A stacked Pitt defense just lost one of its biggest assets for the upcoming college football season.
In a social media post, Pitt defensive lineman Jalen Twyman announced that he would opt out of the 2020 season and would instead focus on preparation for the 2021 NFL Draft.
In the letter to fans, Twyman said, "This isn't about COVID-19. This is about my family's needs, now and in the future," while also adding that Pitt "will always be a part of me."
In his sophomore season of 2019, Twyman burst onto the scene, recording 10.5 sacks. He notched three sacks in a September victory over Ohio, while adding an additional 2.5 sacks in a November overtime defeat of North Carolina.
Twyman earned First Team all-ACC in 2019 and was a candidate for the Chuck Bednarik Award as the college football defensive player of the year in 2020.
Per a recent mock draft from DraftWire, Twyman is projected to be selected in the first round with the 22nd overall selection by the Minnesota Vikings.
With regards to the non-conference opponent on Pitt's schedule, a hole now exists.
As reported by Brett McMurphy of Stadium, the Mid-American Conference will cancel all fall sports, including football.
The Panthers were scheduled to host the Miami(Ohio) RedHawks on September 12. That same day, the Robert Morris Colonials were set to play at the Bowling Green Falcons, also of the MAC.
Could the Panthers and Colonials now meet as a result of the MAC's cancellation? Only time will tell.
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