Former Pitt standout Aaron Donald had a fantastic rookie campaign in 2014 with the St. Louis Rams that culminated with Donald winning the Defensive Rookie of the Year Award. Donald built off that success and turned in an even better sophomore season with the Rams, one that was a historic season in fact. He received the Daniel F. Reeves Memorial Award, which goes to the Rams’ Most Valuable Player, but Donald put together such an impressive 2015 season that should have him in the talks for ... Read More
Donald led defensive front poses massive challenge for Steelers
As Mike Tomlin discussed this week's opponent at his weekly press conference yesterday, the Steelers head coach wasted little time focusing on what is certain to be the biggest challenge when his team travels to the Edward Jones Dome to face the St. Louis Rams Sunday at 1 p.m. That of course would be the Rams outstanding defensive line that is unquestionably as good as the league has to offer. The group is led by Penn Hills native and All-everything University of Pittsburgh standout Aaron ... Read More
Aaron Donald, Larry Fitzgerald to serve as honorary coaches for Pitt spring game
After a year’s hiatus, the Pitt Panthers will once again hold their annual spring game this year under new head football coach Pat Narduzzi. Although this time around their will be a twist. St. Louis Rams defensive tackle and reigning NFL Rookie of the Year Aaron Donald, and Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald will serve as honorary head coaches for the 2015 Blue-Gold Spring Game. Fitzgerald will coach the blue team in the game while Donald will coach the gold ... Read More
Aaron Donald named 2014 Defensive Rookie of the Year
Former Pitt Panthers defensive tackle Aaron Donald has begun his professional career the same way he finished his collegiate career- collecting trophies. Donald was announced as the Associated Press Defensive Rookie of the Year at Saturday's NFL Honors awards show. The former Panthers’ star established himself as a disruptive force on the St. Louis Rams defensive line and it marks the second consecutive year that a defensive lineman won the award after Sheldon Richardson of the New York ... Read More
Aaron Donald named PFWA Rookie of the Year
If the past calendar year is any indication, former Pitt Panthers’ defensive lineman Aaron Donald is going to need a bigger trophy case. Donald was named the Pro Football Writers of America 2014 Defensive Rookie of the Year and a member of the All-Rookie team on Tuesday. He is also the likely favorite to take home the official Defensive Rookie of the Year award from the Associated Press at the NFL honors presentation on Jan. 31. Donald led all rookies with nine sacks this past season ... Read More
Can Pitt adjust to life without Aaron Donald?
Some may look at Pitt defensive coordinator Matt House and feel he did an admirable job in his first season as the Panthers’ DC. However the true test will come in his second go around on the job as this year he will have to do it without Aaron Donald in uniform to anchor the defensive front. With Donald in a Panthers’ uniform, the Pitt defense wasn’t bad as they finished ranked 34th in the nation in average yards allowed (367.5) a season ago. Donald’s accolades and accomplishments are well ... Read More
2014 NFL Draft Round One Notes: Shazier is a Steeler, Donald to the Rams, Manziel a Brown
The 2014 NFL Draft finally got under way last night, and after months of speculation on where certain players would land, as usual the draft did not lack for drama. The Pittsburgh Steelers had been expected to use their first-round pick to fill a spot of obvious need – cornerback or wide receiver being the most often suspected slots – but General Manager Kevin Colbert and Head Coach Mike Tomlin bucked expectations and chose Ohio State ILB Ryan Shazier with the 15th overall pick. Shazier will be ... Read More
Old Dominion vs. Pitt Preview
Paul Chryst and the Pitt Panthers football team will look to get back on track Saturday night when they welcome the Old Dominion Monarchs to Heinz Field. On paper, this should be a cupcake game for the Panthers, but after what happened last season to Youngstown State, you can’t take anything for granted if you are a Pitt fan. Old Dominion should present a challenge for the Pitt defense as they are a high-powered offense that can score points in bunches. As for the Panthers, they are ... Read More
Pitt Panthers Notebook: James Robinson help Team USA U19 Team to Championship
With not much new going on around the Pitt Panthers football and basketball teams this time of year, I'm back with my Pitt Panthers notebook to take a quick spin around Pitt's athletic programs. Perhaps the biggest news going on over the course of the past couple of weeks came in the form of Pitt freshman guard James Robinson, who helped Team USA capture the FIBA U19 World Championship Gold Medal with an 82-68 win over Serbia in Sunday’s title game. The victory gave the United States its ... Read More
Several Panthers get opportunity to impress in Spring Game
Spring practice has come to a close for the Pitt Panthers football team and it all culminates with the annual Blue-Gold spring game, which will be played Friday night at Bethel Park High School. This isn't just any spring game though as it carries some weight for several Pitt players competing for jobs in Paul Chryst's second season on the Panthers' sidelines. When it comes to spring football, it's similar to exhibition baseball. Stats don't really matter as much as showing the coaching ... Read More