Nine Pittsburgh Panthers named to 2022 All-ACC team

Nov 29, 2022 - 10:52 PM

The Pittsburgh Panthers were regulars when it came to ACC Player of the Week honors. So it comes as no surprise now that the Panthers rolled that into nine selections on the 2022 All-ACC Team.

Pitt had four first-team All-ACC honorees, three second-team selections, and two on the third team. The nine selections were second most out of all ACC schools trailing only the 12 the Clemson Tigers received.

Earning first-team accolades were running back Israel Abanikanda, guard Marcus Minor, defensive tackle Calijah Kancey, and linebacker SirVocea Dennis.

Abanikanda has rushed for an ACC-leading 1,431 yards with Minor clearing the way up front. Kancey, a two-time first-team pick, collected 14.5 tackles for loss and 7.5 sacks this season. Dennis, a three-time All-ACC selection, leads the Panthers with a career-high 94 tackles with seven sacks.

The Panthers’ second-team selections were wide receiver Jared Wayne, safety Erick Hallett II and return specialist M.J. Devonshire. Wayne has compiled 1,006 receiving yards and a team-high five touchdowns. Hallett has been responsible for a team-high six turnovers (three interceptions and three fumble recoveries). Devonshire paces the ACC with a 9.9-yard punt return average.

The third team was all about the offensive line. Jake Kradel split his 12 starts between two different positions, earned third-team All-ACC at guard, and was an Honorable Mention center. Matt Goncalves has also helped pave the way up for the rushing attack and was rewarded as a third-team pick at tackle.

Devonshire received an honorable mention at cornerback in addition to his second-team specialist selection. Other Panthers receiving honorable mentions include defensive end Deslin Alexandre, safety Brandon Hill, and cornerback Marquis Williams.

The ACC’s offensive and defensive players of the year, as well as the ACC player of the year, will be unveiled on Wednesday.