Pitt football is legitimate threat to win ACC Coastal division in 2021

Pitt’s defense is going to have to replace a lot of star power

Pitt is used to having one of the better defenses in the country, but that is going to be put to the test this season with so many good players departing.

The defensive line might be the hardest hit unit.

Patrick Jones II, Rashad Weaver, and Jaylen Twyman all got drafted into the NFL and they formed one of the best lines in the country. It’s not going to be easy replacing them, but Devin Danielson has started games in the past and he is now the leader of the line. Other starters are projected to be Deslin Alexandre at end, Calijah Kancey on the interior, and Habakkuk Baldonado at the other end.

At linebacker, Pitt is going to have plenty of experience. This is going to be a unit that has three seniors on it and Cam Bright, Chase Pine, and Phil Campbell III are going to be counted on a lot this season because of the line being so inexperienced. There is not an all-conference candidate here, but this is a solid linebacker group.

The secondary is going to have to replace some solid players, but there is some talent to go around here. While Damar Hamlin, Jason Pinnock, and Paris Ford are off to the NFL, safety Brandon Hill and cornerbacks Marquis Williams and Damarri Mathis have a chance to be special. Look for AJ Woods and Judson Tallandler II to also be contributors as well.

If the defensive line can figure it out, look for Pitt to have another elite defense in 2021.