Pitt Defensive Line Situation.

Aaron Donald

               The Panthers have some talent on the defensive front, but not a lot of depth. The star of the group is Aaron Donald. Donald was named second team all Big East last season as a Sophomore, but garnered national attention as well. He will play one of the inside positions in the 4-3 alignment. He will be a focal point of the defense and could be looking at double teams all season long.  Khaynin Mosley-Smith will be the other tackle, and he will need to play well to offset Donald's double teams.  Mosley-Smith played some in 2011, but will have a much bigger role in 2012. He is a big guy at 305 pounds. The other tackles will be LaQuentin Smith and Terrell Jackson. Smith is a converted Linebacker that was tried at End, but has made the move to the inside recently. He is a tough hard nosed player that will be a good player for Pitt. He is only a Sophomore, but will definitely be in the rotation.  Terrell Jackson is a true freshmen, but will be forced into action due to lack of depth. The Defensive Ends have more depth, but they are not heavy on experience.  Bryan Murphy and TJ Clemmings are two fromer blue chip recruits that have disappointed so far. They are both entering their sophomore seasons and may finally be ready to contribute. Clemmings is a giant 6-6 290 presence, while Murphy is a strong 6-3 255 player. They will be pushed by Tyrone Ezell and Shayne Hale.  Hale is a senior that has never been a big time player. He may finally be a contributor. Ezell is a junior that has moved over from tackle.  The coaching staff thinks he can make an impact even with his 6-4 300 pound frame.

TJ Clemmings

             The future of this unit is bright for next year. The lone senior is Shayne Hale, everyone else should be back. Aaron Donald does not have pro size, but is a terrific college player. The two Ends in Murphy and Clemmings are exciting players. They were both supposed to be impact freshmen, but it never worked out. The talent is there is to play professionally if they put it all together. LaQuentin Smith is going to be a good one for the Panthers. Terrell Jackson and fellow true freshman, Darryl Render are promising players.  The lack of depth is still concerning, but the talent is there to be good for the future. Pitt has Tyrique Jarrett committed to the 2013 recruiting class. He is a big 6-4 310 pounder from the Pittsburgh city league.  He is currently in prep school.  The Panther defensive line could really be a strength now and in the future. The 2013 class still needs a few more prospects added.