Pitt defensive tackle Aaron Donald named to Phil Steele's Preseason All-American Third Team

ICYMI, Pitt defensive lineman Aaron Donald was named to one of Phil Steele's preseason college football All-American team. Donald was placed on the third team and no other Pitt player made the cut.

We're starting to see some recognition from Donald, who I believe is a shoo-in to get drafted next year. And if you remember, he tested the waters after last year and thought about making the jump to the NFL then. In addition to Steele putting him on his All-American team, Lindy's also did, placing him on their second team recently.

Landing on an All-America team at season's end could be challenging, but making the All ACC First Team is a possibility. Last year, he made including All Big East first teams for CBS, ESPN, and the conference's official team.

We've been over it before, but Donald is key for the team next season. I'm not real impressed with the defensive line (at least not until some of these guys go out and prove themselves) and Donald figures to be the best player on the unit. He won't get as much pressure on opposing quarterbacks as he did earlier when he was playing end, but he's such a force that the hope is he'll be able to draw double teams and free other guys up.

With the early nominations for Donald on these preseason lists, he should add a few more by the team the season kicks off.

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