The University of Pittsburgh's Daily Student Newspaper

The Pitt News

The University of Pittsburgh's Daily Student Newspaper

The Pitt News

The University of Pittsburgh's Daily Student Newspaper

The Pitt News

Steelers running back James Conner plays in a game against the Colts last August. (TPN file photo)

Former Panthers poised for success this NFL season

By Colin Martin, Staff Writer August 31, 2018
The SEC isn't the only institution that produces notable football players -- the ACC does as well. As the NFL is underway, the Pitt News reviews major former Panther's that can positively impact their respective teams.
Avonte Maddox was taken by the Philadelphia Eagles 125th overall in the fourth round. He served as a team captain during his senior year at Pitt and was awarded the University’s Panther Award, for best promoting Pitt Athletics through outstanding athletic achievement. (The Pitt News File Photo)

Panther pride: O’Neill, Whitehead and Maddox’s journeys to the NFL

Pitt’s 2018 NFL Draft selections — offensive lineman Brian O’Neill, safety Jordan Whitehead and cornerback Avonte Maddox — all share common skills that made them appealing to professional teams...

Pitt cornerback Avonte Maddox gets drafted by the Philadelphia Eagles. (TPN file photo)

Philadelphia Eagles snag Avonte Maddox in 4th round of NFL Draft

By Trent Leonard | Senior Staff Writer April 28, 2018

Just eight spots after fellow Pitt defensive back Jordan Whitehead was selected by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Avonte Maddox joined the NFL ranks when the Philadelphia Eagles snagged him in the fourth...

Pitt linebacker Saleem Brightwell (#39)  and Elijah Zeise (#25) tackle YSU player in Saturday, Sept. 2, game against the Penguins. (Photo by Anna Bongardino | Assistant Visual Editor)

Pitt defense demands new approach

By Kevin Bertha | Staff Writer September 8, 2017

With victories over the national champions Clemson and Big Ten champions Penn State, the 2016 Pitt football team racked up some of the program’s biggest accomplishments in recent memory. But to continue...

Max Browne (4) transferred to Pitt this winter and will begin the season as the starting quarterback. (Photo by Anna Bongardino | Visual Editor)

Top 5 ACC Kickoff takeaways

By Ryan Zimba | Sports Editor July 18, 2017

With less than two months until the start of the 2017 college football season, Pat Narduzzi and the Pitt football program are preparing for fall camp and the opening week game against the Youngstown State...

Head Coach Pat Narduzzi enters his third season hoping to take the next step and reach the ACC Championship Game. Jordan Mondell | Contributing Editor

Rotstein: Despite losses, football will improve

As the Pitt men’s basketball team tries to recover from a mass exodus of graduating players, transfers and dismissals, the Pitt football team will be dealing with its own loss of talent next season. Just...

Gold team general manager/cornerback Avonte Maddox makes a selection for the upcoming Pitt football Blue-Gold game. Matt Hawley | Staff Photographer

Gold team rules: Rosters set for Saturday’s spring game

By Steve Rotstein | Sports Editor April 13, 2017

The Pitt football team’s players and coaching staff gathered in the team room Wednesday morning at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex on the South Side for some very important business: picking teams for...

Quadree Henderson is the only player in college football with multiple kick return touchdowns in 2016. Meghan Sunners | Senior Staff Photographer

Sostek Selects: Pitt football 2016 midseason awards

By Dan Sostek | Senior Staff Writer October 19, 2016

The Pitt football team entered its bye week on the strength of three straight wins but will face a gauntlet of a three-game stretch coming out of the break. With a 5-2 overall record and 2-1 record...

Pitt cornerback Avonte Maddox gets drafted by the Philadelphia Eagles. (TPN file photo)

Prediction: Panthers offense to keep rolling in Virginia

By Dan Sostek | Senior Staff Writer October 13, 2016

One week after defeating Paul Johnson and the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets, Pitt head coach Pat Narduzzi and the Panthers will have to harness a Bronco — Bronco Mendenhall, that is. Pittsburgh travels...

Pitts defense could receive a huge boost against Georgia Tech on Saturday with the return of safety Jordan Whitehead (9).  John Hamilton | Staff Photographer

Whitehead practices on Tuesday, expected to play Saturday

By Steve Rotstein | Sports Editor October 4, 2016

For at least the 30-minute window that was open to the media, Pitt safety Jordan Whitehead suited up and returned to practice with the Panthers Tuesday morning. After missing Pitt’s 43-27 win against...

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