Seven Pitt players selected to ACSMA All-ACC Teams

Pitt lost a disappointing game to Miami last week, but an 8-4 season turned plenty of heads in the ACC. As a result, a total of eight Panthers were named to the All-Conference teams by the Atlantic Coast Sports Media Association (ACSMA) this week.

Leading the way as first-team representatives were Tyler Boyd and Ejuan Price. Boyd had a sensational year with 85 catches and his 7.7 catches per game and 79.4 yards per game both led the ACC. Price was an interesting pick, too. He led the league in sacks, but only after a five-sack performance against Louisville. Without that game, it's hard to envision him as a first-team player.

Running back Qadree Ollison made the second team, which, of course no one could have seen coming into the season. Offensive linemen Adam Bisnowaty and Dorian Johnson, who helped to open up holes for him, also made the second team.

Rounding out the picks were third-teamers Jordan Whitehead and Darryl Render. Avonte Maddox was named as an honorable mention.

For Whitehead, it's a big honor to make a team despite being a true freshman. He led the team in tackles with 99 and was the only true freshman in the ACC's top ten in that category. And for all the criticism lobbed Avonte Maddox' way, he still had three interceptions and was in the top 25 in the nation with 1.3 passes defended per game. He had so many opportunities mostly because he was picked on quite a bit, but while he struggled, he also made some plays along the way.

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