Connect with us

Pitt Football

Simon, Flemister and Woods Officially Returning to Pitt For 2023 Season

Published

on

There weren’t any grandiose announcements from Shayne Simon, C’Bo Flemister or A.J. Woods, but all three will be returning for the 2023 season.

The Pitt Football Twitter account announced that nine super-seniors will be returning for the 2023 season, including Marquis Williams, Tyler Bentley, David Green, Devin Danielson, Jake Kradel, Blake Zubovic, but all six already announced their intentions to return.

The return of Simon, Flemister and Woods is new, and very welcome news when it comes to the senior class making an impact in 2023.

Simon is a key addition in the linebacking corps, returning as one of Pitt’s top-rated defenders in 2022. He arrived as a transfer from Notre Dame, having played sparingly with the Fighting Irish, and he immediately stepped in a key cog in Pitt’s defense.

He played 588 defensive snaps in 2022, grading out as an elite coverage linebacker from the Money slot, recording 46 tackles (28 solo), 5.5 tackles for loss, two sacks, six pass breakups and a forced fumble and recovery.

With SirVocea Dennis headed to the NFL, Simon’s versatility in playing both Mike and Money linebacker will be huge for Pitt’s 2023 defense.

Another Notre Dame transfer in Flemister arrived over the summer, immediately impressing the coaching staff and his teammates alike.

He didn’t play a huge role throughout the season, really coming on as a key depth back down the stretch, racking up 221 yards and two touchdowns on 40 carries. His first Pitt touchdown was a huge moment — with teammates mobbing him on the sideline.

As Israel Abanikanda chases his NFL dream, Flemister will form a key component of Pitt’s new trio of Rodney Hammond Jr., Derrick Davis and himself.

The trio of Williams, M.J. Devonshire and Woods formed Pitt’s big three at cornerback, and Woods will once again comprise a 2023 foursome — that also includes Rashad Battle.

Woods played in all 13 games in 2022, recording 478 defensive snaps and racking up 28 tackles (19 solo), two tackles for loss, an interception and 14 pass breakups.

Pitt will have a solid crop of veteran leaders at a multitude of positions in 2023, including at offensive line, running back, defensive line, linebacker and cornerback.

Sandy Schall, Coldwell Banker
3 Comments
Subscribe
Notify of
guest
3 Comments
Oldest
Newest Most Voted
Inline Feedbacks
View all comments
Rob Radich
Rob Radich
1 year ago

Great core.

Maz1960
Maz1960
1 year ago

Great news!
These three contributors plus the addition of Williams, Kradel, Zubovic, Bentley, Green and Danielson previously announcing they are coming back sets Pitt up for another outstanding season.

Also add in the additions from the transfer portal we should be in great shape.

RonDon
RonDon
1 year ago

Getting all three back is big. Simon was the biggest need though. Flemister will probably get some more touches with V. Davis gone too.

Get PSN in your inbox!

Enter your email and get all of our posts delivered straight to your inbox.

 
Like Pittsburgh Sports Now on Facebook!
Send this to a friend