While he may not have been a scholarship player, Pitt has lost walk-on defensive tackle Thomas Aden to the transfer portal.
Aden — a 6-foot-1, 280-pounder out of IMG Academy as a post-graduate — announced his intentions to enter the transfer portal on Monday after three seasons with the program.
He’s the fourth defensive lineman to enter the portal, along with Nahki Johnson, Elliot Donald and David Ojiegbe.
Aden initially joined the Panthers as a preferred walk-on out of IMG Academy as a post-grad, originally playing his high school ball at St. Edwards in Lakewood, Ohio. He compiled 20 tackles for loss and 11 sacks for IMG during his post-grad season.
He saw his first collegiate action this season, receiving a snap on special teams against Syracuse.
Aden will be able to transfer to a program where he’ll be able to see the field more consistently, which makes sense considering he wasn’t close to seeing the field at Pitt and has two seasons of eligibility remaining.
The losses of Johnson and Donald have opened up holes for younger players like Francis Brewu and Jahsear Whittington, and Sean FitzSimmons, Nick James and Isaiah Neal are all set to return next season. It’s a unit that has potential — but could be added to if needed.
Pitt is set to lose Nate Matlack, and while Nate Temple is up in the air, there’s still a need at defensive end. Jimmy Scott, Sincere Edwards and Chief Borders form a solid trio, but the Panthers could use a true impact edge out of the portal.
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