Panther Talk: Position Group Preview: D-Line

Welcome back for our next segment of position group previews for the 2019 Pitt Panthers! This week, we take a look at the boys on the front lines of the defense, the D-Line. Over the offseason, this group has been greatly overlooked by national and local media and we have no idea why (actually we do have an idea, because it is clear media does not pay close attention to Pitt, but let's save that rant for another time). This group may not have a ton of depth right now and a lot of unknowns behind the four-five starters, but boy can that first string D-Line cause some havoc. Let's take a look at the group!

D-Lineman on the Roster

Deslin Alexandre - #5, R-So, 6-4 265
John Morgan - #6, R-Fr, 6-2 255
Calijah Kancey - #8, Fr, 6-0 270
Keyshon Camp - #10, R-Jr, 6-4 285
Nate Temple - #16, Fr, 6-4 225

Rashad Weaver - #17, R-Jr, 6-5 270
Kaymar Mimes - #25, R-Fr, 6-5 245
Amir Watts - #34, Sr, 6-3 295
Noah Palmer - #45, R-Fr, 6-3 265
Bam Brima - #57, Fr, 6-5 235
Bryce Nelms - #58, Fr, 6-5 260
Habakkik Baldonado - #87, R-Fr, 6-5 250 (Try typing that 3 times fast)
Dandre Jules - #90, Fr, 6-2 260
Patrick Jones II - #91, R-Jr, 6-5, 260
Tyler Bentley - #92, R-Fr, 6-2 300
Devin Danielson - #95, R-Fr, 6-1 295
Chris Maloney - #96, R-Fr, 6-2 250
Jaylen Twyman - #97, R-So, 6-2 290

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Projected Starters

Well this one is fairly obvious, but for the best reason - Patrick Jones II, Keyshon Camp OR Jaylen Twyman (because Duzz does that 🙄), Amir Watts, and Rashad Weaver. This group has a ton of experience and production among them...except that Weaver guy, he's a big unknown right now. Although the depression kicked in when I typed out all their classes because there's a scenario where all 4 decide to graduate and leave after this season, which would be devastating for 2020, but lets live in 2019 before cracking that egg. Watts and Jones have great motors that absolutely overwhelm some linemen, Camp has always been a steady force in the middle, and Weaver does everything great. As for Twyman, he's beginning to resemble a certain alum who donated a butt-load of money to the program earlier this year, albeit his name is escaping me, I'm sure the number change to #97 has nothing to do with it at all. Others will of course be in rotation, especially at DE, but who will emerge?

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Best Case Scenario

Everyone of the 4 starters has double-digit sacks. Next.

No doubt we expect Weaver to possibly be the best player on the team and in the ACC, creating havoc and probably becoming at least a day-2 draft pick. Because of Weaver, Patrick Jones will be able to go more under-the-radar and hopefully take advantage of the attention not being on him and thrive in as a pass-rusher. Moving inside - to Watts, Camp, and Twyman - sorry to inform other teams, you can't double-team both of these guys at once. These guys are able to play all 3 downs in the Duzz/Bates defense and if they keep improving like they have each year, expect Camp and Watts to be on one of the All-ACC teams. We mentioned Twyman as our breakout players for this season and with all of these pieces meshing together, this group can be argued for as the best in the ACC come August 31st. Before you get up in arms about that statement, Clemson is replacing 4 of their top 5 D-Linemen, so at least in week 1 Pitt's will be better (maybe not in week 12). 

Worst Case Scenario

When it comes to defensive line, depth is absolutely crucial to give breaks during a game and to cover for injuries that are bound to happen. Worst case scenario for Pitt is that back up D-Linemen such as John Morgan, Deslin Alexandre, Tyler Bentley, and Devin Danielson do not show any progress and are unable to come in and be formidable back ups. An injury to Weaver or Jones could be detrimental to this teams success. Twyman not performing to expectations and Camp not being the same after his injury last year would greatly hurt the potential of this group. 

Overall Group Rating: A-

We absolutely love the 5 guys at the top of the depth chart on the D-Line and think they can wreak havoc on the ACC this season; however, the lack of depth behind them is kind of terrifying although we think players such as Danielson and Morgan can step up this season after developing and now getting more playing time. 

GIF Group Description: 

What are your thoughts on the D-Line? Let us know and thanks for reading!

As always, Hail to Pitt!

-Aaron and Ryan, TGYK