The national recognition for the special junior season that Pitt’s Calijah Kancey is having continues to occur as the dominant defensive lineman is up for a major trophy.
Kancey has been named as one of seven semifinalists for the Outland Trophy, which is awarded to college football’s best interior lineman.
Kancey is joined by TCU offensive guard Steve Avila, Georgia defensive tackle Jalen Carter, Ohio State offensive tackle Paris Johnson, Jr., Michigan center Olusegun Oluwatimi, Minnesota center John Michael Schmitz and Northwestern offensive tackle Peter Skoronski.
Kancey becomes the first Pitt player to be named a semifinalist for this prestigious award since Aaron Donald back in 2013. Donald and former Pitt offensive tackle Mark May are the only two former Panther players to win the Outland Trophy.
The native of Miami, Florida has been the leader of a Pitt defense that leads the country in sacks (3.70 avg.), ranks 10th nationally against the rush (97.7 average), and ranks 15th in fewest total yards allowed (309.8 average).
Previously, Kancey was named a finalist for the Bronko Nagurski Trophy and a semifinalist for the Chuck Bednarik Award.Â
On November 10, this list of seven players will be cut down to three finalists and the winner of the Outland Trophy will be announced on December 8 at the College Football Awards show on ESPN.Â
