Well, it’s been underway for a few days. A couple of practices. And, well, not much else to actually say that seems particularly groundbreaking.

The quarterbacks know they are in competition, but it is nothing personal.

“Competition’s healthy everywhere you go,” Sunseri said. “This, in particular, at our position, Pat knows it better than anybody. We’re also helping each other, so it’s more like a friendly competition.”

Sunseri said the position has gotten easier for him and that spending last season interacting and preparing with Stull was a major part of that.

Bostick, meanwhile, said the redshirt year allowed him to experience some things he should have when he was a freshman, when he was eventually thrust into the starting job after Stull broke his thumb.

“I got to sit back, prepare myself and get myself into the best physical condition as I can and see how Bill succeeded,” Bostick said. “It was huge being a part of that for me, and just getting back into it is awesome.”

But of course everything is pad-free and essentially non-contact right now. It’s getting the kids to do the basics and fundamentals.

Again, a lot of this was fiction because they weren’t in pads and the contact was minimal, but at least they got out there and the journey towards putting together a working depth chart is complete.

One other tidbit – Todd Thomas is coming in May and when he does, even though he was a big-time defensive player in prep school, Wannstedt said he is going to be a receiver. “He is too good at catching the ball and too good of an athlete and playmaker not to use him on offense,” Wannstedt said.

I would say, if the past is any indication, put that in pencil rather than ink. Until Thomas is actually in the practices, playing and getting chances where he fits on the future depth charts is up in the air. Plus, issues of injuries and the depth on the other side factor into it.

Then there’s the always more important issue of the O-line and depth chart.

The first-team offensive line Thursday had one minor surprise: Greg Gaskins was at right guard ahead of Ryan Turnley, but Wannstedt said the competition for that job will be ongoing and will involve a number of players.

“As far as guys like Gaskins and Turnley [and several other linemen], all those guys are interchangeable,” Wannstedt said. “What we are trying to do now is evaluate them once we get the pads on and then determine who are the six or seven best guys. It is tough to evaluate linemen when we are out here without pads on, though.”

And while there are a lot of players not practicing due to injuries and ailments:

Two of Pitt’s top receivers — Mike Shanahan (recovering from mono) and Devin Street (infection) — did not practice Thursday. Wannstedt expects Street to return to practice Saturday while Shanahan will remain day to day.  … A number of members of the secondary are out with various injuries: Safeties Jason Hendricks (shoulder), Dom DeCicco (toe) and Andrew Taglianetti (knee) are out for the spring, and corner Ricky Gary (undisclosed) is week to week.

Cam Saddler is trying to work his way into the depth chart at WR.

“The last couple days, we’ve gotten Cam the ball, and he’s been very productive. Cam’s time is now.”

Saddler was primarily a kick returner last year, averaging 25.3 yards on 25 returns and also catching three passes for 41 yards and a score.

That’s a long way from Dickerson’s 2009 stats, which included 529 yards receiving and 10 touchdowns.

But the explosiveness Saddler showcased at Gateway High School is still evident, even despite his injuries the past two years.

“It’s the best feeling in the world, just being able to show that I can make plays,” Saddler said. “Showing I’m capable of getting touches in games is real important.”

At 5-7, Saddler is one of the smallest guys out there. It’s great that he is running pain free and feels better than ever. The issue is the target he presents. I’ll be curious to read how Sunseri or Bostick are able to get him the ball when they get to more physical practices.

Early practice stories are essentially like getting some broth to start a meal. Very unsubstantial, but it gets you ready for more.