Sean FitzSimmons is a Pittsburgh kid through and through, a graduate of Central Valley in Monaca, Pa., and he’s coming back to Pitt for another season.
FitzSimmons — a 6-foot-3, 285-pound defensive tackle from Monaca — announced Wednesday night on social that he’s returning to Pitt for the 2025 season, his fourth with the team.
He was the second Pitt player to announce his return Wednesday and the fourth over the last two days, joining BJ Williams, Rashad Battle and Jake Overman.
Pitt had been waiting for FitzSimmons to breakout over the last couple of seasons, but whether it was injuries or veteran teammates, it took until this season to make his name known.
“This is what we thought Sean was going to be,” Pat Narduzzi said last month. “Again, he’s been banged up and he’s stayed real healthy. That was the first thing I asked him after the game: How does your body feel? ‘Coach, I feel great.’
“Even yesterday in the weight room, saw him down there. I’m just happy for him. He’s playing well and it’s good when those young guys are playing well. And he’s a young guy still …Â But I’m happy with where Sean is and the way he’s playing.”
FitzSimmons missed the first month of the season with an injury but returned to the lineup against North Carolina, and he forced the coaching staff to keep him in the lineup.
In eight games this season, FitzSimmons racked up 30 tackles (13 solo), 3.5 tackles for loss and a sack — providing a steady presence on the interior of the defensive line.
He only recorded 285 defensive snaps this season but generated consistent pressure on opposing quarterbacks and missed just one tackle — recording 21 run stops. He’s set to be an integral part of the defensive line next season.
FitzSimmons is part of interior defensive line trio, along with Nick James and Isaiah Neal, that offers some optimism for next season. And with Francis Brewu and Jahsear Whittington also in the mix, the defensive line unit could be a strength.
