Jordan Addison had been named to three of the five major All-American lists, making him a consensus All-American, and now he’s one step closer to unanimous status.
Addison was named to the Sporting News All-American first team Wednesday, and his quarterback Kenny Pickett earned the second team quarterback spot. Addison has been a first team honoree on the AP, PFWA, Walter Camp and Sporting News teams while Pickett has been named to all four teams too — first team on the Walter Camp team and second team on the AP, PFWA and Sporting News.
Addison racked up 1,479 yards and 17 touchdowns, on 93 receptions, this season to become the first Panther to win the Biletnikoff Award since Larry Fitzgerald in 2003. His leap from a strong freshman campaign to a superstar sophomore season leaves Pitt in good hands — literally — for next season.
With a first team nomination to the American Football Coaches Association (AFCA) All-American list, Addison would become Pitt’s first unanimous All-American since Aaron Donald in 2013.
Sporting News’ Bill Bender highlighted Addison’s partnership with Pickett, writing:
“The Biletnikoff Award winner teamed with quarterback Kenny Pickett to lead the Panthers to the ACC championship. Addison had 93 catches for 1,479 yards and 19 TDs. The 6-foot sophomore had at least five receptions in every game. Addison’s 202-yard, four-TD performance against Virginia was the best piece of a complete season.”
Pickett’s run of postseason honors continues too, landing a spot on all four now released All-American teams. He’s thrown for 4,319 yards and 42 touchdowns on 334-of-497 passing attempts this season, adding 233 yards and five touchdowns on the ground.
As Pitt’s first Heisman finalist since Fitzgerald in 2003, Pickett led the Panthers to their best season in decades, securing an 11-2 record (with the chance to win a program-best 12th win in the Peach Bowl) and ACC championship. It’s likely that Pickett will be a first round draft pick in the 2022 NFL Draft in April.
