Sporting News announced its preseason All-America teams on Thursday, and two of Pitt’s defensive stars were honored with placement on the squads. Panthers defensive tackle Jaylen Twyman earned a spot on the first team, and Panthers safety Paris Ford was included on the second team. None of Pitt’s offensive players or specialists were on the teams.
Twyman enjoyed a breakout season in 2019, as he came up with 10.5 sacks and 12 tackles for losses, leading the Panthers in both statistical categories and setting the tone for a team that would finish the season ranked first in the nation in sacks per game with 3.