Naming a backup quarterback is always a crucial step for college football coaches and draws the interest of fans. But Pitt fans this year have a slightly greater interest in who will become the team's backup this year.
↵That's because starter Tino Sunseri struggled through a difficult season in 2011. Sunseri has, by far, the most experience of any quarterback on the roster for 2012, so it wasn't a big surprise when he was declared as the starter by head coach Paul Chryst. But with many of his flaws exposed last year, there's a legitimate chance that the backup will see some action this year even if Sunseri isn't injured.
↵Candidates, step right up.
↵Trey Anderson: Anderson was Sunseri's backup for most of last season and could be the favorite to claim the job again. Problem is, he wasn't very good when called upon. Anderson completed only 36% of his passes, throwing for zero touchdowns and three interceptions. It's a bit unfair to declare him a bust just yet since he was a true freshman, after all. But he didn't get any better as the season went on, so hope for a better year has to be muted at this point.
↵Mark Myers: Many forget that Myers was actually a somewhat highly-rated quarterback recruit when Pitt snagged him as he ranked among the top signal-callers in Ohio. But he redshirted in 2010 and last season, played only sparingly despite the team really needing help at the position. Myers still has three seasons of eligibility left, so like Anderson, he can't be labeled a bust just yet. One thing that will help his case is he's a traditional pro-style quarterback and that's the offense Pitt is returning to under Chryst. He may be able to beat out Anderson, but didn't separate himself this spring in practices.
↵Chad Voytik: Voytik is the wild card. He's a highly-rated recruit, but only a true freshman. Hurting his chances even more is the fact that he hasn't even practiced with the team yet as he didn't enroll early. He'll be there in the fall, but it may be too hard to ask him to come in and beat out two quarterbacks who have more experience than him. But if Voytik is everything he's expected to be, winning the job later in the season might be a possibility. Chryst has already said he'll get his chance to play this season if he earns it, so an immediate redshirt may not be likely.
↵For more on Pitt football, check out Cardiac Hill.