Given all their on-field success and preseason accolades, it only seems like Pitt defenders Paris Ford, Patrick Jones II and Jaylen Twyman have been around the program forever.
But, remember, going into last season, not much was known about or expected from the trio.
OK, maybe Ford had built a profile with Panthers fans, but that's mostly because he was a local product via Steel Valley High School and a heralded recruit. Ford played nine games as a redshirt freshman in 2018, but he appeared misplaced at cornerback.
Last season, a move to safety turned Ford into one of Pitt's breakout players of 2019.
A punishing hitter with great closing speed, Ford led Pitt with 97 tackles and three interceptions. He broke up 11 passes and forced three fumbles, making him an easy choice as a first-team All-ACC player.
Jones showed splashes of his potential as a backup defensive end in 2018, finishing with four sacks and a forced fumble.
Last season was Jones' first as a starter, and the pass-rushing phenom put his skills on display. His 12 tackles for loss was tied for the team lead. His 18 quarterback hurries was among the nation's best, and his four forced fumbles ranked sixth nationally. He earned second-team all-conference honors.
Twyman made one start in 2018, but the defensive tackle took a major step forward last season. Starting all 13 games, he became the first defensive tackle at Pitt to lead the team in sacks (10.5) since Aaron Donald in 2013. Like Jones, Twyman had 12 tackles for loss and proved equally effective at stuffing the run as getting to the quarterback.
He earned first-team all-conference honors and was a second-team All-American as selected by Associated Press, Football Writers Association of America and several other publications.
The trio of breakout players were the primary figures in a significantly improved defense that led the way to an 8-5 record.
So with the Panthers retuning plenty of experience offensive and defensively, who are candidates to become well-known players in 2020?
SHOCKY JACQUES-LOUIS, WR
Pitt needs improved play from its wide receivers for the offense to take a couple leaps forward from last season's dismal scoring output.
Enter Jacques-Louis, who appears primed to replace last year's leading receiver (Maurice Ffrench) in the lineup. Jacques-Louis (6-1, 185) got off to a slower-than-expected start in his sophomore season because of injury. He appeared in 12 games -- missing only the opener against Virginia -- but needed most of the regular season to get up to full speed.
His biggest impact came in an overtime victory against North Carolina. He had four catches for 104 yards, including a 74-yard touchdown against the Tar Heels. Two games later, Jacques-Louis had six catches for 80 yards against Boston College and added four receptions for 68 yards against Eastern Michigan in the Quick Lane Bowl. His 23-yard catch on a third-and-4 was a key play on Pitt's game-winning drive.
Quick and versatile, Jacques-Louis is a threat in the run game, too. If healthy, expect solid numbers and more plays like this:
Shocky Jacques-Louis vs. UNC ?
• Career-best 4 catches, 104 yards
• 74-yard TD over the top ?
• Made another great catch ?#H2P
pic.twitter.com/Dk6kzoga1F
— Pitt Football (@Pitt_FB) November 15, 2019
Paving the way.
Bryce Hargrove's efforts against UCF earned him ACC Offensive Lineman of the Week honors.
? @BryceDeenie
#H2P pic.twitter.com/XNjGzAz61b
— Pitt Football (@Pitt_FB) September 25, 2019
Cam Bright was hustlin’ ?#H2P pic.twitter.com/Ae87Mi2r8w
— Pitt Football (@Pitt_FB) November 2, 2019
Pitt’s secondary boasts two of the top graded cornerbacks in the ACC.
2. Dane Jackson (79.1)
4. Damarri Mathis (75.4)
? via @PFF_College#H2P pic.twitter.com/qd7IiUzf9f
— Pitt Football (@Pitt_FB) November 4, 2019
Based off the tape, @Pitt_FB will have one of the top DL in nation this season. Patrick Jones II made a huge jump last year and is near the top of our board at EDGE position. @seniorbowl also expects Rashad Weaver to have a big year coming off ACL injury. #TheDraftStartsInMOBILE pic.twitter.com/4gwpgmbtHE
— Jim Nagy (@JimNagy_SB) June 9, 2020
