Among the first things Caste System true believer Dave Wannstedt did upon becoming Pitt's coach for the '05 season was blacken the defense (which turned out to be horrible), and bench Joe DelSardo, who had become a starting WRmid-way through'04.
DelSardo was a walk-on (is there any other kind of white WR?), a local kid and feel-good story who though just 5-8 exhibited hands of glue and a knack for getting open and making key plays. In his sophomore year of '04 he had 49/573/4. Last season he was replaced early on by Derek Kinder, who ended up with 37/374/3. The other starter was Greg Lee, who left Pitt early to try to make the NFL.
That should leave DelSardo and Kinder as the starters for this year, right? Of course not. Here's a few quotes from an article about Pitt's receivers from this morning's Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. It's quite easy to see where DelSardo fits in:
"Tyler Palko will throw the ball plenty for the Pitt Panthers this year. That much is certain. The big question is who will catch it. . . . 'Right now, there is Derek Kinder and a lot of uncertainty,' wide receivers coach Aubrey Hill said. 'Derek and Joe DelSardo have some playing experience, but it really is wide open. Obviously, Derek is the player who has been solid throughout the whole time from last year until the spring and into the summer. But everyone else, who knows? I mean we will treat Joe DelSardo like the veteran, and he's made some plays for us, so we will find a role for him'."
Translation: Another dubious-handed afflete will start alongside Kinder. DelSardo, in his senior season, will be the third or fourth receiver, special teams demon, and team mascot.
