Pitt redshirt junior Oderick Turner caught an 80-yard touchdown pass last week in practice, which isn't a surprise because he has been the Panthers' big-play receiver the past two seasons.

This particular play was much different than most of Turner's big plays because almost all the yardage came after the catch. To break free, he avoided a tackler then outran two defensive backs to the open space in the middle of the field.

A few plays later, Turner made a 7-yard reception -- and held on to it despite taking a big hit -- that gave the offense a first down in a third-down drill.

Turner also has become a much bigger factor as a downfield blocker while becoming, perhaps, the most consistent receiver on the team.

Such developments are what Pitt receivers coach Bryan Bossard terms the "maturation of a top-flight receiver." Bossard believes Turner is ready to be the Panthers' top receiver, a designation that he has had in the past but hasn't always lived up to.

"Oderick has had a very good camp," Bossard said. "He dropped two balls that were very critical in a team setting, but came back the next practice and made the plays he was supposed to make.

"That's what we need from him -- that consistency, and he's shown it and he's added the ability to run after the catch, and that's just a recognition of where the defense is and playing with great speed. He's also become a much more physical blocker.

"We've known all along he has the big-play ability, but, to be a great one, you have to be locked in and focused on every snap and make every catch. He has also worked hard on playing stronger and playing against press coverage. The bottom line is he's got to play well for us to be successful."

Bossard said Turner's ability to make big plays is critical to the offense's success because teams likely will try to stop LeSean McCoy and the Panthers' running attack -- leaving receivers with many one-on-one opportunities.

"What you can't allow defensive teams to do is play eight-man fronts and then win the one-on-ones because, if that happens, it is checkmate and we can't win," Bossard said.

"So, when we have those one-on-ones, we should be striking up the band and kicking extra points. You have to take advantage of that -- as a receiver all you want is one-on-ones, but, once you get it, you have to win it. Oderick has done a great job of playing physical at the line and getting off that press coverage."

Turner had an excellent season as a redshirt freshman in 2006, catching 44 passes for 660 yards (15.0 yards per catch). He was named a freshman All-American by Rivals.com, and his eight touchdown receptions tied for the most among Big East receivers. His numbers dipped last season -- 36 receptions, 496 yards (13.8 yards per catch) and 6 touchdowns -- but the quarterback situation had as much to do with that decline as anything else.

In 2006, fifth-year senior Tyler Palko was the quarterback, but last year there were three inexperienced quarterbacks who started during the season.

Still, Turner had several opportunities to make a few more big plays last year and dropped the ball, most notably a would-be touchdown pass in a 17-13 loss to Michigan State which would have given the Panthers a lead late in the game.

That's why his focus all spring and summer has been on consistency.

"I've wanted to work on the little things, work on my technique, work on the things that will make me a better all-around receiver," Turner said. "My goal is to be well-rounded.

"I think the thing is you have to get better each year, you have to mature as a player because you can't just be a one-hit wonder any more. I want to be a complete receiver, I want to get stronger, faster and be able to add some more things to my arsenal now.

"I feel like I am a lot better now with my blocking and my route running."

Turner is faster this year than he has been. He attributes it to the fact that he worked in Pitt's offseason speed program and also because he truly understands the offense, his responsibilities and assignments better.

Turner said all of the work has paid off, but he isn't going to get ahead of himself and predict a big season because he knows he has to prove it in every game.

"My goal in the offseason was to try and take my game to the next level, and I feel I have done that," Turner said. "I have no problem taking on the role as the go-to receiver, but I don't put a lot of stock into that. I'm just right now trying to play the game the best way you know how."

NOTES -- Starting defensive end Greg Romeus sat out of practice yesterday with a minor hamstring injury. "We just rested him today, his hamstring was a little bit sore and tired, so we put him on the bike," Pitt coach Dave Wannstedt said. Also, receiver TJ Porter (turf toe) missed practice. ... Fifth-year senior Austin Ransom was moved from receiver to defense and will play the "nickel linebacker" role. ... The annual "Fanfest" is Thursday at Heinz Field. Players and coaches will sign autographs from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m., and that will be followed by an open scrimmage. Admission is free.