Whitehead garners fourth award watch list selection

Pitt sophomore defensive back Jordan Whitehead earned a spot on his fourth 2016 award watch list Friday, the most of any Panther so far.

Whitehead was named a preseason candidate for the Paul Hornung Award, created in 2010 and presented to college football’s most versatile player. While he plays most of his snaps at safety, Whitehead can line up anywhere on Pitt’s defense, and also showcased his playmaking ability on offense in 2015.

A native of Aliquippa, Pennsylvania, Whitehead led the Panthers with 109 tackles last year, a school record for a true freshman. He also racked up six tackles for loss, six pass breakups, an interception and a 22-yard fumble recovery touchdown against Navy in the Military Bowl.

On the offensive side of the ball, Whitehead ran for 122 yards on only 12 carries last season, an average of 10.2 yards per carry. He had four carries against Notre Dame, rushing for a pair of touchdowns while also leading the team with 11 tackles.

After his explosive debut season, the Central Valley High School product was named ACC Rookie of the Year.

Earlier this month, Whitehead was tabbed as a preseason candidate for the Chuck Bednarik Award, Bronko Nagurski Award and Jim Thorpe Award, giving Pitt a total of 14 selections to the watch lists of 10 of college football’s most prestigious awards.