Pat Bostick and Tino Sunseri, particularly since coach Dave Wannstedt has said he would like to have a starter in place by end of spring football.

But while eyes are fixated on the quarterbacks, the truth is there is a lot of work to be done to rebuild the unit charged with protecting the quarterback -- the offensive line -- more specifically to the guy who snaps the ball --the center.

Wannstedt and his staff have been working hard to come up with some viable options at center in the offseason.

Redshirt freshman defensive tackle Jack Lippert (6 feet 4, 275 pounds) was moved to center and he will compete for the starting job with Alex Karabin. If Lippert pans out and at least provides some depth, it would mean redshirt junior Greg Gaskins would be able to remain at tackle and be the third player -- behind returning starters Jason Pinkston and Lucas Nix -- at that position.

Pitt also will try to replace two starting guards along the offensive line as well as two NFL-caliber tight ends.

In all, there are 11 starting positions that need to be filled, but Wannstedt said that is the nature of spring football as it is a time to reload and get ready for the fall.

"We [had] a big group of seniors so there's a lot of opportunity for younger players, and most of these guys see this as an opportunity to get in there and an opportunity to play," Wannstedt said. "Offensive line is the biggest concern. [Offensive line coach] Tony Wise has a challenging job trying to figure out not just the starters but the depth.

"A year ago at this time, I was standing here [saying] 'I don't know if we have a running back or who our quarterback is going to be.' And I don't think anybody brought up Dorin Dickerson's name. And those three positions were a major, major bright spot in the success that we had."

Two other players who moved positions for the spring are Aundre Wright (from receiver to corner) and Kolby Gray (quarterback to safety).

Spring drills will conclude April 18 with the annual Blue-Gold spring game at Heinz Field.

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