Pitt football announced on Thursday that redshirt sophomore offensive tackle Jaryd Jones-Smith will miss the entire 2015 season because of a right knee injury.

 

Jones-Smith played in all of Pitt’s 13 games last year, starting three, and he expected to contend for a starting role this season.

 

The news dismayed Pitt head coach Pat Narduzzi.

 

“We are incredibly disappointed for Jaryd,” Narduzzi said in a release. “Our entire team will rally behind him as he works to overcome this challenge. Jaryd is a great young man and a tough competitor. Even though he is sidelined this year, he is going to remain an important member of our team this fall.”

 

While losing Jones-Smith is a blow to the offensive line, former Pitt head coach Paul Chryst made recruiting for the offensive line a priority, with 13 linemen committing during his tenure.

 

Training camp starts Augt. 10, while Pitt plays its first game Sept. 5 against Youngstown State at Heinz Field.