Athlon ranks Pitt secondary 16th best in nation

We've been talking about Pitt's secondary since the season ended last year. I've thought for while now that it's been the best unit on the team and that seems to be a consensus.

Athlon recently ranked the best secondaries in college football and it's no surprise that the Panthers made the top 25, checking in at No. 16.

I actually think the Panthers' unit may be a bit underrated. They ranked 20th in the nation last year in pass defense and return three of their four starters. Each of those guys, including Lafayette Pitts who was only a freshman last year, should be better. Also returning is Jason Hendricks, who led the Big East with six interceptions.

We're still a while away from knowing if this will be true, but I can see all three returnees, Pitts, Hendricks, and K'Waun Williams, making an NFL roster. Ray Vinopal may not be Jarred Holley at safety, but as a Michigan transfer and with a year to learn in practices, I'm not sure he's chopped liver, either.

This unit has all the makings of being a very good one this season.

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