Pitt’s Calijah Kancey Named Outland Trophy Semifinalist
11/16/2022 8:00:00 PM | Football
PITTSBURGH—Pitt defensive tackle Calijah Kancey's stature as one of college football's elite players was reinforced again today as he was named a semifinalist for the Outland Trophy, presented to the nation's best interior lineman by the Greater Omaha Sports Committee.
Kancey is one of seven semifinalists chosen by the Football Writers Association of America (FWAA) All-America committee. He is joined by TCU offensive guard Steve Avila, Georgia defensive tackle Jalen Carter, Ohio State offensive tackle Paris Johnson Jr., Michigan center Olusegun Oluwatimi, Minnesota center John Michael Schmitz and Northwestern offensive tackle Peter Skoronski.
The FWAA All-America Committee selected the semifinalists from nominations by the entire membership. Three finalists will be named on Nov. 29 and the recipient of the 2022 Outland Trophy will be announced on ESPN's live telecast of The Home Depot College Football Awards on Dec. 8.
Earlier today, Kancey was named a finalist for the Bronko Nagurski Trophy, presented to the nation's top defensive player. He is the only player selected by the FWAA to both the Nagurski and Outland lists.
Kancey is the first Pitt player to be named a semifinalist for the Outland Trophy since 2013, when defensive tackle Aaron Donald became the Panthers' second winner of the coveted award. Pitt's initial Outland Trophy winner was offensive tackle Mark May in 1980.
The 6-foot, 280-pound Kancey (Miami, Fla./Miami Northwestern) has been one of college football's most dominant players regardless of position this season. Through 10 contests, he has compiled 29 tackles, 14 tackles for loss and seven sacks.
Kancey ranks 11th nationally—and first among defensive tackles—with an average of 1.4 TFLs per game. Per Pro Football Focus, his pass rushing grade of 91.5 leads all Power Five interior defenders. His 28 hurries per PFF rank second in the Power Five.
A leading candidate for ACC Defensive Player of the Year, Kancey spearheads a Pitt defense that leads the country in sacks (3.70 avg.), ranks 10th nationally against the rush (97.7 avg.) and ranks 15th in fewest total yards allowed (309.8 avg.).
Calijah Kancey Awards Checklist
Kancey is one of seven semifinalists chosen by the Football Writers Association of America (FWAA) All-America committee. He is joined by TCU offensive guard Steve Avila, Georgia defensive tackle Jalen Carter, Ohio State offensive tackle Paris Johnson Jr., Michigan center Olusegun Oluwatimi, Minnesota center John Michael Schmitz and Northwestern offensive tackle Peter Skoronski.
The FWAA All-America Committee selected the semifinalists from nominations by the entire membership. Three finalists will be named on Nov. 29 and the recipient of the 2022 Outland Trophy will be announced on ESPN's live telecast of The Home Depot College Football Awards on Dec. 8.
Earlier today, Kancey was named a finalist for the Bronko Nagurski Trophy, presented to the nation's top defensive player. He is the only player selected by the FWAA to both the Nagurski and Outland lists.
Kancey is the first Pitt player to be named a semifinalist for the Outland Trophy since 2013, when defensive tackle Aaron Donald became the Panthers' second winner of the coveted award. Pitt's initial Outland Trophy winner was offensive tackle Mark May in 1980.
The 6-foot, 280-pound Kancey (Miami, Fla./Miami Northwestern) has been one of college football's most dominant players regardless of position this season. Through 10 contests, he has compiled 29 tackles, 14 tackles for loss and seven sacks.
Kancey ranks 11th nationally—and first among defensive tackles—with an average of 1.4 TFLs per game. Per Pro Football Focus, his pass rushing grade of 91.5 leads all Power Five interior defenders. His 28 hurries per PFF rank second in the Power Five.
A leading candidate for ACC Defensive Player of the Year, Kancey spearheads a Pitt defense that leads the country in sacks (3.70 avg.), ranks 10th nationally against the rush (97.7 avg.) and ranks 15th in fewest total yards allowed (309.8 avg.).
Calijah Kancey Awards Checklist
- Bronko Nagurski Trophy Finalist (winner announced Dec. 5)
- Chuck Bednarik Award Semifinalist (finalists announced Nov. 29; winner announced Dec. 8)
- Outland Trophy Semifinalist (finalists announced Nov. 29; winner announced Dec. 8)
Players Mentioned
DL
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