The Pitt Panther football team received a crushing blow today as they’ll be without one of their best players for the upcoming season.
All-American defensive tackle Jaylen Twyman announced that he plans on opting out of the 2020 season in order to prepare for the 2021 NFL Draft.
NFL Draft Insider Tony Pauline first reported on Friday that this was in the works and Twyman made it official today.
Despite having tremendous talent and depth on the defensive line this is a huge blow to the defense as Twyman was the Panthers sack leader last season and one of the best defensive tackles in the country.
In early 2021 NFL Mock Drafts, Twyman is projected to be a high round pick and in some cases as high as a first round pick. Head coach Pat Narduzzi understands Twyman’s decision and is appreciative of his contributions to the program.
This is the second consecutive year Pitt has list one of their best defensive players on the opening week of camp. Last season, defensive end Rashad Weaver tore his ACL on a non-contact play.
UPDATE:
*A source tells PSN that Twyman is expected to sign with NFL super agent Drew Rosenhaus.
Huge blow I loved watching Jalen play.
I wonder if all the players would stay if they got paid or could make money of their likeness? I am sure a lot more players will opt out on the coming the weeks, but as a Pitt fan it always seems like something bad has to happen to us.
Let’s just cancel the season already.
Pitt can’t catch a break.
Ford is next
Go wallow in your own sorrow over Parsons deciding to sit out.
I don’t think so! He LOVES playing the game, he is from Pittsburgh, and knows it SUCKS sitting and watching others play the game he loves! H2P!!!
You don’t think Twyman loves playing? They think with their wallets.
Nah, Paris Ford has proven to be one of the most loyal Panthers on the team since being recruited.
I’m sure this was a very hard decision for Jaylen. I hope he remembers he still has an obligation to follow team rules to prevent covid-19 infection for himself and team members.
He’s not on the team. No obligation. He’s off training for the NFL.