Coaches devising ways to keep versatile Pittman on the field

David Brewster, Star Tribune

Though he was an All-America quarterback at Pasadena (Calif.) City College last year, David Pittman has the athleticism to play multiple positions. “Whatever position you put me at,” Pittman said.

The junior college transfer could see time at quarterback, receiver and even in the defensive secondary.

By CHIP SCOGGINS, Star Tribune

Last update: March 31, 2008 - 10:47 PM

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Gophers football coach Tim Brewster has made it no secret that he plans to use junior college transfer David Pittman at multiple positions on both sides of the ball next season.

"I guess we're just going to have to wear him out," Brewster joked.

Pittman's response: Bring it on. The more positions the merrier.

"I challenge him on that," Pittman said. "I pride myself on my conditioning, so I challenge them."

Brewster covets speed and athleticism, and Pittman's talents have made Brewster and veteran offensive coordinator Mike Dunbar get creative in searching for different ways to use him.

Brewster said the plan is to use Pittman at quarterback, wide receiver, kick returner and defensive back.

"It's so exciting for me and Mike to sit down and think about, 'OK this is what we're going to do with this guy,'" Brewster said.

An All-America quarterback at Pasadena (Calif.) City College last season, Pittman has worked at that position the first few practices this spring behind incumbent starter Adam Weber.

Weber appears a lock to remain the starter, but the Gophers could add a special Pittman package to the offense for certain situations. Pittman considers himself a pocket passer and rather would throw than run. But he led his junior college in rushing the past two seasons, and his mobility could provide a change of pace.

Pittman is focusing on quarterback right now, in part because once he learns the offense from that position, he should have an easier time adjusting to wide receiver.

Few colleges recruited Pittman as a quarterback out of high school partly because his size (5-11 and 195 pounds) doesn't fit the mold. He had opportunities to play wide receiver or defensive back, but he opted to attend junior college, hoping to prove that he can play quarterback at this level.

"People say I don't fit the stereotypical quarterback -- 6-4, 220 and able to see over the line," Pittman said. "But I think I've proved some of the doubters wrong."

Pittman completed 303 of 453 passes (67 percent) for 3,643 yards and 35 touchdowns last season. He set a national junior college record in completions and also rushed for 572 yards and six touchdowns.

Despite that production and a four-star prospect ranking, most recruiters from BCS schools still viewed Pittman as a wide receiver or cornerback. Brewster offered him a chance to compete at quarterback with the understanding that he likely would play other positions.

"I liked the attitude of the offense," said Pittman, who ran a similar version of the spread at Pasadena City College. "And I agree with Coach Brewster's philosophy. He said, 'You're going to come in and be an athlete.'"

Pittman likely will spend most of his time on offense, but given the team's defensive problems, it won't be surprising to see him line up in the secondary on occasion, with Pittman's blessing.

"Whatever position you put me at," he said, smiling.

Brewster said he believes Pittman has both the talent and maturity to handle different roles. He carries a 3.4 grade-point average in college, is supremely confident in his abilities and has clicked with his new teammates during offseason conditioning.

"He's a dynamic young kid who has a lot of energy and passion for the game, so we're going to get him in," Brewster said.

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