At the beginning of the season, Pitt’s defense had big shoes to fill at the cornerback… At the beginning of the season, Pitt’s defense had big shoes to fill at the cornerback position.

But that was no big deal for the true freshman from Aliquippa, Pa., Darrelle Revis. He just stepped in and recorded 41 tackles, 11 pass breakups and two interceptions in the first 10 games of the season.

His great play has earned him Freshman All-American honors from Rival.com. He was named to the second team on Monday after he helped his team defeat West Virginia with a fourth-quarter interception. The pick allowed the offense to take over and drive all the way into the end zone for the game-winning score.

His adjustment from high school to college was swift.

“There’s not much to say; he’s a freshman All-American,” fellow defensive back Tyrone Gilliard said. “He reminds me of Shawntae Spencer.”

Shawntae Spencer graduated last year, and was drafted by the San Francisco 49ers; it was his shoes that Revis was stepping into. Like Revis, Spencer came in as a true frosh and played.

“Darrelle is very mature,” Gilliard said. “He wants to understand the game.”

And thus far, he has the basics down. Head coach Walt Harris explained that it is tough for a true freshman to step in and play, let alone start. Harris is also pleased with what he has gotten from his young corner this season.

“I think he’s learned a lot as a freshman,” Harris said. “To be out there on the corner, in front of God and everybody, is scary for a true freshman.”

Revis gets in the face of receivers and plays very physically.

“He’s intense,” Harris said. “He pushes people around; he doesn’t take anything from any receiver; in fact, he dishes it out a lot.”

Despite all the success, Revis has had his bad days, where receivers have gotten by him and scored long touchdowns, but that’s part of the learning process for a true freshman.

“He’s had his growing pains,” Harris said, adding later, “He’s going to have a tremendous career.”