Jahsear Whittington was the first Pitt commit in the class of 2024, well before any of his future commitments, and while many thought he would eventually flip, he remained true to his commitment.
So, of course, he’s coming back for his second season with the Pitt Panthers.
Whittington — a 6-foot, 280-pound defensive end from Philadelphia, Pa. — announced on social media that he’s coming back next season, likely with an assist from Alliance 412.
Whittington was one of the top-ranked recruits in the class of 2024, committing to the Panthers almost two years ahead of National Signing Day. He built a bond with former defensive line coach Charlie Partridge, stuck with current defensive line coach Tim Daoust. And he’s in line for a breakout next season.
Whittington played just 43 defensive snaps this season (over the course of four games, to preserve a redshirt), but he flashed his potential. His four tackles (two solo) don’t show it, but he’s a powerful presence on the inside.
He arrived over the summer, missing out on the spring practice window, which set him back a bit, but an entire offseason with the program will do wonders.
Pitt is set to return a nice group of defensive linemen with Sean FitzSimmons, Nick James and Isaiah Neal (with FitzSimmons and James already announcing their returns), and Whittington and Francis Brewu are in line for a major increase in snaps. The defensive line wasn’t perfect this season, but there are reasons for optimism.
Rashad Battle, BJ Williams, Jake Overman, Sean FitzSimmons, Nick James, Ryan Baer and Lyndon Cooper have already announced they’re returning next season, and Nick James is the latest to do so.
