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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 30, 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...

Safety Jordan Whitehead gets drafted by Tampa Bay Buccaneers after being selected 117th in the overall draft. (Photo by Thomas Yang | Assistant Visual Editor)

Tampa Bay selects Jordan Whitehead with the 117th overall pick in the NFL Draft

By Trent Leonard | Senior Staff Writer April 28, 2018

Pitt football had its second player taken off the board— after offensive lineman Brian O’Neill— when the Tampa Bay Buccaneers selected safety Jordan Whitehead in the fourth round with the 117th overall...

The Pitt football team casually stands around and spectates teammates undergoing various tests in the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex. (Photo by Mackenzie Rodrigues | Contributing Editor)

Panthers put on show for pro scouts

The newest Panther football players are just getting used to life in Oakland at spring practices. The draft-eligible former players, however, had a chance Wednesday morning to impress NFL scouts and potentially...

Senior wide receiver Jester Weah (85) is one of 7 Pitt football players invited to the NFL Combine. (Photo by Thomas J. Yang | Visual Editor)

Seven Panthers invited to NFL combine

By Grant Burgman | Sports Editor February 6, 2018

There will be seven Pitt Panthers potentially heading to Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis for the NFL Scouting Combine this March. Among the Panthers going to Indianapolis are wide receiver Quadree...

Jordan Whitehead dives for a touchdown during Pitt's win over Penn State in 2016. (TPN File Photo)

Whitehead announces entry into NFL Draft

By Jordan Mondell | Assistant Sports Editor December 11, 2017

Pitt football has lost yet another member of the squad to the NFL, as junior defensive back Jordan Whitehead declares for the 2018 draft. The Aliquippa native and former WPIAL player made his announcement...

Safety Jordan Whitehead gets drafted by Tampa Bay Buccaneers after being selected 117th in the overall draft. (Photo by Thomas Yang | Assistant Visual Editor)

Hall and Whitehead receive ACC honors

By Mackenzie Rodrigues | Sports Editor October 23, 2017

Two Pitt football players received ACC honors this week for their performances in Saturday’s defeat of the Duke University Blue Devils. Junior running back Darrin Hall earned the ACC Offensive Back...

Pitt football lost to Syracuse on Saturday with a final score of 27-24. (Photo by Thomas Yang | Staff Photographer)

Panthers’ secondary shows improvement in Syracuse loss

By Grant Burgman | Staff Writer October 9, 2017

Pitt’s defense — particularly the secondary — has become an easy target for criticism during the last two years. There have been low moments, such as last year’s 37-36 loss at North Carolina and...

Pat Narduzzi addresses the media ahead of last year's season opener against Villanova. (Photo by Matt Hawley | Staff Photographer)

Narduzzi keeps focus on Youngstown ahead of PSU rematch

By Ryan Zimba / Sports Editor August 28, 2017

With Pitt football’s highly anticipated matchup against Penn State only 11 days away, some might look at this week’s game against the Youngstown State Penguins and dismiss it as an easy win for the...

Head Coach Pat Narduzzi will be without star safety Jordan Whitehead when the team travels to Penn State in week two.  (TPN File Photo)

Narduzzi dismisses DE Blair, suspends three others

By Ryan Zimba / Sports Editor July 29, 2017

Pat Narduzzi announced Friday the dismissal of senior defensive end Rori Blair and suspensions of redshirt junior offensive lineman Alex Bookser, senior linebacker Quintin Wirginis and junior safety Jordan...

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