It was important for Pitt to reload on the defensive line entering the 2023 season, and it got off to a strong start with David Green announcing his return. It’s gotten even stronger now.
Devin Danielson announced via his Instagram that he will be utilizing his COVID-19 eligibility and returning to Pitt for the 2023 season.
“I will be returning to Pitt for my last season of eligibility. Let’s give ’em HAIL. #h2p”
The return of Green, and now Danielson, gives Pitt a veteran core on the defensive line to supplement a surge in younger linemen working through the system.
Danielson and Green rotated starts in 2023 alongside All-American Calijah Kancey, but Kancey — along with Deslin Alexandre, John Morgan and Habakkuk Baldonado — will not be back next season.
Since arriving as a freshman out of Thomas Jefferson High in 2018, Danielson has played in 52 games (13 starts). He provides both veteran leadership and experience along the line.
He missed two games in 2022 due to injury, but he still played in 11 games, making five starts. He recorded 17 tackles (nine solo) and two tackles for loss. In his career at Pitt, he’s recorded 77 tackles (36 solo), nine tackles for loss and four sacks.
Danielson racked up 305 defensive snaps in 2022, and he graded out as one of Pitt’s better run defenders — and a sure-tackler. According to PFF, he didn’t miss a single tackle.
Tyler Bentley and Chris Maloney have not announced if they will utilize COVID-19 eligibility and return for the 2023 season.
Nice. H2P
Good news. Even if Bentley and Maloney don’t return the line has some good depth. Obviously, I’m hoping they do. It’s always good to have depth/options.
Agreed, good news. I actually hope that Bentley and Maloney now move on in order to make room for our younger rising stars who’ve earned their shot.
Good deal.