All 105 is a Pittsburgh Sports Now series profiling each of the 105 members of Pitt’s 2021 training camp roster.
76 • Matt Goncalves, redshirt sophomore offensive lineman
Last Year: Goncalves stands 6-foot-6 and 314 pounds and played in nine games in 2020, starting three of them at left tackle. Despite the dearth of playing time, the Football Writers of America Association named him a First-Team Freshman All-American.
Stats: Two of the Panthers best offensive showings came when Goncalves started, against Virginia Tech and Georgia Tech. Against the Hokies, Pitt accrued a season high 556 team yards; against the Yellow Jackets, running back Vincent Davis broke out for 247 yards and nearly 10 per carry.
Camp outlook: The Panthers have struggled on the offensive line for the past three seasons. With longtime starters Bryce Hargrove and Jimmy Morrissey headed to the NFL, Goncalves has an opportunity to build on his 2020 campaign and step up for a line that desperately needs help.
Projected role: Goncalves looks to start again in 2021. The Panthers overhauled their offensive line in the offseason, and Goncalves’ ability to play both tackle and guard give him a chance to start no matter how the Panthers line shakes out.
Accolades, highlights: In addition to his All-American honors, Rivals named Goncalves the No. 4 prospect in New York and the No. 1 offensive lineman in the state out of high school.
Coverage links:
Perspective on Pitt OL Commitment Matthew Goncalves
