In somewhat surprising news, Pitt linebacker Cam Bright has decided to enter the transfer portal and will have one more season of athletic eligibility remaining.
The senior from Montgomery, Alabama finished the season with 53 tackles (32 solo) and 3.5 sacks. Over the last three seasons, Bright has been a fixture in the Panthers linebacker rotation and finishes his Pitt career with 177 tackles (111 solo) and 9.5 sacks.
Bright issued this statement on Twitter, where he announced this news.
“Thank God for Opportunity and Favor. Thank you, Pitt, for years of memories and relationships that will last a lifetime. This thought of a fresh start has been on my mind for weeks now and after much prayer I have decided to use my last year eligibility to find a new home and conquer new heights! H2P forever and wherever I land next, let’s accomplish big things! Unfinished business, time to run it back 1 last time.”
Bright, a 2021 team captain, becomes the fourth linebacker to transfer from Pitt since the start of the 2021 season, joining Wendall Davis, A.J. Roberts and Leslie Smith. While Roberta and Smith didn’t come as a surprise, Bright and Davis were somewhat unexpected.
With this news and the graduation of Phil Campbell, Chase Pine and John Petrishen, the Panthers appear thin at linebacker. Recent transfer addition, Michael Dowell appears likely to replace Bright and he’ll get competition from redshirt freshman Aydin Henningham.
I hate to say this but I’m not sure Manalac is getting along well with these kids. I could be wrong but IDK. 2 starting LB walk out the door just seems odd.
Bright is the only starter transferring. Davis, Roberts & Smith were not starters.
Chase Pine will be gone, too, right? Lotsa playing time up for grabs there next year.
This is very concerning because Narduzzi refuses to take out LBs on third downs. If we have a lot of highly rated CBs and Safety’s, we should be using them more!
This is getting concerning ,starting to wonder about manlac to many lbs leaving not sounding like a coincidence
Wasn’t expecting that one and really makes little sense but if he has his reasons so be it.
It would be nice to get a transfer linebacker like the kid from Florida a few years ago. Linebackers are such an important part of Narduzzi defense and they are as thin as can be. This team will not meet expectations if the linebacker position is a weakness.
I wasn’t expecting much from petrishian but man was he a good player and fun to watch. I really wish he could come back for another year.
Who do you guys expect to be on the 2 deep at linebacker as of now?
SirVocea Dennis, Brandon George, the MSU transfer transfer mentioned above. After that, it might be a bit of a crapshoot.
Dowell from MSU will start or at least play a lot.
He’s more of a cover guy than a true LB
He played the Nickle spot for MSU and was a 2 year starter
He’s a great kid who will put in the work
Be happy you got him
This move really makes you wonder about what’s going on behind scenes because Cam Bright was a starter with plenty of playing time. I was expecting people to hit the transfer portal but certainly not one of the defensive fixtures of the team.
Not really. It’s probably more of a generational issue than a coaching issue. He might have a reason he needs to be closer to home or something. Never know what’s going on in a kid’s life…
This is the only one I almost care about. Lots of young talent on the roster though. Next man up
Wendall Davis was looking pretty good so was sad to see him go. However, Aydin Henningham, although no experience, looks quite promising. Duzz needs to land one more of star quality.
Also relevant is that Bangally Kamara has especially good prospects. Just watched his HS video. Sheds blockers well, hits the hole quickly and does so with good power.
Everyone abandoning one position, and one that actually has very little depth. Plenty of time up for grabs. If it was a player or two, people have things going on in their lives, but all in one area – the common denominator does seem to be their coach.
What part of this situation makes sense ? Bright is guaranteed to be a starter at Pitt next season. There is something they are not telling us.
And amazingly Johnny2cents, Terrence, Big Time & TRW all agree with you. Can’t wait to hear what Jessie Puggle, Katman & Rusty Shackleford have to say. With all these great minds in agreement it should by obvious that there’s a major conspiracy going on here. I’m sure the MyPillow guy will get to the bottom of it.
Narduzzi and Bates would not allow a position coach to run off talented players. I have to believe that this transfer portal thing has a complex life of it’s own now. Even though it’s not technically legal, these NFL prospect players are being advised by agents. Whatever perceived advantage transferring has, outside influence is involved. The upside is that it works both ways. Pitt just landed an accomplished receiver. It’s just how things are now. Our Panthers will be fine.
I wonder if this has anything to do with the fist fight on the sideline during the Peach Bowl.
Laughable. Clearly you have no idea what a fist fight is.
How’s mommy’s basement today?
I wouldn’t know Sturg. How’s the food at Western Psych today?
I’m Sturg!!
And I live in West Michigan!!
MSU grad and former fballer under Perles
The food today was pinto bean and ham soup with corn bread. Homemade and excellent!!
Ham was leftover from Christmas
Thanks for asking……LOL
Looks like a typo there Sturg. You live at Western Psych, not West Michigan. The delusion about playing under Perles is one the reasons you’re in a mental institution.
Dowell isn’t really a LB, he’s more of Nickleback or strong safety.
He’s a good kid and player.
You guys will like him a lot.