Lindsey Can't Wait To Get On The Field

One name that hasn't been mentioned when the University of Pittsburgh's linebacking depth has been discussed is Brandon Lindsey, but the hard-hitting Aliquippa, Pa. graduate believed that he definitely should be in the mix.

"I have some goals that I have established, as far as playing time and what I want to do,'' Brandon Lindsey said. "It's nice that Pitt's close to home, so my family can come watch me. But I came here to play. I knew the best chance for me to play was to come to Pitt, so that's why I'm here. I want to play.

"We lost a lot of linebackers who played a lot of games here, so there's a lot of opportunities out there. And we have a good group of linebackers here to replace them, but I just want to come in here and learn things as quickly as possible and get into the lineup. That's what I want to do.''

The 6-foot-2, 220-pound incoming freshman for Pitt certainly looks the part. Lindsey is a tremendous athlete who also played running back in high school, but his aggressiveness and size make him a good linebacking candidate. And he doesn't appear to need a personal trainer to get into shape.

Lindsey is enrolled for Pitt's summer session that begins June 24, so he hasn't really been working out with the team. He's been gearing up for his first college season basically on his own.

"I've been running a lot and working out a lot to get ready for this season,'' Lindsey said. "I can't wait. I didn't come to Pitt to sit back and watch other guys play, so I'm looking forward to earning a spot in the lineup. We have a lot of good players, so it won't be easy. But I'm not afraid of hard work.

"I've slimmed down to about 220 pounds, and that's a good weight for me. I wanted to trim down and then put muscle on instead of being a little chubby like I was last year. I think I'm a lot leaner, stronger and quicker now. I've been working out pretty much on my own for now.''

Lindsey acknowledged that while Buddy Morris "hasn't gotten hold of me yet,'' he was ready for whatever the strength and conditioning guru threw at him.

"I'm looking forward to taking my training to another level,'' Lindsey said. "I know I have even more to give, and I can't wait to get started. This is going to be a big camp for me this summer, for the whole team. I know this defense can be a great defense, and I want to be a big part of it.

"There's so much talent on this team, so many good players, but we just haven't put it all together yet. Just wait and see this season. We're going to turn things around. That's another reason why I'm here. I wanted to be part of something special, and it's going to happen here at Pitt.''

With his new look and determination, it's a good bet that Lindsey will be in the mix for the Panthers in some way this season.