Pitt Football: Panthers will be powered by defense in 2020

Panther defense will anchor the team’s fortunes

While the offense was not scoring a lot of points, the defense was keeping the Panthers in games and was a big reason for winning eight games last season. Eight starters are back from a team that finished in the top 15 in total and rushing yards allowed and was the best team in the nation in sacks per game.

The defensive front should be outstanding. Tackle Jaylen Twyman returns after leading the team with 10.5 sacks with Patrick Jones and Deslin Alexandre will be forces on the ends. Plus Rashad Weaver will be back after missing the 2019 season to injury. This is an NFL caliber defensive line who will impose their will on opponents.

The linebackers show promise despite some inexperience. Outside backer Cam Bright ranked third on the team in tackles with 62 a year ago while middle linebacker Chase Pine has playing time as reserve. Phil Campbell is a converted safety but recorded 56 tackles and two forced fumbles. With the front four doing the heavy lifting, the linebackers will not be asked to do as much and should be fine in their roles.

Paris Ford and Damar Hamlin form one of the best safety duos in the ACC. Together they combined for 181 tackles, 21 pass breakups and an interception. Both had the opportunity to enter the NFL Draft but decided to come back for their senior seasons. Damarri Mathis and Jason Pinnock play at the corner positions to round out a solid secondary.

The Panther front four will be ferocious and the back four will keep opposing passing games in check. This will be the best defense Pat Narduzzi has had at Pitt and reminiscent of his defenses while at Michigan State.