University of Pittsburgh Athletics
Sporting News Touts Pitt’s Ford, Twyman as Preseason All-Americans
6/25/2020 10:30:00 AM | Football
PITTSBURGH—University of Pittsburgh juniors Paris Ford and Jaylen Twyman once again earned prominent national preseason recognition when the Sporting News named them to its 2020 Preseason All-America Team on Thursday morning.
The Sporting News, recognized by the NCAA as one of the five media outlets used to determine consensus All-America status, selected Twyman as a first-team All-American at defensive tackle and Ford as a second-team All-American at defensive back.
A Washington, D.C. native, Twyman exploded onto the scene in 2019 with a sensational sophomore season, starting all 13 games for the Panthers and compiling 41 tackles, 12 tackles for loss and 10.5 sacks. He was the first defensive tackle to lead Pitt in sacks since Aaron Donald (11) in 2013.
For his efforts last year, Twyman was named a second team All-American by no fewer than six different selectors. He also garnered first-team All-ACC honors after playing a huge role in Pitt leading the nation in team sacks (3.92/game).
Walter Camp and Athlon Sports have also given preseason All-America honors to Twyman, who many expect to be one of the preeminent interior pass rushers in college football once again.
Ford, a hard-hitting safety who led Pitt in tackles last season, returns for the Panthers after establishing himself as one of the nation's rising stars in 2019.
The Pittsburgh native finished with team-high totals in tackles (97) and interceptions (3), while ranking second in pass breakups (11) and forced fumbles (3). His dynamic play resulted in Ford earning first-team All-ACC honors and third-team All-America accolades by Phil Steele.
The Sporting News is the second major media outlet to spotlight Ford as a preseason All-American, following Athlon Sports.
The Panthers are scheduled to begin their highly anticipated 2020 campaign at home against defending Mid-American Conference champion Miami (Ohio) University on Saturday, Sept. 5 at Heinz Field.
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The Sporting News, recognized by the NCAA as one of the five media outlets used to determine consensus All-America status, selected Twyman as a first-team All-American at defensive tackle and Ford as a second-team All-American at defensive back.
A Washington, D.C. native, Twyman exploded onto the scene in 2019 with a sensational sophomore season, starting all 13 games for the Panthers and compiling 41 tackles, 12 tackles for loss and 10.5 sacks. He was the first defensive tackle to lead Pitt in sacks since Aaron Donald (11) in 2013.
For his efforts last year, Twyman was named a second team All-American by no fewer than six different selectors. He also garnered first-team All-ACC honors after playing a huge role in Pitt leading the nation in team sacks (3.92/game).
Walter Camp and Athlon Sports have also given preseason All-America honors to Twyman, who many expect to be one of the preeminent interior pass rushers in college football once again.
Ford, a hard-hitting safety who led Pitt in tackles last season, returns for the Panthers after establishing himself as one of the nation's rising stars in 2019.
The Pittsburgh native finished with team-high totals in tackles (97) and interceptions (3), while ranking second in pass breakups (11) and forced fumbles (3). His dynamic play resulted in Ford earning first-team All-ACC honors and third-team All-America accolades by Phil Steele.
The Sporting News is the second major media outlet to spotlight Ford as a preseason All-American, following Athlon Sports.
The Panthers are scheduled to begin their highly anticipated 2020 campaign at home against defending Mid-American Conference champion Miami (Ohio) University on Saturday, Sept. 5 at Heinz Field.
#H2P | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram
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