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Cameron Saddler is like a whistling tea pot about to blow its top. His enthusiasm has reached a boil, and he isn't sure if he can wait until Pitt's season-opener in September to unleash the fury.

On Thursday, Saddler went through pass route drills as if it was game day. He sacrificed his 5-7, 160-pound frame without fear during a controlled scrimmage.

Every day is game day for Saddler.

"I'm ready to play some football. It's what I do," Saddler said with a wide smile.

The Panthers' spring game Saturday at Heinz Field is more than just a scrimmage or audition for Saddler. It's a chance to prove that last year's uneven performance was an aberration instead of the norm.

Saddler entered the 2009 season with high hopes of becoming Pitt's big-play weapon. But a series of nagging injuries — including a high ankle sprain — cost him two games and limited his touches.

In fact, the Monroeville native touched the ball only 33 times: 25 kick returns, three punt returns, three receptions and two rushing attempts. In comparison, Saddler returned seven kicks for touchdowns during his final two high school seasons to tie a national record.

"It (high school) was totally different," Saddler said. "You get past the first wall, it's a foot race, and there weren't too many people who could run with me. At this level, when I break the first wall there's another four guys to beat.

"I have to bring some juice to our kick return teams. There were times when I made stupid mistakes (like stepping out inside the Pitt 5-yard line in the Meineke Car Care Bowl). But I feel like a year has helped me. I'm starting to feel comfortable."

The Panthers didn't do much in the return game last season. So, in an effort to inject some enthusiasm on special teams, Saddler is lobbying the coaching staff for an opportunity to be primary return man.

"I have to prove that I can handle the job," Saddler said. "I have to prove that I'm worthy of returning punts and kicks. It's not too much because I'd rather be on the field than standing on the sidelines."

If he can get through the season without injury, Saddler will handle the ball far more than he did during his redshirt freshman season.

"Cam can do it all," said first-year receivers coach Scott Turner. "I put a lot of stuff on him early in the spring to see what he could handle. He's very smart, and he's learned it all.

"If you get the ball in his hands, he can make some plays. He's going to be a big part of the passing game."

Saddler will be the slot receiver in a three-receiver set. Turner has worked this spring in trying to get Saddler the ball on short routes so he can take advantage of his speed in the open field.

"Coach (Dave Wannstedt) sees I have the ability to make plays," Saddler said. "For the most part, I've capitalized on my opportunities."

AROUND THE PANTHERS

» Pitt coach Dave Wannstedt wasn't thrilled with his team's final spring practice. The Panthers fumbled four times and twice the quarterbacks mishandled the ball from center.

"For as gorgeous a day as it was, it was a disappointing practice," Wannstedt said. "We came out here and ran a bunch of plays. I don't think we got any better today. The intensity, I hope they are saving it for Saturday. We would have gotten ran out of the park if we had played Utah today.

"We were just sloppy." It was a lack of focus. The lesson today is they better understand we have a lot of work to do. Today should have been an eye opener."

» Pitt senior defensive end Greg Romeus, last season's Big East Defensive Player of the Year, has been named to the watch list for the 2010 Lott Trophy, presented annually to the country's top defensive player.

The Lott Trophy is given to a player who exhibits the same characteristics Lott embodied during his distinguished career — integrity, maturity, performance, academics, community and tenacity.

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