University of Pittsburgh Athletics
Photo by: Jeffrey Gamza/Pitt Athletics
Football's Damar Hamlin Granted Fifth Year of Eligibility
1/15/2020 3:16:00 PM | Football
PITTSBURGH—Pitt safety Damar Hamlin, the Panthers' most prolific tackler the past two seasons with 174 stops, has been granted a fifth year of eligibility from the NCAA.
A starter the past two years, Hamlin played in only three games as a freshman in 2016. His return enhances an already strong outlook for a Pitt defense that should rank among the nation's finest in 2020.
"We're thrilled that Damar was able to receive a fifth year," Pitt head coach Pat Narduzzi said. "We weren't certain after our bowl game what the future would hold. We really appreciate the efforts of our compliance staff as Damar went through this process. I know Damar is ready to take full advantage—academically, athletically and personally—of his final year at the University of Pittsburgh."
Equally adept against the run and pass, Hamlin (McKees Rocks, Pa./Pittsburgh Central Catholic) compiled 84 tackles, 2.5 TFLs, 10 pass breakups and an interception in 2019. He was a vital performer for one of the Panthers' stingiest defenses in recent memory.
Pitt led the country in sacks per game (3.92 avg.), while ranking 11th in pass efficiency defense (112.93 rating), 12th in rushing defense (108.5 yards per game) and 15th in total defense (312.9 yards per game).
With 38 career games played (and 30 starts), Hamlin will be the unit's most battle-tested returnee. He is also Pitt's active leader with 223 career tackles.
The Panthers welcome back 17 total starters (eight offensive, seven defensive and two specialists) from last season's team that finished with an 8-5 record and Quick Lane Bowl victory over Eastern Michigan. Hamlin was instrumental in that postseason win, collecting a season-high 13 tackles as well as a crucial interception.
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A starter the past two years, Hamlin played in only three games as a freshman in 2016. His return enhances an already strong outlook for a Pitt defense that should rank among the nation's finest in 2020.
"We're thrilled that Damar was able to receive a fifth year," Pitt head coach Pat Narduzzi said. "We weren't certain after our bowl game what the future would hold. We really appreciate the efforts of our compliance staff as Damar went through this process. I know Damar is ready to take full advantage—academically, athletically and personally—of his final year at the University of Pittsburgh."
Equally adept against the run and pass, Hamlin (McKees Rocks, Pa./Pittsburgh Central Catholic) compiled 84 tackles, 2.5 TFLs, 10 pass breakups and an interception in 2019. He was a vital performer for one of the Panthers' stingiest defenses in recent memory.
Pitt led the country in sacks per game (3.92 avg.), while ranking 11th in pass efficiency defense (112.93 rating), 12th in rushing defense (108.5 yards per game) and 15th in total defense (312.9 yards per game).
With 38 career games played (and 30 starts), Hamlin will be the unit's most battle-tested returnee. He is also Pitt's active leader with 223 career tackles.
The Panthers welcome back 17 total starters (eight offensive, seven defensive and two specialists) from last season's team that finished with an 8-5 record and Quick Lane Bowl victory over Eastern Michigan. Hamlin was instrumental in that postseason win, collecting a season-high 13 tackles as well as a crucial interception.
#H2P | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram
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